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A group of werewolf servants appeared, two females stepping forward to open the carriage door.

A tall, broad-shouldered male stepped out from under the threshold of the palace doors.

Silver metal plating covered his muscular frame, a wicked broadsword sheathed at his side.

The male approached me, his hand slightly resting on the hilt of his sword.

I guess until there is an official mating ceremony between Ember and me, tensions aren’t going to be completely at ease between our people, I thought.

“Crown Prince Drakegeon,” the werewolf said. “What brings you unannounced to the palace.” I didn’t miss the stress on the word ‘unannounced.’ I had to deal with this delicately. I stepped forward, standing a few feet from the male.

“I’m here to see Princess Ember.”

The guard’s eyes widened slightly before he shared a look with the other guards stationed by the door.

Murmurs erupted from the guards from one of the guards.

“Isn’t she in shadow fae territory?” One of the guards said. My stomach sank. I stepped forward, crowding into the guard’s space. “Is she not here?”

The guard stared back at me as if unsure of how to reply.

“Answer me,” I snarled, feeling my power rising over my skin as anxiety gripped me.

“How dare you arrive here on our territory spouting orders,” the werewolf guard howled.

I felt my incisors lengthening, the building rage seeping into my blood.

“Prince Drake?”

My head whipped up, eyes skimming around the guard.

Standing just beyond the doors stood Queen Lunatha. She stepped forward. “What brings you here?”

I bowed my head in reverence. “I am here to see your daughter,” I said.

The queen's features grew pale, and she staggered back a step. Her hands began to tremble, and she clasped them together. Her voice taking on a frantic note, she asked, “Is she not with you? What has happened?”

Cold horror chilled my blood. “She’s not with you, is she?” I asked breathlessly.

The queen’s voice pitched with anxious fervor. “How could she be here with us when we sent her away to marry you? Where is my daughter?!”

“I-I don’t know,” I said lamely. My hands fisted against my sides. “But we’re going to find her.”

"Come with me,” the queen said, clearly shaken by the news.

I reached her side, and together we entered the castle, going toward the throne room to meet King Asar.

Upon entering the throne room, the queen raced to her husband's side, quickly relating the news of their daughter’s disappearance. Fear swept over his features.

“Was she abducted?” The king asked.

I could see where he would think that if she hadn’t come home, but I shook my head.

“There's no indication that she has been kidnapped. Somebody would’ve placed a ransom letter if that were the case,” I said.

“It feels as if she’s just left.” I clenched my fists.

“Vanished into thin air after she left me,” I said, bowing my head in shame.

Just then, the palace guards opened the door to the ballroom, and a female servant rushed inside. Her pretty oval face was flushed as she panted, hurrying toward the king and queen.

“Your majesties,” she gasped. “I have just received a letter. It winked into existence in Ember’s old room.” She lifted her arm, waving the letter about. Her eyes filled with tears as her chin wobbled. “She left,” she cried. “She left us all.”

The king thrust out a hand. “ Give me that letter,” he commanded.

“But the letter is addressed to Drake,” the servant stammered. She extended the letter toward me, and I took it with shaking hands. I opened the letter, my eyes roving the contents.

“What does it say?” Asked the queen, her voice frantic with worry.

Drake,

If you are reading this letter now, it means that you have come for me in hopes that I have returned home.

I did not, as you have noticed. I cannot go back home, and I cannot return to your realm.

With a heavy heart, I must confess that I cannot go through with the mating ceremony.

I cannot live in a palace where I know that in my heart, my mate has rejected me, does not love me, nor cherishes me.

That the only reason he would lay with me is because he became intoxicated.

I cannot bear the thought of gazing upon you with my heart so full of yearning, but you so far away from me emotionally.

Please tell my parents I did not return home because I knew they would have me see this mating ceremony through, and I cannot do that.

I, therefore, forsake my duty to the two kingdoms and henceforth will find my own path in life.

One that I can walk on with unwavering confidence and devotion.

Please don’t come looking for me. You will not find me.

Take care of yourself, Drake, and I do truly wish with all sincerity that you are happy with whomever you choose.

Sincerely,

Ember

The letter fluttered out of my numb fingers to fall to the ground, and my eyes stared ahead, unseeing. She’s gone…she’s really gone, and I won’t get to see her again. Get the chance to tell her…that I love her—that I choose her.

Agony, the like I’ve never known, speared my heart, causing the muscle to burst. I swayed on my feet, my knees going weak with shock and despair. I could vaguely hear the queen wailing as she read over the letter. The king’s angry snarl.

“We will find her! Search throughout the whole kingdom. Find Princess Ember at all costs!” The king roared.

A search commenced afterward, taken up by both the werewolf and shadow fae kingdoms. The search lasted weeks, then months stretched on, with no sign of Ember.

Eventually, the search parties dwindled as hopes of finding her fell.

It was as Ember had said; we never found her.

She had simply disappeared like a wraith in the mist.