Several kilometers away, inside the Imperial Palace, the atmosphere was completely different.
Servants ran through the palace corridors in panic.
Imperial guards searched the gardens, courtyards, and hallways.
Everyone was looking for someone.
The Emperor stood in the inner palace gardens, his expression dark with anger.
"Did you find her?"
His voice thundered across the courtyard.
The imperial guards lowered their heads.
None of them dared meet his eyes.
"Search again!"
"Search the entire city!"
The Emperor's roar echoed through the palace.
Beside him stood Queen Consort Callista Frost, her face pale with worry.
At that moment, the third prince, Kaelan Phoenix, rushed into the garden.
His expression was grim.
"Kaelan," Callista asked anxiously, "did you find anything about your sister?"
Kaelan slowly removed a scroll from his sleeve and handed it to the Emperor.
"Your Majesty. This was found under her bed."
He took a breath before continuing.
