Evaline:
I stood outside River's room, staring at the dark wood of his door like it might bite me. My inner voice was screaming for me to just turn back and leave, pretend I never came here. This wasn't my problem.
And yet… here I was.
I let out a slow, reluctant sigh and lifted my hand, rapping my knuckles against the door. The sound was soft, almost hesitant. I waited, but instead of footsteps or a gruff "come in," the door creaked open slightly, as if it had been left unlatched.
Through the narrow gap, I could barely make out anything. The inside was dim as a single flicker of amber light danced in the darkness.
"Alpha?" I called, my voice steady enough, though my chest felt oddly tight.
Nothing.
I frowned, pushing the door open wider.
The room was hushed, shadows stretching over everything. My gaze caught on the lone candle burning on the bedside table, its soft light barely chasing away the gloom. The bed was neatly made… empty.
My brows drew together.
Where was he?
