Bella's POV
Terror clawed at my chest as we searched frantically for my children. Each passing second felt like an eternity, and I could feel my sanity slipping away like sand through my fingers.
Without Hugo beside me, I would have completely shattered.
My voice cracked as I called their names over and over, the sound echoing through the empty spaces around us. My legs gave out beneath me, sending me crashing to the ground as sobs wracked my body.
Hugo's strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me back to my feet. His steady presence was the only thing keeping me anchored to reality.
That's when Astra finally spoke up.
"I know where they are," she said, her voice cutting through my panic.
I froze mid-step. My grip tightened on Hugo's hand, stopping him in his tracks. He turned to face me, his eyes searching mine for answers.
"You can really find them?" I whispered to her, hardly daring to hope.
