Several emotions crashed into one another in my head. My daughter was out there, alone. The woods were vast and dangerous. The thought of her vulnerable and frightened made my heart pound.
For the Moon's sake, what if she ran into a rogue wolf?
“Randolf!" I snapped through the mind link. "This isn’t just about your duties. Our daughter’s safety is at stake!”
He didn’t answer. I could feel the connection between us fading as he shut me out. For a moment, I was left in a headspace of anxiety and helplessness.
And without giving my actions any thought, I turned and dashed into the forest.
My daughter was gone.
The words pounded in my head like a wicked, tribal drum as I shifted into my wolf form. My heart pumping with fury and terror. I had to find her. I had to find Clara.
"Search the woods! Now!" I mindlinked the warriors nearby. "The princess is in there alone!"
How could Randolf have let this happen to his daughter?
My thoughts went wild as I ran, the wind pushing through my fur. Tears of despair tore through my eyes. God, I couldn't lose her. I couldn't lose Clara.