"What?!" Evelina's voice echoed down the corridor, her heart slamming against her ribs like it was trying to break free.
Jasper looked pale, gasping for breath. "The. Prince. Is. Dying!"
She didn't wait for him to explain.
Evelina shoved past him, her bare feet slapping hard against the cold stone floor. The icy chill bit at her skin, but she didn't care. Damian. That was all that mattered.
Her mind screamed his name over and over as she raced down the palace halls, dodging startled servants and confused guards. Jasper's frantic footsteps followed close behind, but his words were a blur drowned out by the roar of her own heartbeat.
No. He can't be dying. He can't.
She pushed her way through the heavy doors of the prince's chambers, brushing aside anyone who tried to stop her. Guards shouted after her, but she ignored them.
Yet, he wasn't there.
The room was empty. No Damian. Not even a sign of him.
Panic clawed at her chest. "Where is he?" she demanded in her mind.
