Chapter 83

Maverick's Point of View

I woke up just before dawn. Lazy rays had already filled the living room, casting everything in a soft shadow. Ciaran was splayed out on the couch swing, hair covering his face. Soft snores coming from his chest. Ozias was by my feet, almost curled up into a ball with his blanket tightly wrapped around him. Dargan was still beside me, mouth slightly agape.

For a moment I forgot why I was in the living room. Why I had slept so well for the first time in ages. A body was missing from our communal bed. Her pillow was frumpled and blankets discarded. Fear pounded the inside of my heart.

Sitting up too quickly, lightheadedness struck me. I braced myself on the bed and shook my head. Hair tossed about my face. No trace of Alvara in the living room. No sounds coming from the rest of the house. Panic rid me hard and fast. I jumped to my feet, taking everything in.

Towels from last night lay on the floor beside th