Chapter 43: Sage's Return

Hermes' POV

I trudged wearily up the front steps after another long, fruitless day of searching for Sage. As I unlocked the front door, defeat weighed heavily on my shoulders. It had been over 48 hours since she mysteriously vanished, and despite scouring every corner of the city, we hadn't unearthed a single useful clue to her whereabouts.

"You're back, dear. Any luck today?" My grandmother's hopeful voice greeted me as I entered the living room. But her smile faded when she registered the grim look on my face.

I just slowly shook my head, collapsing onto the sofa with a heavy sigh. "Nothing. It's like she just disappeared into thin air."

Grandma sat beside me, clasping my hand in her wrinkled, comforting grip. "I'm sure she'll turn up soon, Hermes. We have to keep faith."

Despite her encouraging tone, I could hear the doubt creeping in. As more time passed with no sign of Sage, the outlook grew bleaker.

"I'm certain she was abducted, Grandma," I said bitterly, anger welling inside m