CHAPTER 160

Leila’s POV

Immediately I felt the presence, I came down from my horse. Smithson and Maureen followed closely behind me. I moved in the direction where the scent was strongest. I was certain it belonged to that old lady's grandchildren.

“Spread out,” I instructed, my voice firm. “Search every corner until we find them.”

Smithson and Maureen nodded, splitting off in opposite directions. I continued forward, my eyes scanning the surroundings.

The minutes stretched into hours, and frustration gnawed at me. “Have you found anything?” I called out, my voice echoing through the trees.

“Nothing yet, my lady,” Smithson responded from a distance.

I was about to give up when I heard a soft sound coming from within the innermost part of a nearby store.

Come on out you little pipsqueaks.

Taking calculated steps, I approached the door. My senses were heightened as I got closer. I was certain they were behind the door, but when I finally opened it, no one was there. The room was empty.

“Damn it!” I