Chapter 33

　　Serena's POV. 　　I sped to Richard's house, my heart racing with every passing moment. I couldn't wait for dawn to break, I had to see him now. 　　I screeched to a halt, leapt out of the car, and sprinted to his front door. I pounded on it, my fists clenched in desperation. 　　"Richard!" I screamed, but the only response was silence. 　　I dashed to his window, banging on it with all my might. Still, no response. I tore around to the back door, but it was locked. 　　Frustration boiled over, and I kicked the door with a loud thud. 　　A terrifying thought gripped me: what if they'd already left for war? No, no, no, no! 　　I frantically grabbed my phone and dialed Richard's number, but it went straight to voicemail. I tried again, my fingers shaking with anxiety, but the result was the same. 　　I swiftly texted Richard as I rushed back to my car, trying to reassure myself that he must have just stepped out or was still asleep. 　　But the uncertainty gnawed at me. I wished I had friends in his inn