CHAPTER 11 A MIND CONSUMED

She wasn't at home. Although Shirley had no distinct scent, he could still feel her presence and whether she was safe. But in that moment, he felt only emptiness, which quickly sent him into a brief moment of panic. After all, his beautiful wife had quite the knack for running away. He began bounding up the stairs before he even finished the thought, but his worry reduced a bit when he saw all her things still intact on the dressing table and all her clothes still hanging in the closet. But where was she? he thought as he returned downstairs. “Marta!” he yelled as he saw the shy-faced serving girl headed towards the main entrance. “S... sir?” she answered with a bow, “Is there something you need?” “Where's my wife?” "Oh…I…saw her and Nyx leaving earlier," Marta stammered, her palms sweaty with nervousness. Drakon sighed in deep relief after her explanation because Shirley would never let Nyx follow her if she were leaving; she was much too kind, selfless, and…thoughtful for that.