***************
Chapter 300 ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
~Zaria’s POV~
The dining room was set perfectly, the long mahogany table adorned with silver candlesticks and fresh floral arrangements. Dinner was almost ready, and I looked forward to another evening with Zara.
The past few days with her had been everything I’d hoped for—filled with laughter, connection, and memories.
Tonight would be no different. I had plans to bring up tomorrow’s foundation ceremony again, hoping to convince her to stay longer.
"She’ll come around," I muttered to myself, sipping from the glass of wine before me.
Clarisse approached from the side calmly as she leaned down to whisper something in my ear. "Shall I fetch Lady Zara, Luna Zaria?"
"Yes, please," I replied with a warm smile. "Tell her dinner is ready."
Clarisse curtsied and left the room. I sat back, letting the faint sounds of the bustling kitchen fill the silence as I thought about tomorrow’s ceremony. Elder Faris had been thrilled at the idea of Zara’s involvement, and her presence would undoubtedly cement her role in the pack’s legacy.
Minutes passed, and I frowned. Clarisse hadn’t returned yet.
When she finally reappeared, her expression was tight, her steps hurried.
"Luna Zaria," she said carefully, a note of hesitation in her voice.
"What is it?" I asked, setting my glass down.
"She’s not in her room."
I blinked, not quite processing her words. "What do you mean she’s not in her room? Did you check the sitting area? The balcony?"
"Yes, My Lady," Clarisse replied. "We’ve checked her entire suite. Lady Zara isn’t there."
A strange feeling crept up my spine, and I stood, my voice sharpening. "She must be somewhere in the packhouse. Have someone check the gardens, the training grounds, and the library. She likes to wander."
Clarisse bowed. "At once, Luna."
She left swiftly, and I paced the dining room length, a knot forming in my stomach at the dreadful thought crossing my mind.
Zara wouldn’t just leave without saying something. She’d promised to stay for one more day.
Fifteen minutes passed before Clarisse returned, this time accompanied by another maid. The maid’s anxious expression made my chest tighten.
"Well?" I demanded in an icy tone.
"My lady," the maid began, lowering her eyes, "we’ve searched the packhouse and the surrounding grounds. Lady Zara isn’t anywhere to be found."
My breath hitched. "That’s impossible. She wouldn’t leave. She’s probably somewhere nearby. Have you checked the guest wings?"
"We have, My Lady," the maid replied. "And... we noticed something else."
I narrowed my eyes. "What?"
"Her belongings are gone."
Those words were like a physical blow. I froze, my mind racing. "Gone? What do you mean, gone?"
Clarisse stepped forward, her voice filled with concern. "Luna, her wardrobe and drawers are empty. Her suitcases are missing. It appears Lady Zara has... left."
Rage surged through me, hot and unrelenting. "She wouldn’t. She wouldn’t dare leave without telling me."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow