The Lycan King's Fate Calling (Shawn Gibson and Sylvia) novel Chapter 1125

Crystal's POV:

"What did you say? How? Why would Beryl suddenly disappear?"

My knees buckled underneath me, and Laura had to reach out and catch me before I slumped to the ground. A rush of anger shot through me. "I thought Rufus was supposed to bring Beryl to school! How can she be missing?"

My anxiety seemed to fuel Laura's, and her words just flew out of her mouth. "Yes, yes, Rufus was indeed supposed to do that, but something urgent came up this morning. He had to leave, so he asked a maid to take Beryl to the kindergarten. I just happened to drop by Rufus' place a while ago and found out that said maid hasn't returned. I had a hunch that something was wrong, so I asked the servants to look for the maid. They found her lying unconscious on a dirt path. So I immediately rushed here to make sure that Beryl is okay."

I could only stare at Laura, my eyes widening with every word she said. They registered in my brain, but it was as if my brain refused to process their implication.

Laura's expression turned glum. "But judging from your reaction, I'm guessing that Beryl isn't here, either."

I didn't waste another minute. I headed to the principal's office and asked for a leave of absence, and then proceeded to search the entire palace with Laura.

"Beryl!"

I called out her name until my throat burned, and

even then, I didn't stop. I couldn't relax for even one second. I checked the bushes in the garden, turning at the slightest movement I sensed.

Beryl had a naughty streak. She was like a wild rabbit, always running about and hiding in the most unlikely places. And so, I did not hesitate to search every corner of the palace, scouring every nook and cranny as often as I could.

Hours ticked by, and I could no longer contain my restless heart.

"Crystal," a voice called out from behind me.

I whirled around and saw Rufus. It looked like the news of Beryl's disappearance had already reached him, given that a large group of patrolmen was already scouring the area in his wake.

"Of course..." I pressed my hand against my mouth, but the tears just wouldn't stop. "Sorry, I just can't control myself."

"It's all right. I'm worried myself, and I just don't show it. If I were in your shoes, I would have probably bawled harder than you."

I closed my eyes and wrinkled my nose. Rufus had always been clumsy when it came to comforting others. It seemed that that hadn't changed at all. I opened my eyes to his embarrassed face. "Look, don't cry anymore, okay? It's all my fault. I didn't look after Beryl properly. That little kid calls me Daddy. The least that I should do is protect her, but I failed. I even lost her."

He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and held it out, like he was about to wipe my tears. But he hesitated at the last moment, and his hand remained up in the air. If I didn't know any better, I would think that he was afraid of offending me.

I smiled despite myself. I took mercy on him and plucked the handkerchief from his fingers, and then dabbed at my tears with it.

I figured I should comfort him as well, and I was about to do just that when something else occurred to me. That cryptic message from last night.

I shot a grim look at Rufus. "I received a strange message last night from an unknown number. Whoever it was seemed to be targeting me. They must have something to do with Beryl's disappearance."