Chapter 36

chapter Thirty-Five

Lucas! Lucas! The echoes of Tessa and Tristan's desperate calls reverberated through the desolate street, their voices strained with worry and anxiety. They scanned the surroundings, their gazes darting from one shadowy corner to another, hoping to catch a glimpse of their missing friend. But there was no sign of Lucas. It was as if he had vanished into thin air, leaving only a void of uncertainty in his wake.

Tessa's heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing with a torrent of questions and fears. What could have happened to Lucas? Had he been attacked? Was he injured, scared, or worse? A surge of tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. She clutched her trembling hands together, trying to steady her nerves, but the worry gnawed at her relentlessly.

Tristan, feeling the weight of Tessa's distress, stepped closer to her, his voice filled with both concern and an attempt to provide reassurance. "Maybe this is just another one of Lucas' pranks, trying to disrupt our intimate moment," he suggested, his eyes scanning the area as he spoke.

Tessa's frustration flared, and her voice cracked with a mix of anger and worry. "Didn't you hear the screams for help? This is not a joke. I know Lucas jokes around a lot, but I'm certain this time he's in real trouble," she retorted, her voice laced with urgency.

Tristan's eyes widened, realizing the gravity of the situation. "You're right, Tessa. I'm sorry," he admitted, his voice laced with remorse. He reached out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "We need to find him. We can't waste any more time."

Together, their determination renewed, Tessa and Tristan scoured the area, their eyes darting from one hidden alley to the next, hoping to catch any sign of their friend. With every step, their worry grew, and their hearts sank. The city streets seemed to close in on them, their towering buildings casting long, eerie shadows that amplified the sense of foreboding.

Tessa's mind raced, conjuring worst-case scenarios. Had Lucas encountered dangerous creatures that lurked in the shadows, creatures they had yet to face? Or had he stumbled upon a treacherous plot, involving unseen enemies? The questions swirled in her mind, fueling her determination to find him and bring him back to safety.

Tristan, sensing Tessa's growing anguish, grasped her hand firmly, a silent gesture of solidarity. "Let's check his apartment," he suggested, his voice filled with a mixture of concern and hope. "Perhaps he's made it back there, and we can find some answers."

Tessa nodded, her eyes fixed on Tristan's, drawing strength from his unwavering support. Together, they hurried towards Lucas' apartment, their steps echoing with a mix of urgency and trepidation. With each passing moment, the weight of the unknown pressed upon them, heightening their senses and sharpening their resolve.

As they reached the entrance to Lucas' building, Tessa's eyes fell upon a dark stain on the ground-a patch of crimson that sent a shiver down her spine. "Wait, what's this on the floor? I hope it isn't what I'm thinking," she whispered, her voice quivering with dread.

Tristan knelt down, his fingers gingerly tracing the edges of the stain. His voice was heavy with concern as he confirmed, "It's blood."

Tessa's heart skipped a beat, her mind immediately leaping to the worst conclusions. "Please, let it not be Lucas' blood," she pleaded, her voice barely audible.

Tristan tried to remain composed, his mind grappling with the same fears that consumed Tessa. "I don't think so," he said, his voice filled with a fragile hope. "Let's stay positive. It might even be the blood of his attackers. We must continue to his apartment."

Tessa nodded, clinging to the flickering hope in Tristan's words. Deep down, though, she knew that they couldn't ignore the possibility that it could be Lucas' blood staining the pavement. With a heavy heart, she followed Tristan, her steps faltering as they ascended the stairs to Lucas' apartment.

As they entered his living space, a haunting silence enveloped them. Tessa's gaze darted around the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lucas or any clue that could shed light on his whereabouts. Tristan moved cautiously towards the bathroom, searching for signs of a struggle or any indication of what had transpired. Tessa ventured into the kitchen, her hands trembling as she reached out to touch the familiar objects that had once held shared moments of laughter and friendship.

Minutes stretched into eternity as Tessa and Tristan completed their searches, their hearts sinking with every passing moment. When they reconvened in the living room, their faces bore the weight of disappointment. "Did you see him?" Tessa asked, her voice barely a whisper, her eyes pleading

"We should head home," Tristan suggested, his voice filled with a mix of concern and determination. "And I don't think you should stay in your apartment tonight, considering what has happened. Please, stay with me for the night. Don't say no."

Tessa looked into Tristan's eyes, finding solace in his unwavering support. She nodded, her voice barely a whisper, "Okay, I'll stay with you." She knew she needed the comfort and strength that Tristan provided, especially during this troubling time.

As they made their way back home, Tessa couldn't shake off the worry that enveloped her. Thoughts of Lucas consumed her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder what had befallen him. Deep down, she feared the worst, but she refused to let despair consume her. There was still hope, and they would do everything they could to find their friend.

Upon arriving at Tristan's place, the atmosphere was heavy with tension and unease. Tessa noticed the usually vibrant and welcoming living room now felt cold and empty, as if it mirrored their inner turmoil. She followed Tristan to his room, where he prepared a comfortable space for her to spend the night. As they settled in, Tessa found herself grateful for Tristan's presence, his unwavering support providing a sliver of solace amidst the chaos.

Unable to sleep, Tessa sat on the edge of the bed, her mind racing with questions and worry. Tristan, sensing her restlessness, sat beside her and gently took her hand in his. "We'll find Lucas, Tessa. We won't rest until we do," he reassured her, his voice filled with determination. Tessa nodded, appreciating his words, but the uncertainty still weighed heavily on her heart.

The night passed slowly, each passing hour marked by a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Tessa found herself lost in a whirlwind of emotions-fear, sadness, anger-all intermingled with a glimmer of hope. She couldn't help but replay their last encounter with Lucas in her mind, wondering if there were any signs she had missed, any indication that could shed light on his disappearance.

As the first rays of dawn pierced through the window, signaling the arrival of a new day, Tessa and Tristan knew it was time to act. They would rally their fellow academy members, seek help from the Council of Elders, and leave no stone unturned until Lucas was found. Determination burned within them, fueling their resolve to bring their friend back safely.

Leaving Tristan's apartment, they stepped out into the early morning light, their footsteps carrying a newfound sense of purpose. Together, hand in hand, they ventured forth, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in their search for Lucas. Their friendship, forged through countless trials, would guide them through the darkness as they embarked on a quest to uncover the truth and rescue their missing comrade.

With hope in their hearts and the strength of their bond, Tessa and Tristan set off towards a future filled with uncertainty, united by their unwavering loyalty and their unyielding determination to bring Lucas back home.