"It's been 40 days, and we still haven't found a single clue. We swept through the entire human domain, but there's been no trace of him. That's why I thought of expanding the search into other empires. Everyone back home is really worried. I want to search within your territory as well, and it would be a great help if you could join me. I know you have your own problems to deal with, but I won't take much of your time. Just help me with the restricted regions inside your territory, and I'll take care of the rest of the empire where entry isn't forbidden."
Varadon's words carried the weight of desperation. Hoping his friends would understand his situation, he spoke with complete honesty. Though he was their friend, he knew that entering restricted areas was nearly impossible without their help. Yes, he could force his way in if he truly wished—it wasn't beyond his power—but he refused to. Those lands held secrets tied to the elves themselves. And it wasn't just the elves; every empire had regions where entry was prohibited. That was why he wanted them to search their forbidden zones, while he scoured the rest of the empire for his missing grandson.
Hearing his plea, both Elana and Elyndor were stunned. Someone from the great Thalorein lineage had vanished, and even after over a month of relentless searching, no trace could be found. Where could the boy have gone?
"Your grandson is missing?" Elyndor was the first to break the silence, anger flashing across his face. "How did that happen? Who was foolish enough—daring enough—to step into your dukedom and kidnap a child of your direct lineage? Do they not realize such an act is enough to doom their entire race?"
His voice trembled with fury. Elyndor had met Zhavrik a few times when the boy visited with Varadon. The child had been cheerful, lively, and full of warmth—hardly the type anyone could bring themselves to harm.
"Don't worry, Varadon," Elana assured him gently, though her tone carried steel. "We'll look inside the secret realms within our territory, and we'll also join you in searching the other regions. As for our own troubles, you needn't concern yourself. Whether we sit inside this mansion or step outside, the situation won't change. The source remains hidden, and for now, all we can do is prevent it from spreading further. But as for your grandson—let's focus on him first. We will help you find him."
Varadon gave a grateful nod. After some discussion, the three agreed to divide their efforts: Elyndor would search the restricted regions, Elana would take another direction, and Varadon himself would cover the outer domains.
---
Once Varadon and Elyndor departed, Elana walked down the grand corridors toward her granddaughter's room. Even from afar, she could hear lighthearted giggles and the cheerful chatter of young voices.
"Hello, darling," Elana called warmly as she stepped inside. "Grandma's back. What's making my sweet little princess laugh so much? Can your grandma join the fun too?"
Her words drew delighted smiles. Seated on her bed was a young girl with delicate elvian features, her golden hair shimmering under the light. She was surrounded by friends, each of them laughing over something on a small glowing screen.
This was Nira Thalion—the only princess of the elvian empire.
"Grandma, come here!" Nira exclaimed, her eyes shining with mischief. "Look at this—something funny is happening inside the beast empire!"
She patted the spot beside her, urging Elana to sit. With childlike excitement, she replayed the video that had amused her so much. Seeing her granddaughter laugh so freely filled Elana with warmth… yet, at the same time, it stirred an ache in her heart. Her thoughts involuntarily drifted to Zhavrik.
What if it were Nira? What if my sweet granddaughter vanished, leaving no trace behind?
The very thought chilled her blood. Her expression, once soft, shifted cold in an instant.
Nira, ever observant, noticed the change. Her laughter faded, replaced by worry. She reached out and gently placed her small hand on her grandmother's face.
"Grandmother… is everything alright? You look worried. Did something happen to Father?"
Elana, startled out of her thoughts, blinked and sighed softly. She cupped Nira's hand in hers, forcing a reassuring smile.
"It's nothing, darling. Your father is perfectly fine—you don't need to worry. I only came to tell you that I'll be leaving the mansion for a short while. At most, a week. You remember Grandpa Varadon, don't you? He needs my help with something. I'll go assist him, and then I'll come straight back to my sweet little princess."
Nira's lips pouted in worry, but Elana's gentle smile soothed her. After instructing her granddaughter not to step outside the mansion without guards, Elana spent a few more minutes with her, chatting and laughing as though nothing was wrong. Then, with her heart heavier than she let on, she departed in the opposite direction from Varadon, beginning her search for Zhavrik.
---
A week later, the three regrouped at the elvian mansion. The air inside was heavy, thick with unspoken dread. None of them dared break the silence at first.
Varadon's face was carved from stone, his eyes darkened with fatigue. Elyndor and Elana exchanged glances—they had searched every inch of the elvian domain, and yet not a single trace of the boy had been found. Yes, the territory was vast, but for beings at the peak of power, a week had been more than enough to sweep across it.
Finally, Elyndor spoke, his tone cautious, as if even words might shatter his friend's spirit.
"Varadon… perhaps he isn't in this domain at all. Let's wait until you receive reports from your son. If needed, we'll comb through the entire region again. Maybe—just maybe—we missed something."
Varadon's lips tightened, and he shook his head. "No, Elyndor. We searched thoroughly. There's no need to repeat it. For now, I'll return home and see how the situation stands. Lystriel will be worried as well."
He was about to rise when Elana's voice cut through the gloom, firm and sharp.
"Varadon… what if he's inside the Land of Death? It's nearly impossible to enter, yes, but not completely beyond reach."
At her words, Varadon's head snapped toward her, his expression hardening.