Morning had barely dawned. The city was slowly waking up, oblivious to the storm that was already brewing.
Asher led the way, a stack of sketches and portraits in his hand. Behind him, Eiden, Miria, Kira… and Alix.
Alix did not speak. His face was pale, his eyes darkened by a sleepless night. She clutched a small bracelet between her fingers – Alixia's.
"Here we start again," Asher said firmly. Markets open early.
They approached a merchant who was setting up his stalls. Asher handed him the portrait.
— Excuse me… have you seen this child? Twelve years old. Light hair, lively eyes.
The man frowned and looked at the drawing for a long time.
— No… sorry. But I will be careful.
They continued. Tavern. Secondary street. Guard post.
"A lonely child," Eiden asked a guard.
"Nothing reported," replied the guard seriously. But I will warn my men.
With each refusal, Alix's heart sank more.
- She would never have been able to go out alone... And if because she couldn't reach me and Bryan and because of that she ran away, she whispered, her voice trembling.
Miria gently placed a hand on his arm.
— Alix… it's not your fault.
"Yes. It's always a mother's fault when her child disappears," she replied in a broken breath.
Kira hesitated, then dared:
—Alix...maybe...maybe we should tell Bryan.
Alix stopped abruptly.
- No.
Everyone turned towards her.
"No," she repeated more firmly. He already has too much to handle. The council, his father, his brother…
His voice cracked.
—If he finds out about this now...it will destroy him.
"But she's his daughter," Kira protested softly.
- Exactly. And I refuse to let him lose his footing while we can still find her alone.
Asher nodded slowly.
— Alix is right. Bryan is being watched. Every misstep is used against him.
He looked her straight in the eyes.
—We're going to find her. I promise you.
Alix closed her eyes, took a deep breath.
— Okay… then let's continue.
They resumed walking. Faster. More determined.