The morning came too soon. Edward awoke with the golden light spilling into his tent, the warmth of the sun streaming across his face. His body was sore, his limbs heavy but he felt at peace for a brief moment. That peace shuttered as he turned his head, and the bed beside him was empty.
Cold swept through him his chest tightened.
He sat up, rubbing his face with his hand, trying to shake off the confusion. His heart was pounding again, his breath short.
"Althoria…" he whispered, his voice hoarse.
The bed was empty. She was gone!
He rose quickly, pulling his tunic over himself, his mind racing. He looked around the tent, hi heart a storm of questions. Was she gone by choice? Had he imagined the previous night? No, the heat was real, and her absence felt unbearable.
He threw open the tents flap and ran outside, his voice loud as he began shouting.
"Althoria! Althoria, where are you?"
The soldiers paused as they saw their prince rushing about, his face frantic. Commander Kyle was among them, watching as Edward's voice carried into the morning.
"What is it, prince Edward?" Kyle sked, stepping closer.
"She's gone," Edward said, desperation evident in his voice. "She was here. She was here last night, and now--- she's gone"
Commander Kyle frowned, his expression unreadable "Who is she?"
Edward's words came quickly, raw. "She was the mage, the woman from the Wistoria fight. She saved me. She was here, and now I can't find her."
"Prince." Kyle said carefully, "You're speaking of a soldier. Perhaps she departed early this morning for her own reasons. We don't know he purpose or connection to you."
Edward's heart sank as he stared at the horizon. His voice was a plea as he looked at the men preparing their day.
"Find her. Search the area," he commanded.
The soldiers began dispersing, and Edward fell to his knees, gripping his fist, invoking his gods in silence.
The search would begin, but deep down, Edward already knew. Althoria was long gone, and she might never return. And that was also his biggest fear.