Mai's P.O.V.
Liam was gone.
The cold realization slammed into me like a physical force, stealing my breath. I bolted out of the water, my feet kicking up sand as I scrambled onto the shore, my soaked clothes clinging to my skin.
"Liam!" My voice cracked as I called out, my chest heaving.
He still didn't answer.
I turned in frantic circles, eyes scanning the trees, the rocks, the lake's edge. His bag was still there. His sketchbook, his pencils—all untouched.
But he wasn't.
I spun toward Eldur, who had finally sauntered out of the water, dripping wet, his white hair gleaming under the afternoon sun. He stood lazily by my side, his arms crossed, looking as unconcerned as ever.
He flicked a drop of water off his wrist and sighed. "Relax, Mai. He probably just decided to go home."
