Steve was the first to wake up, as he always was. Before his mind could even process the day ahead, his body moved on instinct. His feet carried him down the familiar hallway, stopping just outside Mara's door.
He pushed it open without hesitation—only to be met with an empty bed, the blankets still neatly in place, the air inside the room still and cold.
A sigh left his lips, heavy with disappointment but not surprise. He should have expected this.
Footsteps sounded behind him, soft but purposeful. Stefan.
As the youngest of the Shepherd brothers and a doctor, Stefan took it upon himself to watch over Mara—not only as her personal physician but as her favorite sibling, the one she confided in the most. His expression darkened the moment he took in the sight of the vacant room.
His eyes met Steve's, and in that silent exchange, they both knew exactly where she had gone.
There was no need for words.
