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RICKIE

The urgency in Ben's eyes was palpable as he confronted me. "Where is Lana?" he demanded, his voice laced with fear. "The alpha is seething with rage."

I hesitated, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "She is...," I started, struggling to find the words.

"She is what?" Ben pressed, his impatience growing.

"Missing," I finally admitted.

For the first time in our service to the alpha, the usual animosity between Ben and me was set aside. He grasped my arm, pulling me to a secluded part of the passage. "What do you expect the alpha to think of this?" he hissed, his voice barely more than a whisper.

"He entrusted her to you," he continued, his eyes boring into mine.

I pushed him away, frustration mounting. "He did not leave her in my care alone. Guarding the alpha's possessions has always been your responsibility," I retorted sharply.