The woods were merciless; the afternoons blazing, and the nights chilling.

Okay, so maybe that was an exaggeration. But still, it was one heck of a trip.

Alfred had searched high and low, but after Sioni had disappeared last time, he had no idea where she went.

Is this her speciality? he thought. Disappearing? Or does she simply not want to be near me?

The thought made his heart sink. He clenched his fist and steeled his resolve; he loved Sioni, and he’d do anything to get her back, even if she didn’t care for him.

“Prince Alfred?” a guard came up to the prince, snapping him out of his reverie.

“Yes, Percy?”

“We found a…body…you might want to -“

Alfred wasted no time in leaping up, urging his guard to show him the way.

He got to the clearing where the guard ushered him to step closer. Alfred had to pinch his nose shut; the smell was unbearable.

He looked down, and was relieved.

It wasn’t Sioni.