Through Bryan's mention that Emma wasn't in her chamber, Mrs. Thompson became concerned about where she had gone. She quietly made inquiries and eventually learned that Emma had gone to the lake alone. She told Emily what had happened, and Emily informed Ashley. From then on, the three of them kept a close but discreet watch on Emma's movements without letting her know they were monitoring her.
Seven months later, winter had settled over Santorini Kingdom, covering the rooftops, gardens, and mountain roads in a thick blanket of white. The search for Brandon had never officially stopped, although the large search parties had become less frequent as the months passed. His disappearance was still investigated through every available lead, and reports continued to reach the palace from border patrols, neighboring kingdoms, and traveling scouts. They all ended the same way: no confirmed sighting, no reliable trail, no sign of the future Alpha King.
