Page 53 of Protected By the Elf Prince

My brother inhaled deeply before his eyes brightened. “Human, male, coffee, and soap.”

The description hit me directly in the chest.

Landon.

My beloved.

The urge to smile and break something simultaneously was becoming increasingly familiar.

Sashiel inhaled again before he turned and focused on the floor. His gaze seemed to have locked onto something none of us could see.

In a blink, he went from man to beast and started following a trail only he knew was there. Some of the royal guards stayed close to him. They would watch to protect the prince and make sure no harm came to him while Father, Remiel, and I stayed where we were and waited.

Sashiel stopped over in the far corner where the emergency stairwell sat. His head tilted, nostrils flaring, and suddenly, his voice echoed directly inside my mind. “Found where they took him out.”

Optimism exploded through me. “Anything else?” I asked as I relayed the message to everyone else aloud.

“No. Sorry. But his scent is still strong here. It means it wasn’t that long ago.”

“Follow it.”

Sashiel nodded once. “The moment I know where he is, I will contact you.”

A destination was all we needed, and then a portal could take us directly to him. I hadn’t been able to open one for Riker and the others, as I would have needed to be with them. Only the fae and their fated mates could create and move through them.

Sashiel glanced toward Father after I told them what Sashiel said, and the king nodded once.

Permission granted.

Instantly, my brother moved into the stairwell with five guards. The rest stayed with their king.

I hated that there wasn’t anything I could do to assist.

Every second felt unbearable. Every moment spent waiting was another moment Landon remained alone, wherever they had taken him.

Moments later, I turned away from staring at the stairwell. “This is taking too long.”

Father’s gaze settled on me. “Dashiel.”

“My mate is missing.”

“I know.”

“I should be searching.”

“We have the best tracker on it.”

“It’s not enough.” The words emerged harsher than intended.

Only Father did not react. He simply watched me.

“You have already done everything you can,” Remiel said.

I laughed sharply. “It is not enough.”

Father shifted slightly, and my gaze returned to him when he said, “You identified the danger and called for assistance as soon as you realized you needed the help.” He stepped closer. “If you lose control now, you help no one.”

I absolutely hated that he was right, especially as control was becoming increasingly difficult to keep.