Ch. Ch 18 Don’t come back Ch 18

Axel looked up sharply, desperately hoping it was Ember returning. 

Just like countless times before, coming home late from school. 

It wouldn’t matter if she ignored him, if she was cold toward him, even if she had caused trouble. 

He could forgive her for trying to drive Willow away. 

He could forgive her for pushing Willow down the stairs. 

Suddenly, he felt like he could forgive anything. 

If only she would come back. Just come back. 

But when the bedroom door opened, it was Ryker who rushed in with bloodshot eyes, bringing the cold with him. 

His head and body were covered in snow; Axel had no idea where he’d been. 

After landing in North City, Ryker had taken a taxi and left, not returning home with Axel and Willow. 

Axel didn’t know where he’d gone. 

This usually calm and steady man now had a dark expression and didn’t even bother with a greeting. 

He strode directly into the closet, then into the bathroom. 

Then he went out, checking other bedrooms and the study. 

Axel knew what he was looking for. 

Axel sat on the bed, lacking even the strength to stand. 

Ryker quickly finished searching upstairs and downstairs, then returned. 

He walked up to Axel, whose face was deathly pale. 

When he spoke, Ryker’s face and voice trembled: “Ember is gone. She’s 

gone.”