Page 31 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

Nothing. Not even a meow.

Well at least there are some books. Maybe they will have something in them. Deciding there really is nothing more to see beyond that though I absently call to the cat again, “Meow, meow, meow...?

Suddenly, the room lurches. Or rather, I lurch. I feel a wind, then a crack of thunder...and then the whiteout is fast approaching...

"Oh no, not again ..."

CHAPTER 10

KALEN

Ifinish chatting with the elves, flashing them my signature grin as they wander off. They promised they will be at the tavern next weekend to experience the fairy lights first hand. By then they should be fully enchanted.

But the moment they're out of sight, my smile drops.

Where's Olivia?

I spot the building she darted into and make my way over, noting that, sure enough the same seal that she first drew my attention to is also etched above the doorway.Huh.

"Olivia?" I call out, ducking my head to squeeze through the entrance. My horns scrape against the stone. "Liv, you in here?"

Silence.

She's probably in the next room here.

I scan the dimly lit interior, my eyes adjusting to the gloom. "Time to wrap up the research for today."

Still nothing. A knot forms in my stomach.

"Olivia!" My voice echoes off the stone walls. "Hey, please answer if you hear me.”

Nothing.

I rush back outside, my heart pounding. A group of pixies flutters by, and I grab their attention.

"Hey! Did you see a human woman come out of here?" The words tumble out in a rush.

They exchange confused glances. "The human? Zoe? Thokk’s new mate?”

“No, another!”

"No, of course not, what other? Are you feeling alright, Kalen?" one of them asks, concern etched on her tiny face.

I wave them off, frustration building. Of course they didn't see her. Or maybe they did, but she was in disguise, you idiot.

Back inside, I notice a door I missed before. It's slightly ajar, the seal with the woman is carved above it. I push it further open, revealing a hidden room.

"Olivia?" My voice cracks.

This one I really have to squeeze to enter. Some of the old buildings seem to have been built for gnomes. But the room is empty, save for some old crates and ... is that a cat bed?

Vaguely I wonder If this is where Othrix had been hiding last week.

"Troll spit, but where is she," I mutter, rubbing at a horn. "This can't be happening."

I slump against the wall, my mind racing. I never should have left her side.

Some mate I am.

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