Page 74 of Ethereally Redeemed

“I will drive carefully,” I tell him as panic seeps into me like a deadly wave.

Where are you, my little doll?

“Do you even know how to drive a bike?” Draven asks skeptically.

“No, but I’m a fast learner.”

“Oh god,” he mumbles through the phone. “I will search for her along with Dr. Miller, see if we can catch sight of her.”

“Thanks, man,” I grit out, appreciating the gesture, then Everlee hangs up.

“I’ve been on the bike with Draven enough times to know the basics.”

“Good, then let’s go,” I hurriedly say as I stalk toward the corridor, mind determined to make it into town as fast and careful as possible.

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RIDING A BIKE ISN’Tas hard as I initially thought it’d be, almost like a mix between cycling and driving a car—you focus on the balance, your body naturally leaning into each curve of the road. Despite it being winter, the road was mostly clear; the frequent traffic had melted the snow, leaving only a few icy patches that I carefully avoided. Thankfully, there was no highway leading into town, only quiet roads with hardly any cars at this hour.

I park the bike outside the psychiatrist’s office, cutting the engine and glancing around, frustration bubbling up inside me.

“We will find her,” Everlee assures.

“Yeah, I hope so.”

The air is heavy with humidity and the beginning of a new snowfall, which will cover any footsteps carved into the snow. An urgency settles deep within me as I begin to stalk around the building.

“Let’s separate. Find Draven and search for her. I will search this way. We’ll cover ground faster.”

She agrees, and I set off on my own, determined to find Naya.

I search for her footsteps, sure they will be visible in the snow. What the fuck would I have done if it wasn’t snowing outside? It’d be no telling which direction she might have gone.

The cold seeps into my thick jacket, causing me to shiver. My ears are cold, begging for the warmth of a beanie, but I only got my hair as a shield.

I narrow my eyes as I look around the building—there are too many footsteps here from people that have come and gone. I silently curse, continuing to walk while being careful not to disturb the footsteps already left behind.

A little farther away, some footprints reach the curb before vanishing, probably having entered a car.

Glancing in another direction, I spot a set of footprints leading away from the bustling town, into an isolated area—a park. Anxiety tightens inside me as I follow them.

Draven messaged Everlee during our drive and told me he’d covered the north and east sides of the building and town. That leaves me heading west, hoping they’ll cover the south part next.

I continue tracing the footsteps as they lead me deeper into the park. Lanterns line the path, casting a faint glow on the road and illuminating the snow-covered trees as darkness falls.

One set of footprints veers left, heading back toward the city, while another continues straight ahead, leading deeper into the now-shadowed park as the sun slips behind thick clouds and the evening chill settles in.

I choose the path straight ahead, my heart lodged in my throat and desperately hoping Naya will somehow be here. I know how much she likes nature—surrounding herself with its scents and the safety it offers. This feels like the only reasonable place she could go to escape.

Snow begins to fall harder, slowly burying the footprints I’m following. I hasten my steps, anxious to find her as soon as possible, before the trail vanishes completely beneath the blanket of fresh snow.

The snow falls in thick dribbles, all the harder, and the wisp of wind freezes me from head to toe as I desperately search for my little doll. I rub my hands together to retain some warmth, but it’s futile against the relentless cold. Snow crunching on the ground snaps through my thoughts, and I whip my head to the side. A figure sits crouched in the snow, hands clutching the ground, fully red from the freezing weather.

“Naya?” I shout, instantly recognizing the chestnut brown hair, now weighed down by a heavy layer of snowflakes.

My mind races with fear and confusion as I rush toward her, but I slow down when I come closer, not wanting to startle her. I don’t know what’s going on, but my heart clenches painfully at the thought of seeing her so disheveled.

“Naya?” I ask carefully, my voice trembling as I crouch downin the same position beside her, cupping her wet checks while desperately trying to connect with her.

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