DOMINIC
Dominic stepped onto the sun-drenched terrace, his boots crunching lightly over the scattered gravel. Laughter floated on the breeze, and the scent of grilled meat and wildflowers perfumed the air. His pack was sprawled across the lawn, and he was lounging on blankets, sipping from goblets, and enjoying the perfect day.
Something had clearly caught their attention, though. A small group near the center of the lawn was leaning forward, rapt, while others whispered behind their hands. Dominic's eyes narrowed. He spotted Lucas, Sienna, and Cora a little apart from the others, huddled together in a tight, unhappy conversation.
The chatter faltered as Dominic approached. Conversations dropped off into uncomfortable silence. Heads turned; eyes skittered away from his glowering face.
Dominic scanned the crowd, searching—hunting—for Lena's familiar form. She wasn't with the others. He frowned, shifting his weight, scanning the picnic again. Still no Lena.
