The gap created by Brian’s absence was a silent recrimination, a reminder of our faith in one so undeserving of that trust. I was sipping heavily honeyed tea to coat my throat, and I kept catching Sera pressing a hand against her chest, whether in memory of Brian’s assault or to hold the pain within, I could not say. Physically, we were fine. Our emotional state was an entirely different matter. Sera paced, and energy sparked and crackled across her skin. The way her heels spun on the carpet, I worried it would ignite from the friction. I knew she wanted to burst through the door, start her car, and pursue Brian wherever he might flee. She only remained in the cabin because we had absolutely no idea where to begin our search. Her frustration kept her moving in circles, insisting on action of some kind, no matter how impotent. Mac leaned against the wall, arms crossed, face still. He and Simon had attempted to track Brian after he escaped, but the scent disappeared at the river and did not appear on the other side.
