Chapter 230

Freya's POV The small town square that bordered our territory buzzed with afternoon shoppers, their casual chatter a stark contrast to the ice-cold dread crawling up my spine. I abandoned my car at a crooked angle and sprinted toward the ice cream shop, my wolf senses straining to catch any trace of Isabella's familiar scent or Aurora's distinctive perfume. Empty. The cheerful pastel interior mocked my rising panic. "They left about fifteen minutes ago," the elderly shopkeeper said, his weathered face creasing with concern as he took in my frantic expression. "The little one seemed... off. Not crying, mind you, but that spark she usually has? Gone. Made my old heart ache to see it." My pulse thundered in my ears. "Which direction?" "The blonde woman mentioned something about puppies at the pet store." His brow furrowed. "Strange thing though—when I offered to wrap up some of those lavender cookies Isabella loves, the woman got real sharp with me. Said they were in a hurry." I was alrea