91. Peaceful Beginnings

Rex POV

Waking up to an empty bed and an even emptier room had me on my feet almost instantly. My hand flew to the side stool, where Aries always left notes whenever he slipped out early. But the space was bare.

I took a deep breath, forcing down the prickle of panic rising in my chest. Don’t jump to conclusions, I told myself. He could have gone out to clear his head. After all, the outburst with Julian yesterday was a lot, and coupled with the afterfeelings from the fight… it made sense he’d want time alone.

Still, the silence of the room pressed down on me. I collapsed back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

The link. I muttered it aloud as I reached for him through the bond. Aries, I called softly, trying to break through the obvious block sitting heavy in his mind. Nothing. Not even the faintest flicker of ac