---- For some reason, Ethan felt a strange unease creeping into his chest. He pushed Lyla aside gently and walked to a corner of the hall to call me. No matter how many times he tried, the call wouldn't go through. Panic rose in his chest, and he turned abruptly to leave. Lyla clung to him tightly. "Ethan, the marking ceremony is about to begin. You can't leave now!" Ethan said anxiously, "Something might've happened to Maddie. My calls won't get through!" Lyla froze for a moment. She then lowered her head and said in a hurt voice, "It's probably because she's upset. Today was your anniversary, and you didn't go back. It's my fault for picking this day for the ceremony. She has every right to be angry. You should go back and be with her. It doesn't matter if the ---- ceremony takes place or not." Ethan paused mid-step. After two seconds of silence, he sighed softly. "Tt's okay. Let's finish the ceremony first. I'll make it up to Maddie later." He lowered his head and typed out a message. (Maddie, please don't be mad. Il] come home tonight. Did you like the gift I prepared? If not, I'll buy you something better. See you tonight. ] He put his phone away and slowly led Lyla onto the stage. Just as they finished exchanging rings, Ethan's assistant, Ken, burst into the hall. Panic was written all over his face. "Mr. Hart, something bad happened! Five limousines just went to the villa. They took Miss Madeline with them! "They've already left pack territory and gone somewhere else!"