Chapter 1100
Carissa quickly sorted through the information in her mind. Her thoughts were chaotic, but she forced herself to remain calm. "Is it just Claire chasing after her?" she asked.
"Iris is with her," Mabel replied. "But if Prince Yuvan truly took Ms. Spencer, he'd have many skilled people with him. They wouldn't be a match for him. That's why I returned for help, but we still don't know for certain if Ms. Spencer was taken."
Carissa knew there was no time to lose. Lightning should be able to catch up. If Violet was still in the capital, she would likely be safe; the danger would be if Yuvan had taken her.
She turned to Lillian. "Go back and tell Deputy Commander Brown to search the city. Then, go to Hell Monarch Estate and find Mr. Mullen. Have him gather people and follow me. I'll leave markers along the way."
With that, Carissa snapped her whip and galloped off. Claire had always been with Violet, but now Violet had vanished before her eyes. This was no ordinary situation, and Carissa couldn't afford to take it lightly. She had to catch Yuvan.
Lillian rode back to the capital. The Capital Guard and Garrison Unit were already searching. Even Alistair had sent members of the Royal Guard. Kevin had even called upon the Nightsteel Guard for assistance. Violet was their mentor, and her disappearance had them all worried.
The Capital Guard lacked the authority to seal the city gates, so Michael went directly to the Supreme Court to find Rafael, who was the last to learn of the situation. Upon hearing that Carissa was pursuing Yuvan alone, he frowned.
"She went alone?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Michael replied. "The urgent matter now is to seal the gates, to prevent Sage Violet from being taken by Prince—"
"Confusion," Rafael finished, his concern evident. "He might try to slip out of the city amidst the chaos while we're searching."
Rafael, deeply concerned about Carissa's safety, first ordered the gates locked under the pretense of a criminal hunt. People could still enter, but those leaving the city were subject to thorough checks, regardless of social standing. He also stationed guards on the mountain paths leading out of the city.
Then, he ordered Matthew to lead Supreme Court officials, armed with official documents, to search the city. He worried that Violet hadn't been taken from the city, but rather held by suicide soldiers, waiting for the opportune moment to move her.
His greatest concern was that while Carissa pursued Yuvan, the suicide soldiers might already have escaped with Violet via the mountain paths. Some routes were difficult for ordinary people, but not for suicide soldiers. The capital's defenses were naturally weak. Although soldiers guarded the main exits, Rafael knew the other routes were poorly monitored.
He issued several orders, including one for the Supreme Court to collaborate with the Garrison Unit and Capital Guard to search the city and mountain passes. He then dispatched messengers to inform Travis and Kyle to ride out of the city and catch up with Carissa.
On the main road, several horses raised dust in their furious ride. As they rode, Rafael quickly explained the situation to Kyle and Travis. Travis was already informed, but Kyle was still unaware.
Now, it wasn't just Violet's safety that concerned them; Carissa's was equally at risk. Yuvan was no longer a meek cat within the capital; outside its walls, he could become a beast.
Carissa rode furiously, Lightning seeming to understand her urgency. Its hooves barely touched the ground, its speed akin to flight. The sky darkened, and she sensed the approaching danger. But her greater fear was arriving too late—Violet's safety was paramount. Violet, the woman who, regardless of the circumstances, would rush to Carissa's side at the sound of her voice.
Carissa would not let anything happen to Violet. She would risk her life to ensure Violet's safety.