His car finally parks at the parking lot of the apartment building. Caleb steps out, pinching the bridge of his nose as he feels the winter breeze graze his skin, another sleepless night at Forgotten Hollow.

Richard and Kian return, yet none of them have any information about the vigilante group that serves under House Bloodhaven. Despite the urgency of the matter, the young lord knows that recklessness leads to nothing. So he spent a night analyzing every detail that he had his hands on, the burden of leadership and the responsibilities attached to being the lord of House Vatore weighs heavily on his shoulders.

The young lord steps into the building, pushing the elevator button as he waits for the cab to arrive. He checks his phone, the last message was from Lilian and the video she sent him the night before. Primrose was singing her heart out, an adorable sight that reminded him of her youthfulness. However, something is amiss…

He has not received any text from Primrose, not even the one in which she confirms that she was home safe and sound…

Maybe she was tired…

That is his reason to distract himself from thinking about what other worse things could possibly happen to her. Surely, Lilian had dropped her off and she is now at home, safe and sound, sleeping next to the big teddy bear he gifted her on her birthday.

Narrowing his eyes, Caleb steps into the elevator, eyeing the digital screen as it takes him to the designated floor, where his and Primrose's apartments are. Somehow, the dreaded feeling inside him has not subsided. This anxiety, whether it is from his investigation into the missing students of Glimmerbrook, or the fact that Primrose has not sent him any text, lingers. His stomach churns painfully at the stillness around him.

When the elevator stops, Caleb steps out. The long corridor that leads to their apartments becomes eerie with silence. A cold shiver runs down his spine, prompting him to violently shake his head, getting rid of any foul ideas of what may have happened to Primrose. The case that Marlin has asked for his assistance is bizarrely related to his beloved as she too is a spellcaster.

Caleb's footsteps fill in the silent hallway as he approaches their apartment, a sense of urgency surges as he stares at the door next to his, Primrose's apartment. His usually composed demeanor bears signs of unease, the weight of his responsibilities and the looming uncertainties pressing on him.

Standing in front of Primrose's apartment, his finger hesitates over the doorbell. The silence around him feels suffocating, and the anxiety about Primrose's well-being intensifies. With a deep breath, he presses the button, the sound echoing in the quiet corridor. He hopes to find her cheerful smile behind the closed door, an embrace that fills him with warmth and love, or just a simple good morning from her. But he finds naught…

He presses the doorbell again, maybe she hasn't heard the first one, maybe she is in the shower, maybe she is engrossed in the materials for her new book. Caleb looks at his watch, it is only 8:00 AM in the morning, Primrose is usually still asleep at this hour. Surely, she must heard her doorbell ringing, right…?

Opening his phone, he dials her number and with three calls all get sent to voice mail, his anxiety reaches its peak.

Primrose…

Pulling out a key card, one that she has given him to access her apartment, he places it on the card reader. A beeping sound rings, followed by the sound of the door unlocking and Caleb walks in, observing the space. He checks the floor, no signs of the shoes she wore last night. His eyes search for any sign of Primrose and his heart sinks at the realization that the apartment is empty.

"Primrose?" he calls out, his voice betraying a hint of desperation.

It feels like a hand is grasping on his heart, squeezing it painfully. He feels suffocated by the lack of his beloved's presence. He rushes to her bedroom, hoping to find her peacefully asleep, but the only thing he sees is the big stuffed bear sitting neatly on the bed. And those covers look neat as if no one came here last night.

"No…Primrose…"

His beloved, his precious little gem… She is nowhere to be found…

Caleb dials Lilian's number, asking her if Primrose is at her place. The answer strikes his chord when his colleague reveals that she had dropped off his beloved in front of the apartment building last night.

"What do you mean she is not there?" Lilian on the other line exclaims.

"No, she is not here. I can't call her at all." frustration and fear plague his handsome face "Lilian, inform her family about this."

"G-got it, I will call them immediately." realizing the dire situation, she hangs up to call Primrose's parents.

Fear grips him as he considers the worst possibilities. Thoughts of the vigilante group, House Bloodhaven, and the recent incidents involving Glimmerbrook students flood his mind. The apartment, once filled with the warmth of her presence, now feels hauntingly empty. The silence grows louder, laughing at how pathetic he is for not being able to find her.

Informing Richard about the news, he orders the trusted butler to put the investigation on halt and uses whatever means to find Primrose. Caleb knows that he is being selfish, that he is only thinking about himself, but the thought of the raven head and what could possibly happen to her haunts him.

"Find her, Richard." his eyes flare up a bloody red color as he commands "Find her! Now!"

Rosalina is pacing back and forth, unable to control herself. Worries etch on her beautiful face, her hands tremble at the thought that her daughter is nowhere to be found. Nathaniel has gone with Ember to search for his older sister, butler Richard and House Vatore are expanding their search in Forgotten Hollow, Edward is contacting House Emberlynn to form a search party. The dreaded ambiance replaces the once cheerful family, a reminder of the missing raven head.

A light erupts in the still air as Marlin and Lumera step out, the fear on their face matches their thumping heart, the fear of losing their precious pupil. Lumera wastes no time stepping closer to Rosalina, offering a shoulder during this hectic time. Despite her growing belly, the healing mage refuses to stay back in Glimmerbrook when her student is still missing.

"Any news?" Marlin approaches Edward, his shoulders slump when the older blond shakes his head, revealing the eerie news.

No one is able to find Primrose…

The sound of a creaking door draws their attention, both Lilian and Caleb step in, the dreaded expression plaguing their face. After hours of searching, there is still no sign of her. Rosalina sinks onto the sofa, covering her face as she sobs, her heart weights heavily at the thought of her daughter's whereabouts. Edward steps closer, caressing her cheeks with a soft gaze, he knows how painful it is for her and everyone when they receive the news.

Caleb drags his feet on the floor, slumping on the seat. The usual composure no longer resides on his face, his frustration boils over and the emotions swing between fear, anger, and helplessness. The notion of his beloved, still out there, vulnerable and alone sends a wave of distress over him. His teeth clench, hands balling into fists that the nails dig into his skin, drawing out some blood.

"Caleb!"

Lumera steps closer to him, prying his fist as she hovers her hand on the small injury, a soft purple hue slowly heals it.

"I know you're upset, Caleb. But don't let this defeat you." Marlin places a comforting hand on the young lord's shoulder "We will find her."

Lilian, unable to control herself, cries softly in the arms of Lumera. Had she stayed there for a bit longer, had she escorted her friend to the apartment door, then none of this would have happened…

"It's all my fault…"

Edward reassures her that none of this is her fault and vows to destroy those who dare to lay their hands on his daughter. He turns to Caleb, exhaustion is visible on his face. Those silver eyes no longer shine that brilliant light and the dark circles around them are proof of his restlessness.

His phone rings and the young lord picks up immediately, inquiring Richard about Primrose's whereabouts. But the answer he receives sinks his heart, there is no lead. Kian and Lilith, unfortunately, inform the same news. They too aren't able to find her.

"I will do everything in my power to locate Lady Primrose, my lord." the wise butler reassures him "Please remain calm, you must not act recklessly…"

The young lord hangs up the call, unable to answer his subordinate's plea. He places his trust in Richard, the one person he knows he can rely on in times of adversity, and yet, hours have gone by and Primrose's whereabouts are still in the dark.

The Emberlynn house becomes a hub of desperate inquiries and attempts to gather information. Nathaniel returns with Ember, disappointment etches on their faces as they, too, are unable to find any trace of Primrose. Caleb's distress becomes visible, the weight of his duty for House Vatore is now cast aside as his mind is consumed with the thought of his beloved. His emotions, usually hidden behind a calm façade, now surface in a storm of unrest.

"I'm sorry, we also can not find any lead…" Ember lowers her head, she speaks quietly, too quiet for everyone's liking.

"Damn it!"

Pounding against the wall, Nathaniel curses under his breath. He has tried all the places he can think of, anywhere that can give them a lead to this case, but none of them work. It is like Primrose disappears in thin air, leaving no trace behind.

Lilian even tries the security camera of Primrose's apartment building, but they are unable to capture any information. The work of supernaturals proves to be beyond their human understanding and there is no doubt that those who lay their hands on Primrose belong to the supernatural world.

Edward watches the scene in front of him, how his small family is falling apart amidst the missing of his daughter. Pulling a pocket watch, he stares at it, contemplating his next move. The older blond has sworn to never meddle with this form of magic, understanding the complexities once it is being used. But his daughter is in danger and they have no lead on her whereabouts. The longer they wait for any information, the louder his fear becomes.

Considering the possibility that she might be held captive by the vigilante group that serves under House Bloodhaven, if they don't act fast, then she will meet the same demise as those who die under the hands of Selene Voss. Edward's stomach churns as he recalls the scene, how the corpses lying around the moment they barged into the hall during Lilian's rescue mission.

"Edward…" Rosalina steps closer to him, she takes notice of the watch in his hand and shakes her head. She can't allow him to do that, even if it means to save their daughter.

"I must, Rosalina." caressing her cheek, he sighs when she grasps his hand, tears silently falling on her face "For Primrose, I must…"

Brushing away her tears and placing a kiss on her forehead, Edward turns to Marlin, instructing him to help Caleb get ready. The fire mage startles at his order, unsure what the other man is talking about until his gaze falls onto the clock in Edward's hand.

"Are you sure?"

"I must do it. Desperate times call for desperate measures."

Marlin looks at him, he wants to voice his opinion but remains silent. Despite the dangers of using the spell, the fire mage knows that it may be the only way for them to have a lead, so he reluctantly agrees.

Calling forth his magic, a yellow glowing hue forms on his hands, a quill pen and a golden scroll appear. Eyeing Caleb, the young lord raises a brow, questioning Marlin's intention. The fire mage mumbles under his breath, the quill moves on its own, writing on the golden paper. Once the passage is done, the quill falls on his hand and with a delicate movement, Marlin signs his name on the paper.

"What is this?" the vampire lord looks at the quill in his hand, unsure what he is supposed to do.

"The Death Contract, the penalty for opening your mouth is death."

"What?"

Marlin sighs, explaining the reason for the need for this contract. Edward, knowing for his time and space magic, is going to bring them back in time to the moment Primrose gets kidnapped.

"Go back in time…?" Caleb is further confused "We're going back in time?"

"Yes, we are."

However, there is a set of rules he has to follow and those who come with him must sign a binding contract that will punish them if they break it.

The rules are:

Edward is not allowed to go further at a certain point in time.

Edward must not meddle with the past or the future.

Edward must not speak about the future to anyone.

And those who come with him are not allowed to intervene in the past and share their knowledge about the future under any circumstances. A Death Contract, one that Marlin is holding, is the only way to ensure the secret stays within those who have traveled through time.

"It is the only way for us to figure out Primrose's whereabouts…" the fire mage continues "It's up to you, Caleb."

The young lord looks at the golden paper scroll in his hand. If this is the way to find her, then he is willing to bind himself to the contract, her safety is the most important thing to him. Holding the quill pen in his hand, he signs his name without a second thought. Edward follows, his signature forms neatly on the golden paper.

Marlin, with a hum, sets the contract ablaze in his palm, sealing the pact between the three men. The contract between the three men is formed, one that they must pay with their lives if they break it.

"Now that the contract is formed…" holding the enchanted pocket watch in his hand, Edward continues "Let us begin."

A mystical chant, followed by an ominous blue hue that encapsulated them, the three men are met with worries and surprised gazes by everyone in the room. With a blink of an eye, Caleb finds himself floating in the sky, wrapping around them is a magical sphere that prevents them from intervening in what they are about to witness.

A soft giggle pulls the young lord's attention, that familiar smile that brightens up his world, there Primrose is, waving her hand goodbye at Lilian before making her way back to the apartment building. They notice a suspicious figure slowly approaching the water mage, hands spread out as he covers her lips and drags her away from the building.

Primrose struggles to break free, she angrily bites onto his hand, prompting the man to yelp out in pain and chase after her as she escapes. The chase begins, with the raven head desperately trying to run away and seek help, but behind her is not just one man, there are many, with soulless eyes that are meant for vampires only.

As she continues to run, she finds herself in a park surrounded by her attackers. The raven head scans the area swiftly before two torrents of water sweep the men away, she protects herself by using magic, even if it means that other people might see it. The child of the Emberlynn family must never show their magic in plain sight, especially in front of a human. But these aren't humans, Primrose can see a glimpse of fangs in their chilling laughs.

One of them launches at her, prompting the raven head to block him with a water shield. Another enters the fight, and another, and another, until she finds herself surrounded by the enemies with no way out. Cold sweats drip down and a realization dawns on her. These men, or to be more precise, these vampires are here for her. These are the ones that belong to that vigilante group Caleb is investigating.

One of them swears at her, calling her to give up before things can get worse. But Primrose is not ready to be beaten that easily. She continues to fight, water bullets firing at the men while others try to grasp her. Witnessing everything before his eyes, Caleb's protectiveness surges as he tries to intervene, only to be stopped by Marlin. The fire mage warns him against breaking the contract as death is the penalty. Despite how dreadful the situation is, they must not intervene. Edward holds a steady gaze, his expression darkens when one of the vampires has his hands on her and pins her onto the dirt ground.

She screams to let go, to release her. Her water magic continues to fight off the ongoing onslaught, but as a cuff binds her hands, Primrose's face turns pale. They are putting some magic binding device onto her and she can't fight them off. She thrashes under their hands, screaming and kicking, desperately trying to escape. But the men are immune to her heartwrenching calls for help, one of them steps in and slaps her across the face, the shocking impact draws blood from the corner of her lips.

"Primrose!" Caleb's eyes, clouded with tears of frustration and pain, remain fixed on Primrose.

"Caleb!" grabbing onto his arms, Marlin stops him "You must not!"

"But she…"

Marlin, standing beside Caleb, wears a solemn expression, his eyes reflecting the same anguish. The fire mage understands the necessity of adhering to the Death Contract, yet the pain of being unable to save her gnaws at his core.

A painful cry escapes her lips when they grab her by her hair, pulling the delicate strand of raven lock as the vampire laughs eerily, licking off the blood from the corner of her lips. She flinches at the contact and turns away harshly, refusing to meet their lips with her own. Her mind wanders back to Caleb and how he is always there to protect her, but no matter how much she calls his name, only silence answers her pleas.

Her cries for help echo in his mind, a haunting melody that reminds him of his inability to save her. Caleb slumps onto the sphere, pounding against it as her frantic calls shut down when a cloth wraps around her mouth, stopping her from screaming. The scene unfolds before him like a nightmarish tableau, each moment etching itself into his consciousness with an unbearable intensity. The helplessness he feels is an agonizing weight on his shoulders, an oppressive force that threatens to crush the young lord.

With an eerie smile, a portal opens in front of them as the men, dragging Primrose by her hair, walk through it to enter a secluded place within the realm of Forgotten Hollow. The sphere follows their every move as they take notice of their hideout.

"This is…" the young lord's eyes widen "Vladislaus Straud's mansion…"

But what comes next surprises everyone even more. A magical veil wraps around the mansion as the men enter, disappearing in front of their eyes. Marlin narrows his eyes, not only do they seal Primrose's magic away, stopping anyone from catching her trace of power, but also incorporate a mystical veil that is deceptive to the eyes, allowing them to hide without the fear of being caught.

"Tsks…No wonder your butler can't find them…" Marlin clicks his tongue "So this is where they brought her to…"

A painful groan captures their attention as Edward slumps down, grabbing onto his chest as he coughs out blood. Marlin immediately stands by his side, realizing the older blond is at his limit.

"What's wrong?" Caleb becomes worried when that painful gasp escapes Edward's lips.

"Bring us back, Edward. We have gathered enough information."

Helping the older blond up his feet and leaning against his tall frame, Caleb watches Edward open his watch, a light erupts around them, bringing the trio back to reality at the Emberlynn house.

"Edward!"

Rosalina cries out her husband's name as she rushes forward, telling Nathaniel to help Caleb get him on the sofa. Moving her hand swiftly, the woman concocts a potion and urges Edward to drink it. Wiping the blood off his lips, she sobs silently at the state of her husband. Whenever he uses such powerful magic like this, it always takes a toll on his health, particularly how his lifespan is shrunk the more he uses it.

"Dad, why didn't you tell us about it?" Nathaniel exclaims, behind him is a worried Ember "You shouldn't…"

"And who else will find your sister?" wincing at the pain in his chest, Edward sighs "Don't worry, I live longer than you lots can imagine."

"But…"

Rosalina stops her son, a stern warning that he must rest instead of arguing with his own son about using magic. Holding onto her hand, Edward casts her a comforting smile, reassuring his wife that he is not going anywhere. She nods, remaining silent by his side. She chooses to believe his words are true, despite the rising fear within her.

"Well, we know where to find her now. Time for a rescue team." Marlin looks at everyone "I say we should all gather at the Vatore estate. God knows what will happen next if they decide to raid this place and kidnap all the women here."

"That is a good idea. We should not be scattered around like this." Lumera agrees with her husband "Caleb, are you okay with this?"

The young lord looks at them, nodding firmly at their suggestion. His mind no longer stays in this room and instead, wanders back to the horrible sight that is Primrose being kidnapped. Those scumbags will pay for their lives, with each bruise on her body, he will rip off one head of those monsters. The silver orbs slowly turn red, a vow to ensure that all of them will pay a hefty price for laying their hands on his mate.

"Wait for me, Primrose." with determination fills his eyes, Caleb's hand balling into a fist. The anger of witnessing her pain continues to simmer "I will come for you, beloved. Wait for me."