(A Few Days Later...)
Asher lay flat on his back in his tiny security guard quarters, staring blankly at the ceiling. His expression was that of despair.
Two dark shadows coalesced on the floor beside his bed, tearing open as Rex and Ifrit materialized. Asher bolted upright, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes.
"Did you find them?" he asked, his voice rasping.
The two demons lowered their heads, refusing to meet his gaze.
"We apologize, Master," Rex murmured quietly. "Without a personal item to trace, relying purely on scent across this city is proving... difficult."
Asher's jaw clenched. "Damn it! It's been four whole days!" He threw his head back, waving a hand dismissively as he averted his eyes. "Just... keep looking. Please."
"As you command, Master," they replied in unison before melting back into the shadows.
