The offer

They spread out, and began to ask people on the road if they had seen a little boy go past, alone or with someone.

They received negative replies, and with each step Ivy took, her heart was pounding. She was feeling so regretful. She felt she should have taken him from the moment he was revived from his unconsciousness.

She wondered why she had left him alone, and stayed away for so long. Only if she had taken him with her, then she wouldn't be out searching for him helplessly.

"Liam!" She called, hoping he wasn't kidnapped, was nearby, and would hear her voice.

Her eyes started to water, as they approached the woods, but she didn't need to cry much. She saw him approaching them, although a tall stranger was holding his hand.

"Liam!" She called in anger, and ran to him. The man hid Liam behind him, and looked at Ivy.

"Can I apologize on his behalf? He was lost." He said.

"If he had stayed put where I kept him, he wouldn't be lost." She said, angry that he had caused her so much worry