52. A Gift

Ryder

"What do we do now?" Ivy whispers to me.

I look at her and then at Kaelan. The boy looks devastated as he watches Alice being taken away. But who can blame him?

"Kaelan, you belong in a pack, and you are more than welcome to join ours," I tell him.

Kaelan's eyes flicker with a mix of surprise and uncertainty as he absorbs my words. He glances back at Alice, who is being led away, and then back at me.

"I... I don't know," he says softly. "Everything is so confusing right now."

I place a reassuring hand on Kaelan's shoulder. "I understand that it's a lot to take in, and you need time to process everything. But know that you don't have to face this alone. Our pack is a family, and we will support you through this journey."

Ivy steps forward, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance. "Kaelan, I may not be Esther, but her spirit is inside me. I will make sure you always feel loved."

Kaelan's gaze lingers on Alice once more before he finally nods, a glimmer of hope shining in his