Tangled

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170 Lucas: Rites

LUCAS

"Everything's ready for the pack rites, but are you sure our Luna won't be there?"

Delta Ryder looks as exhausted as feel. Aside from the moments I stole to be with Ava at the expense of my pack duties, I've had no sleep or rest.

My wolf has been silent in my head since she left. We don't have the connection that Ava seems to have with Selene-

our conversations aren't as in depth, and he doesn't feel like a completely separate entity as their bond is-but he still feels the loss of his pack children keenly.

He doesn't even have a name, and I can't believe I've never asked

him about it.

I've always called him my wolf.

"No. She's intending to visit with her mother again and see if she can glean any more information." Not that I'm sure why. I want to tell Kellan to drag her back to Westwood at all costs, but that's a terrible way to Despite having a magnet for trouble, I need to let her make decisions for herself.

Rubbing between my eyebrows, I shuffle through more reports. Another dead scout, though we can't find his body.

Ryder has a few humans he trusts in the Unregistered city, but we

17:30 - 0

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170 LUCA Rame

have no word from them and no way to check on them. They don't

like we do as

limited by distance, but still

they are almost completely closed to any of the large wolf packs. Even the rogue shifters allowed within their city lin Ryder's tension in front of my desk tells me

Nothing.

single lead outside of what Ava's learned from her little

a rumor on this Mad Prince? That's what you're

to even verify he exists," Ryder agrees quietly. "Are you absolutely

grit out, unable to contain the flare of irritation at a delta

he has no idea who gave me

placating gesture that has my mental hackles

growl tears from my throat as I scratch at my beard. and lean back in my chair, the

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

my own. "What else can you tell me about the pack rites?"

too soon.

funeral clothes are ready for you in your qu Fury lashes through me, hot and sharp. All

few hours for updates." His too-calm

Even though we have no news, no hope to give them. Their daughter

sigh escapes me. "I'll talk to them." Though I already know what a disaster that will

They're not equipped to handle this kind

well aware of

170 1ess Brand

to join the investigation, it

as nothing more than a

can investigate a

to the death toll, and the

door.

joining the investigation is likely to have a hard time," Ryder points out, echoing my

breath, I force myself to relax. "I'm

in understanding, but I can see the strain on his face. We're all pushed to our limits, desperate for a break in the

to do something. "I'm going to check on the preparations for the rites. Keep me updated if