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

link like

is limited by distance, but still

packs. Even the rogue shifters allowed within their city lin Ryder's tension in front of my desk tells me everything I need to know about the contents of

Nothing.

a single lead outside of what

can't find even a rumor on this Mad Prince? That's what you're

verify he exists," Ryder

I grit out, unable to contain the flare of irritation at

if he has no idea who gave me the

placating gesture that has my mental hackles rippling. "I didn't mean to

in my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

the tension radiating from him mirrors. my own. "What else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The words feel like sandpaper on my tongue. A funeral

too soon.

Healer arrived an hour ago to show solidarity during the service. Ryder's voice is steady, but I can see the pain in his eyes. "Your funeral clothes are ready for you in your qu Fury lashes through me, hot and sharp. All those innocent lives lost, and for what? I have nothing to tell their families,

parents have been calling every few hours for updates." His too-calm words pull me from

hope to give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering

them." Though I already know what a disaster

to handle this

are well aware of their jurisdiction and

170 1ess Brand

play-were to join

more than

human can investigate a supernatural

for more bodies to add to the death toll, and the Unregistered don't play nicely with any government

door.

is likely to have a hard time," Ryder

nerves getting the better of me. Taking a deep breath, I force myself to relax. "I'm sorry,

the strain on his face. We're all pushed to our limits, desperate for a break in the case, some way to strike back at the monsters who

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