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 we do as

by distance,

the outside world, they are almost completely closed to any of the large wolf packs. Even the

Nothing.

this time and we haven't manufactured a single lead outside of what

find even a rumor on this Mad Prince? That's

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

flare of irritation at

no idea who gave me the

has my mental hackles rippling. "I didn't mean to question

scratch at my beard. and lean back in my chair, the weight of responsibility crushing my chest. After a few moments, I force myself to rein in

17:39

☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ CT

"Stand at ease, Ryder."

him mirrors. my own. "What else can you tell me about the pack rites?" The words

too soon.

voice is steady, but I can see the pain in his eyes. "Your funeral clothes are ready for you in your

hours for updates." His too-calm words pull me

a hand over my face. "I'll call them in the morning." Even though we have no news, no hope to give them. Their daughter is still missing, likely suffering at

them." Though I already know what a disaster that

world. They're not equipped to handle this

police-who are well aware of their jurisdiction and would only send someone sensitive

170 1ess Brand

play-were to join the

nothing more than a

investigate

bodies to add to the death toll,

door.

have a hard time," Ryder points out, echoing

Taking a deep breath, I force myself to relax. "I'm sorry,

our limits, desperate for a break in the case, some way to strike

needing to move, to do something. "I'm going to check on the preparations for the rites. Keep