Pups

Sam, Jack, and the rest of the young kids slowly emerged from the woods, and August released her mate from her arms, turning to the group that appeared. The kids were panting, and Sam told them to run and get a drink while he and Jack moved to Graeme and August's side.

"Did something happen?" Sam asked, assessing Graeme's still slightly rigid stance.

After Graeme had relayed the details of the accident, Jack seemed to have visibly paled while Sam had the same relaxed stance as always.

"I am sorry, August," Sam said. "Lily is going through some things. Her sister ran away several weeks ago. I don't mean that as an excuse," he turned to Graeme with the last sentence. August felt Graeme nod stiffly.

"Oh no. That must be awful for her. How old is her sister?" August asked, curious now about the energy that she had sensed around Lily. Something traumatic like her sister missing would definitely explain the pain that had seen surrounding her.