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I stayed behind in the Great Dome as the assembly piled out Sofia and Derek remained seated at the table even as the last person exited I approached the their conversation Sofia looked up at ave me a weak smile

I bent down and kissed her forehead "I don’t think there’s much I can do to relieve the pressure on you But I just want you to kno proud I a her forehead "Thanks, Dad," she said, her smile a little broader and waret an early night"

They exchanged glances and nodded

"We will," Sofia said

We left the Doether and made our way back to the Residences, where we parted ways

I couldn’t be bothered to wait for my elevator, and besides, I needed to stretch iant leap, I plungedup toward the canopy of leaves, landed on ht forto ed

"Aiden"

I al next toa sht her and her sister how to use their washingthe door for her, I nodded inside "Would you like to coestured toward the couch and she sat down She shifted in her seat, looking uncomfortable Finally, she stared at me and asked, "Do you really suspect one of us?"

I heaved a sigh, leaning back in my chair, as I looked at her The truth was, I didn’t know None of us had known these olves long enough to judge their character From what I’d seen of them so far, they appeared to be civilized creatures But I of all people knew that appearances could be deceiving

I wasn’t sure how to answer Kailyn without offending her I shook my head "I don’t know," I said honestly

Disappointment shrouded her eyes "I know our pack, Aiden Nobody would have done this Wetoward human flesh, but olves are loyal creatures We would not have betrayed you in this way Besides, rateful to be on this island and have basic a water You don’t know the life we lived before we came here…"

When I didn’t respond, she shot to her feet and began to pace impatiently around the room

"The Micah who took Rose wasn’t Micah I swear My sister is practically best friends with the guy He never would have done this"