Bastien “Daddy do you have ta go?” My pup’s tiny voice cuts me right to the core. Has there ever been a worse feeling than this? Than leaving my family and not knowing if I’ll ever see them again? Than knowing that if I can’t fix things with Blaise, their lives might be forfeit, and I won’t be around to protect them? “I wouldn’t be going unless I absolutely had to, Lila bean.” I explain earnestly, cupping her tiny cheek in my hand. “When you come back?” Lila questions mournfully, reaching towards me with both arms open. “As soon as I can.” I promise, pulling her out of Selene’s arm and into my own. “Next week?” She asks, her adorable face so hopeful I want to cancel my mission just to make her happy. I can’t believe how deeply I love this little being after so short a time. I’m to

