Phoenix Maplewood love as if you were a child

kitten helped him with his request, and did a much better job of it than he could ever do--nothing could withstand the large, plaintive eyes of a young wolf. sunspot relented, and aditya broke into a relieved smile, aiming the sunny expression toward her face. "thank you," he murmured. "we won't keep you for long."

he closed his eyes as kitten curled against him once more, only for his blood to run cold at her question. "eventide is around here somewhere," he began, starting with the good news and trailing off as he floundered. "river. . ." adi pulled back, looking down solemnly at her. "merbani, we're still looking for river. he might be with sebastian, who's also missing--i thought he might have been with you."

the golden wolf braced himself for the girl's reaction, knowing that this was largely his fault. if he had just stayed a little while longer in the fire, instead of trying to corral everyone in the maplewood. . .he could have found everyone. everyone would be safe. if river never returned, it would be a burden he'd bear for the rest of his life.