Alpha Vale put on a bold face in front of Arin in order to make her feel reassured but deep inside he was panicked. He and Sage had returned to his office but the silence was reminicent of the one that fell after Arin's mark was revealed was heavier than all of them combined.
He thought of how the crescent moon had gleamed faintly on her skin, a whisper of destiny etched in flesh. He had left the room after Arin had fallen asleep at last, her exhaustion pulling her under despite her defiance. He had stood at the foot of her bed, his broad shoulders tense, watching the fragile rise and fall of her breath until he had been forced to leave, remembering that they needed to find a solution as soon as possible.
His resolve hardened. He was willing to do whatever he could to ensure that he got the answers. He had a deep seated sense of responsiblity and Arin was her charge. It was just like if it was any other other member of the pack'
