Nadia’s heart broke for this little pup. He was all alone, left in a strange place by the very woman who was supposed to take care of him. She nestled herself alongside him. “Hi. My name’s Nadia, little guy. You’re in Dawnshire, which is a very safe place for you. Queen Esmae is my friend, and I think she’ll say you can stay. We don’t make a habit of turning wolves away. She accepted me and my history is far worse than yours will ever be, I can confidently tell you.” She was just speaking to the heartbreak-smelling child to get him used to her voice, her presence, her smell. “I don’t know who your mother is, or why she abandoned you. But she left you in a good pack. I will take good care of you. That I promise you. You’re a handsome little pup. I like your eyes; one can hardly call them mismatched, for they match so well.” She nuzzled the boy lovingly. “I wonder if there’s a name for you?”

“Just not home!”