103. Transcended Distance

As Marcus and Gideon entered the room, Marcus gently took Ashleigh, leaving Gideon alone with Avery, who was still engrossed in the television program, seemingly oblivious to the world around her.

Gideon, seeking her full attention, turned off the TV. Immediately, Avery's focus shifted, and her first question cut straight to the heart of the matter: "Where's Tanner?"

Following Tanner's advice for open and honest communication with Avery, Gideon prepared himself for a difficult conversation. "Some bad people took Tanner, but we're doing everything possible to get him back. And he's going to be okay," Gideon explained gently. "We need you to be strong for Tanner because he can probably sense if you're really upset, just like he knows when you're hurt."

Avery, connecting dots with wisdom beyond her years, asked, "Because he's my mate, right? He could feel it when I cut my knee on that log. He told me he can feel it when I hurt something."

Gideon, taken aback by her insight, affirmed her