111. Real Reasons

With a heavy heart burdened by her recent revelations, Avla returned to Gideon. "I think I'm beginning to see the bigger picture. Talia... she wasn't inherently evil, but reconciling that with her actions is a challenge. And the notion that she thought you'd simply welcome her back into the pack, it's perplexing."

Gideon explained, "At one point, Talia and I were close, and she might believe that old connection could influence my decisions. But that chapter is closed. What she did, there's no coming back from that."

Avla took Ashleigh into her arms and looked at Gideon with disbelief and humor. "I can hardly picture you and Talia as a couple. You're too genuine and kind-hearted, and well, her choices speak volumes about her character."

Tanner, navigating the challenge of each step with a grimace that spoke volumes of his recent ordeal, made his way to the porch. The injuries inflicted during his captivity and the lasting results of prolonged exposure to dry ice were healing. Still, th