章 153: Alpha of All

~ ZEV ~

Turning to his people, Zev raised a hand to quiet everyone. Sasha stepped towards him, coming to stand at his side, holding Zan tight against her chest, even though the sling kept him secure anyway.

"Thank you," he said, and meant the words, though he knew they should have touched him more deeply.

A cloud of calls, huffs, barks, and cries rose.

Zev felt hollow inside. He put an arm around Sasha and pulled her closer, desperate to feel her warmth.

"We're safe, we're here. And our son… our son's name is Zan. He's healthy and strong and… thank you for waiting for us," he said, wishing his voice sounded warmer. "But you probably already know, there's a different threat to be faced here in Anima—one we now know intimately. And there's no time to waste."

Everyone went still, stunned, apparently. But Zev plowed on.