The town was just as Claude imagined. It was small, communal, and everyone seemed to know one another. Alaina and Theo greeted more than half of the townspeople as they made their way to the outskirts.
His keen eyes took in everything, and Alaina didn't hesitate to answer any questions he had. He noticed Theo didn't seem to approve of how forthcoming she was, but he also didn't question or try to stop her.
"We were alone after Alpha Keenan and Asher were taken to the mines. The orphanage was mostly abandoned. The years after they left were the worst," Alaina explained as they went up the hill that led to the orphanage.
"Just you and Theo?" Claude asked with a sympathetic expression.
"And my sister Winnie. Most of the orphanage children had it worse, and a lot of us died. We lost many friends to the mines and starvation. The orphanage was left to rot after they left."
"I am sorry," Claude offered. "Alpha Keenan did mention losing someone close."
