Rejected and Pregnant I Fled The Pack (Evelyn and Damon) novel Chapter 202

"I saw them kill her," Aiden managed between sobs, his voice muffled against Miriam's shoulder. "I saw them kill Kira, and I couldn't do anything, I couldn't help her—"

"I know," Miriam said softly, continuing to hold him close, her own devastation evident despite her attempt at providing steady comfort. "I know, sweetheart. None of that was your fault. You survived, and that's genuinely what matters right now."

I watched them together for several more minutes, understanding this represented genuine, important healing beginning to take shape, however difficult and painful the initial confrontation with his trauma clearly proved.

Eventually, once his sobs had gradually eased into something quieter, more manageable, Miriam looked up at me, genuine gratitude evident despite her own obvious emotional exhaustion.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "For finding him, for actually bringing him home to us."

"Of course," I said, meaning it completely. "He deserves genuine safety, genuine healing, after everything he's apparently survived."

"He's severely malnourished," I added carefully, understanding the practical necessity of addressing his obvious physical condition alongside the emotional trauma clearly present. "The healers should examine him properly, ensure whatever treatment he genuinely needs."

Miriam nodded, still holding Aiden close, though he'd calmed enough now to simply rest against her rather than continuing his earlier overwhelming distress. "I'll take him myself, once he's ready. I don't want to rush him toward anything else that might feel genuinely overwhelming right now."

I understood her careful, protective instinct, appreciating the wisdom in allowing him space to actually process this reunion before requiring anything additional from him.

"There's something else you should know," I said gently. "Given his heritage, his connection to Kira's legitimate claim—the council's been investigating potential leadership succession within Damian's former territory."

Miriam's expression shifted, understanding immediately what I was suggesting. "You think Aiden might actually represent legitimate claim to leadership there."

"Potentially," I confirmed. "Though obviously, given his current condition, his genuine age and trauma, any formal consideration would require considerable time, healing, and appropriate support before actually becoming relevant."

"He's eight years old," Miriam said, something protective entering her voice. "He's survived unimaginable trauma. I won't allow him to become simply a political tool, regardless of whatever legitimate claim he might theoretically represent."

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