Chapter 117

Chapter 117
Nickolas's expression hardened, though his voice remained steady. "We'll increase security around the healing centre," Nickolas said, his hand finding the small of Ioannis's back in a steadying gesture. "Without making it obvious to the children. The last thing they need is to feel like they're in another facility."

The pendant remained cold against Ioannis's skin as she nodded, images of Ellie's vigilant face flashing through her mind. That girl had been anticipating disaster since the moment they found her, had been living in a constant state of tactical awareness that no child should need to maintain.

"What about the extraction plan?" she asked, keeping her voice low. "If they've realised children are missing..."

"It accelerates our timeline," Federico replied, still working on his tablet. "But it also increases risk factors significantly. They'll be on high alert, possibly moving the remaining children to a more secure location."

Luna Harvey's elegant features hardened with determination. "The strategy council should reconvene immediately. We need to adapt our approach based on this development."

"I'll stay with the children," Ioannis decided, the pendant warming slightly as she made this choice. Through their bond, she felt Nickolas's approval flowing like gentle sunlight. "They'll panic if they wake in an unfamiliar place without a familiar face."

Nickolas nodded, his storm-grey eyes meeting hers with understanding that needed no words. "I'll represent both of us at the council. The twins will want to know how the toys are performing."

As Federico and Luna Harvey moved toward the strategy chamber, Nickolas lingered a moment longer, his hand finding Ioannis's in a gesture that sent warmth flowing through their bond.

"You connected with them remarkably well," he said softly, pride evident in his voice despite the gravity of their situation. "Especially Ellie. She responded to you when I suspect she hasn't responded to an adult in years."

Heat rose to Ioannis's cheeks at the unexpected praise. The pendant warmed against her skin as she shook her head slightly. "I just tried to meet her where she was. To see the person beneath the trauma."

"Not everyone can do that," Nickolas replied, his thumb tracing small circles against her palm. "It's a gift, Ioannis. One of these children desperately needs right now."

Through their bond flowed his pride in her, wrapped around a core of protective determination that had only grown stronger since meeting the children. The pendant pulsed once against her skin as he leaned forward to press a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"I'll return as soon as the council concludes," he promised, reluctantly releasing her hand. "Send for me immediately if anything changes with the children."

Ioannis nodded, watching as he moved with fluid grace toward the strategy chamber. The pendant maintained its gentle warmth as she returned to the healing chambers, settling into a chair where she could observe both rooms through their connecting doorway.

Lucas had fallen asleep in his vigil chair, Shadow clutched protectively in his arms, as Shadow made a small purring sound at him for doing so. The grey wolf toy emitted another small purr as Lucas slumbered, his thin body curled awkwardly in the vigil chair. Ioannis smiled at the sight, her heart warming at how earnestly he'd kept his promise to watch over Micha until exhaustion claimed him.

She rose quietly and crossed to Lucas, gently adjusting his position to prevent him from waking with a stiff neck. The pendant pulsed with warmth as she carefully tucked a spare blanket around his shoulders. He didn't stir, his face peaceful in sleep with Shadow nestled protectively under his chin.

Ioannis settled back into her chair, watching over all three children as they rested. The quiet of the healing chamber wrapped around her like a comforting embrace, broken only by the soft sounds of their breathing and the occasional gentle tones from the wolf toys. Through the large windows, she could see afternoon sunlight filtering through the pines, casting dappled patterns across the stone floor.

Her thoughts drifted to the strategy council meeting happening without her. What would they decide? How quickly could they move to rescue the other children? The pendant cooled slightly against her skin as she imagined five new arrivals, children so young they still cried for mothers they might never see again.

A soft whimper drew her attention to Micha's bed. The boy stirred restlessly, his small face contorting with distress even in sleep. Green responded immediately, emitting a soothing rumble that seemed to vibrate through the plush toy's body. Ioannis watched, fascinated, as the sound gradually calmed the boy, his features relaxing back into peaceful slumber.

The twins had outdone themselves with these toys. She made a mental note to tell them how effectively the wolves were responding to the children's needs, information that would be valuable for refining the versions intended for the facility.

Movement from Ellie's room caught her attention next. The girl had shifted in her sleep, one arm flung outward while the other remained wrapped protectively around Violet. Her dark brows drew together in a frown, her lips moving silently as if arguing with someone in her dreams.

Ioannis remained still, not wanting to wake her but ready to offer comfort if needed. The pendant warmed against her skin as she watched Violet respond to Ellie's distress with a series of soft, melodic tones, different from the sounds the toy had made earlier, as if adapting its approach based on the girl's changing emotional state.

Remarkable. The wolves were learning, evolving their responses to match each child's specific needs. Through her bond with Nickolas, Ioannis felt a distant echo of his focused attention in the strategy council, his tactical mind fully engaged while part of him remained aware of her, connected despite the physical distance between them.