Homeward Bound

Gideon knew she was angry. He didn't dare say a word, head bowed, voice soft as he apologized, "Odette, I know I was wrong. Please don't be mad."

Odette withdrew her hand, her eyes fluttering closed as she slumped, her sickly expression tinged with a faint redness at the edges. Her exhaustion showed, her pale face drained of color.

She despised everyone who took children away—no matter the reason,