** Paige’s POV **

Ryder and I walk the woodland path in silence, our steps in sync, the guards keeping a respectful distance behind us. It feels strange being back here after yesterday. I’d been so worried, so stressed that I’m surprised I hadn’t left a track on the floor from all my pacing. Now it feels welcoming again, as if nothing ever happened.

Ryder waits in the kitchen as I move through the house, collecting a few things, my laptop, some paperwork, toys, a few changes ...