CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: IN THE FACE OF DESPAIR

Alpha Ryder’s POV

Alpha Apollo left the packhouse with his beta, and I couldn't shake the worry that creased my forehead. The sight of the pack members, their tears flowing freely, tugged at my heart. I needed to comfort them, assure them that I would do whatever it took to find their missing daughters and sisters. But their voices were filled with doubt, and it seemed as though hope was slipping through their fingers.

One woman's voice rose above the others, her despair evident. "Alpha Ryder, you won't find them. They're gone forever."

Her words pierced my heart, but I couldn't let despair consume me. I had to act, to instill hope in their shattered souls. I turned to Carter. "Bring a pen and paper," I ordered. Carter swiftly retrieved the pen and paper.

With a voice filled with compassion, I urged, "Please, write down the names and descriptions of your missing loved ones."

"Please, trust me," I implored, my tone steady but filled with empathy. "We won't forget them. We'll search tir