---- Chapter 24. "We miss you every day," I said to the figure in the water, tears welling in my eyes. "Orion has grown so much, he... he's a lot like you." The figure in the water extended a blurry hand, as if wanting to touch us, but was blocked by an invisible barrier. Just then, Orion suddenly spoke, his voice clear and firm. "Daddy says he's finding a way back." I looked at my son in surprise. "You... you can hear him speak?" Orion nodded. "In my head. He says he loves us and has been looking for a way home. But it's very dark over there, and it's hard to find an exit." The pack members whispered in amazement. Such direct soul-to-soul communication was extremely rare, only possible between relatives with an incredibly strong blood connection. ---- "Ask him... how much longer?" I asked carefully. Orion closed his eyes, seeming to listen. ''He says ... time is strange over there. It could be a few days, or it could be a few years. But he will definitely come back." The figure in the water became unstable, the light beginning to fade. "The connection is about to break," the elder warned. "Ts there anything else you want to tell him?" I asked Orion urgently. The little boy nodded seriously, then said to the figure in the water, "Daddy, I'll be a good Alpha, strong and brave like you. I'll protect Mama and the pack until you come back." The figure in the water seemed to become clearer at these words. For an instant, I could almost see Kaelen's face - he was smiling, his eyes full of ---- pride and love. Then, the phantasm began to dissipate, the water's surface returned to calm, and the Moonlit Pool fell silent again. The ritual was over. The pack members left silently, each with different feelings - hope, sorrow, confusion. Orion and I remained by the pool, hand in hand, gazing at the calm water. "Will he really come back?" I whispered, unsure if I was asking Orion or myself. "He will," Orion answered firmly. ''He promised. Alphas don't break their promises." I smiled, stroking my son's face. This child possessed a wisdom and determination beyond his years. "Tell me more about what you see in your dreams, " T requested, hoping to learn more about Kaelen.