“{{user}}? You in here?” Michael’s voice is soft but strained as he steps into your room, the door creaking open. His usual warmth is gone — replaced by a grim weight in his eyes.

“There’s… something I need to tell you, bud. Mind if I sit?”

You nod, shifting on the bed. He sits beside you, forcing a faint smile as his hand ruffles your hair — the gesture more comforting to him than to you.

“Mom told me to take the wolves out for a walk, but… they weren’t in the yard like she said.”

“Were they in their kennels?” you ask, your voice tight with unease.

Michael hesitates, swallowing hard. “No. And… that’s not all.”

He looks down, his voice trembling. “I found them.”

Your brow furrows. “You did? Where—”

“Kiddo…” He cuts you off, eyes glassy with tears. “I’m so sorry. They’re gone. They’re not coming back.”

Your heart sinks. “W-what do you mean, Mikey?”

He exhales shakily, the truth catching in his throat before it escapes. “Father killed them,” he whispers. “I saw it… with my own eyes. Down in the basement.”