Page 82 of Who Let The Wolves Out?

“Oh my god.”

Inside is a ring.

Sort of.

It’s made of braided camp friendship cord, interwoven with copper wire, a little clear crystal nestled in the center like a promise. A leaf charm dangles delicately from one side.

“I raided the arts and crafts shed,” I say, a little sheepish. “Hazel said it’s a ‘soulbond aesthetic,’ whatever that means.”

Alice cradles it like it’s made of gold. “Jason. This is—this is perfect.”

“I know it’s not a real ring, but I figured… you’re human. It might mean something. And I wanted you to have it. From me.”

She slips it onto her finger like it belongs there. “It meanseverything.”

Her eyes meet mine. “You really made this?”

“Every glue-gun burn was worth it.”

She kisses me, sweet and slow.

“I love it. I loveyou.”

And as we sit beneath the stars, the soft sounds of the lake lapping at the shore, her hand in mine with that crooked, mismatched ring shining like a jewel?—

I know I’ve given her a piece of my soul.

And she’s given me all of hers.

Later, after Alice’s head has drifted to my shoulder and the night air turns cooler, I glance out over the lake, the trees, the crooked cabins lit dim with bedtime enchantments.

The wind shifts, carrying the faint sounds of laughter from the older kids down by the amphitheater. One of them shouts something about a raccoon stealing their cloak.

I smile.

And I realize—this camp?

This ridiculous, magical, chaotic patch of forest?

It’s given meeverythingI never knew I wanted.

A place to belong.

A purpose.

A pack.

And her.

CHAPTER 29

ALICE

The camp is quieter today.

Not silent, just… softer. Like the trees are whispering instead of laughing. Like the wind knows it’s time to say goodbye.

I’m standing on the rec field, my clipboard clasped to my chest, even though the schedule’s already done. Checked. Re-checked. Highlighted. There’s nothing else left to plan.

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