Alex left the room first, running down the stairs to find Kirstie. She was in tears, packing a bag as she'd been commanded to. Alex ran into the room and picked her up off of the ground in a rough hug. She squeaked in surprise, but hugged back as soon as she could think correctly. "Hey, Allie. Are you alright?" Alex leaned back to meet her teary eyes, with wet eyes of his own. "No. I'm not. I don't want you to leave." She stared at him, and then leaned forward to hug him again, her feet still not touching the ground. "I know. I'm sorry, honey. Alpha's orders." "But it isn't fair. I'll miss you so much." "I'll miss you too. But I'm sure we won't be gone very long." "What if you are, though? What if you never come back?" At this same time, Scott had pushed Avi out of his way so he could leave the room, so disgruntled that he couldn't even feel the pain in his leg as he walked out of the room. Avi regained his footing, and then followed him. "Don't you dare push me."