“I got a report two children might be here,” she said.

Inside, Lily clutched Ben like a soldier guarding the last piece of home. Karen knelt. “Hi, Lily. Hi, Ben. I’m just here to make sure you’re safe.”

“We’re fine here,” Lily replied quickly.

Karen’s gaze flicked to Jake. “If you want to be considered for placement, you’ll need background checks, paperwork—”

“Whatever it takes,” Jake said.

But the reprieve was brief.

Two days later, Karen returned—this time with Roy Patterson, Lily and Ben’s maternal uncle. His eyes were sharp, his smile too thin.

“I’m here for my nephew,” he said.

The change in Lily was instant—her body went rigid, knuckles white around Ben. Duke stepped in front of them, teeth bared in a low growl.

Karen explained, “Roy has filed for custody of Ben. The board may separate them if it’s in their ‘best interest.’”