Chapter 155: The Long Drive

XENOIS   The drive to Zade's territory felt endless, every mile stretching out like an eternity as guilt gnawed at my conscience. I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my knuckles white with tension as I replayed the events of the past few days over and over in my mind.   Behind me, Riley was absorbed in his tablet, the soft sounds of whatever game he was playing providing a backdrop to my internal torment. He looked so small in the backseat, still pale and fragile from his ordeal, and the sight of him made my chest tighten with regret.   "I'm a terrible father," I muttered, not really intending for Thorne to hear me.   Of course, he heard me anyway. "What are you talking about?" he asked, turning in the passenger seat to look at me with concern.   "I left them," I said, my voice rough with emotion. "I left Lumina and Ollie alone in a strange pack while I was off dealing with my own problems. What kind of mate abandons his family when they need him most?"   Thorne was quiet for a momen