I watched Ryker, pride swelling in my chest.

My guarded, fiercely private brother had changed completely since the day we found those children at Gate Seventeen.

Judge Thomas looked at Ryker for a long moment.

“You are offering your resources and your home to support this family, Mr. Steel?” she asked.

“I am,” Ryker said simply.

“And you, Ms. Vale, are you in agreement with this arrangement?” the judge asked.

“Yes,” Clara said, tears spilling over her eyelashes. “Ryker and Evelyn have been their protectors when no one else was.”

The judge nodded and began signing a series of documents.

“Based on the evidence presented, and the recommendations of Child Services, I am stripping Marissa Vale of all parental rights,” Judge Thomas announced.

The words felt like a heavy weight lifting from the room.

“Permanent physical custody of Lily and Owen Vale is hereby granted to Clara Vale.”

“Ryker Steel is appointed as their co-guardian and legal protector.”

She struck her gavel against the wooden block.

“This court is adjourned.”

The sharp crack of the gavel signaled the end of the nightmare.