“It’s okay,” I said softly, stepping past Ryker to show them my face. “You’re safe.”

Ryker lowered his weapon but did not holster it.

He scanned the room, his eyes lingering on the locked balcony doors.

“The perimeter alarm went off,” Ryker said, his deep voice calm but alert. “We need to move them to the secure study.”

I nodded and walked over to Owen’s bed.

“Owen, sweetie, we need to take a little walk,” I said.

He didn’t move. He just stared at his knees, squeezing the bear.

Ryker approached the bed, his boots making no sound on the thick rug.

He sat on the edge of the mattress, the wood creaking slightly under his weight.

“Owen,” Ryker said, his voice surprisingly gentle for a man of his stature. “We’re going to a room with no windows. It’s warmer there.”

Owen shook his head, burying his face into the bear’s matted fur.

“Let’s grab your things,” Ryker said, reaching for the small blue backpack lying at the foot of the bed.

The zipper was half-open, revealing a few mismatched socks and a crumpled drawing.