She ran her fingers through his hair. "Welcome to the family." Nori whispered in his ear.
The Pet slipped back and away from him. She had definitely developed some possessive feelings for him since she'd been tasked with breaking and rebuilding him. She'd had others before, but never felt so forlorn to give them up. Perhaps it's because this one had saved her life.
Others started to swarm the stage, wanting to welcome the new Children into the family themselves. Nori watched until Keaney was blocked by the crowd and slipped back stage into the staff only hallway. She wrapped her hand around her waist and stood there a long moment as she took a few deep breaths. He was just a puppy, there'd be a new one in a few weeks she was sure.