Two days later, the morning sky was gray—thick clouds pressing low over Dam-Nighade Pack as though the heavens themselves mourned with them. The entire pack gathered in the courtyard before the Alpha’s estate. Every wolf, from the lowest omega to the eldest elder, stood in silence as Rina’s body, dressed in white silk, was placed inside a crystal coffin.
Beside her lay the small bundle that everyone believed to be her stillborn child. Flowers covered the coffin—lilies, moon-blooms, and white roses, all her favorites.
Theo stood motionless, his face pale and empty, his hands trembling slightly at his sides. He hadn’t spoken since the night she died. Matt and Jihoo stood behind him, exchanging silent, worried glances, knowing no words could comfort him now.
Samantha knelt near the coffin,
