Chapter 54 The Burial of the Princess
The sky hung heavy with gray clouds over the northern keep, casting a pall over the central square where the pack had gathered for Liana's burial. The air was thick with the scent of rain and sorrow, the ground soft underfoot from an earlier drizzle. Wolves from every corner of the territory stood in silent rows, their faces etched with grief and respect. Banners of deep green, the color of Liana's eyes, draped the walls, fluttering gently in the wind. A raised platform held the bier, Liana's body laid upon it, wrapped in white linens embroidered with silver wolves, her auburn hair fanned out like a halo.
Fernando stood at the foot of the bier, his broad shoulders slumped, eyes fixed on his sister's still form. He had not slept since her death, the guilt gnawing at him like a relentless beast. If he had not been so stubborn, if he had listened to Mira and Liana, if he had set aside his hatred for Vargus, she might still be alive. The thought looped endlessly in his mind, each repetition a fresh wound. He blamed himself entirely, the Alpha who had failed to protect his own blood.
Mira stepped forward, her hands raised in the ancient ritual gestures. She began the chant, her voice steady but laced with emotion. "Moon goddess, take this soul into your light. Let her run free in the eternal hunt."
The pack joined in, their voices rising in a low, mournful harmony. Fernando's lips moved, but no sound came. He could only stare at Liana's peaceful face, remembering her laughter as a child, her strength as she grew, the light she brought to every room. Now that light was gone, and it was his fault.
The elders arrived in a procession, northern and southern alike, their robes flowing as they approached the bier one by one to pay homage. Elder Bramwell bowed low, placing a silver coin on Liana's folded hands. "Rest well, princess. Your spirit strengthens us."
Elder Hawthorne followed, laying a sprig of silverthorn beside the coin. "The moon welcomes you."
Elder Whitcombe murmured a prayer. "Your light will guide the pack."
Elder Fairchild touched the bier's edge. "Peace in the beyond."
Elder Ashford placed a small wolf carving. "You will not be forgotten."
One by one, they honored her, their words a tapestry of respect and loss. Fernando watched in silence, each tribute a dagger to his heart. He should have saved her. He should have let her go to Vargus, no matter the cost to his pride.
Mira completed the chant and scattered blessed herbs over the bier. "With this, her soul rests in peace. The goddess receives her daughter."
The pack howled as one, a long, aching sound that echoed off the mountains. Fernando joined them, his voice breaking on the high note.
As the ceremony ended, Samael emerged from the shadows of the keep, his face drawn, the poison still lingering in his veins despite his confinement. He approached Fernando, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Alpha," Samael said quietly. "She was strong. Like you."
Fernando looked at him, eyes red-rimmed. "I failed her, Samael. If I had not been so stubborn, she would be alive."
Samael shook his head. "You fought for her. You always did. The bond was a curse. Not your fault."
Darius joined them, his presence steady. "She knew you loved her. That is what matters."
Fernando clutched Liana's cold hand one last time. "I was supposed to protect her. I am the Alpha. What kind of leader lets his sister die?"
Darius squeezed his arm. "The kind who carries the weight for all of us. You did what you thought was right."
Samael nodded. "The pack stands with you. We will honor her by rebuilding stronger."
Fernando released her hand and stood. "I blame myself. Every day."
The western Alpha, Thorne, arrived with a small entourage, his face solemn as he approached the bier. He bowed deeply and placed a golden locket beside the other tributes. "She was a light to us all. The west mourns with you."
Darius pulled Thorne aside briefly. "Do not discuss the marriage alliance. Fernando might lose control. His wolf is deeply hurt."
Thorne nodded. "Understood."
As Thorne paid his respects, a guard rushed forward, face pale. "Alpha, a message from the border. Vargus waits there. He requests entry to pay homage to his mate and discuss terms."
Darius's eyes flashed. "Do not let him in. He has no right."
Fernando held up a hand. "Allow him entry. I will hear what he has to say."
Darius protested. "Alpha, it is a trap."
Fernando's voice was cold. "I said allow it."
The guard bowed and left.
Samael summoned his soldiers. "If Fernando kills Vargus today, be ready. No one interferes."
Darius smirked. "I bet ten gold he does it with his bare hands."
Samael grinned back. "Twenty says he uses the axe."
They clasped hands on the bet.
Vargus entered the square alone, his midnight pelt cloak draped over his shoulders. He approached the bier, face unreadable.
Fernando stepped forward. "You have no place here."
Vargus bowed slightly. "I came to pay homage to my mate."
Fernando's wolf rose, eyes flashing gold. "She was not your mate. You forced the bond."
Vargus looked at Liana's body. "I loved her in my way because I've always known her to be my mate since I got my wolf. I didn't abduct her to get back at you so let me say goodbye."
Fernando allowed it. Vargus placed a black rose on the bier and whispered words only he could hear.
As he turned to leave, Fernando stopped him. "You will not escape punishment forever."
Vargus smiled coldly. "We will see, brother."
He left without incident.
Fernando returned to the bier, the pack watching in silence. He blamed himself anew. If he had not been so stubborn, if he had let her go, she might have lived.
The elders continued their homage, each word a reminder of what was lost.
Mira performed the final ritual, scattering herbs and chanting. "May her soul rest in peace."
The pack howled again, a sound of loss that echoed into the night.