Chapter 55 The Burial Debate

Chapter 55 The Burial Debate

The council chamber of the northern keep was a somber place in the wake of Liana's death. The air hung heavy with the scent of burning incense and fresh flowers laid out in tribute, but the atmosphere was thick with tension. Fernando sat at the head of the long oak table, flanked by Darius on his right and Mira on his left. The elders from both northern and southern packs filled the seats around the table, their faces etched with a mix of grief and calculation. The room's high ceilings and stone walls amplified every word, every sigh, making the space feel like a judgment hall rather than a place of mourning.

Fernando cleared his throat, his voice steady but laced with the raw edge of loss. "Elders, we gather to decide how to honor Liana. She will be buried in the ancestral home, the sanctuary reserved for our bloodline. It is fitting for her station as princess."

Elder Bramwell, a grizzled northern elder with a beard like frost-covered stone, leaned forward. "The ancestral home is sacred, Alpha. But Liana was engaged to Alpha Thorne of the west. They paid homage to her because she died in our pack. It is only right that Thorne bury his fiancee, or she will have to be buried like a commoner."

Fernando's eyes narrowed. "Liana is my sister. She belongs with our family, in the ancestral home. The engagement was a political arrangement, not a bond that overrides our traditions."

Elder Hawthorne, a southern elder with sharp features and a voice like grinding gravel, shook his head. "The western alliance is fragile. Thorne has a claim. Honoring it strengthens us all. Deny him, and you risk war."

Elder Whitcombe nodded in agreement. "She died here, but her betrothal binds her. The ancestral home is for unclaimed royals. To bury her there would dishonor the pact."

Fernando's fist clenched under the table. "Who laid down these rules? The ancestral home is for our blood. Liana is of our line."

Mira coughed softly, drawing all eyes. "Perhaps we can discuss this calmly."

Elder Fairchild waved a hand. "The rules are ancient. The ancestral home is for those who die unbound. Liana was promised. Thorne must bury her."

Mira stood, her voice cutting through the murmurs. "Thorne cannot bury Liana. She is with pups and has mated with her true mate. It is only right to release the corpse to her mate or bury her in the Thornwood like a commoner. She cannot have a royal burial because she defied the rules."

The room erupted in shock.

Elder Ashford slammed a fist on the table. "Pregnant? How did Liana get pregnant, and we did not know? This is outrageous!"

Elder Bramwell pointed at Fernando. "You kept this from us? You, the Alpha, hid her condition? Who is the father?"

Fernando's face darkened. "Vargus."

Gasps filled the room.

Elder Hawthorne leaned back. "Vargus? The banished one? You let this happen under your watch?"

Elder Whitcombe's voice rose. "You are to blame, Alpha. If you had controlled your sister, this scandal would not have occurred."

Elder Fairchild nodded. "And now who will we put down to die alongside the princess? The Thornwood claims lives along with the dead. A royal burial requires a sacrifice."

Elder Ashford's eyes blazed. "Yes. The forest demands blood for blood. Who will you choose to accompany her?"

Fernando stood, voice thundering. "I will not sacrifice anyone. Liana deserves better than the Thornwood."

Elder Bramwell shook his head. "The rules are clear. Defiled royals go to the forest or to their mates. You cannot change that."

Just then, the chamber doors opened. Alberto walked in, his presence commanding attention despite his simple tunic. Mira bowed low, her voice reverent. "Keeper."

The elders turned, confusion rippling through the room.

Elder Hawthorne frowned. "Who is this? Why does Mira bow?"

Mira straightened. "He is Alberto, the new keeper of the forest."

Elder Whitcombe's eyes widened. "The keeper? But how is he here? Keepers cannot leave the Thornwood."

Mira nodded. "Unless he has attained the legendary level. He can leave now, though it costs him pain each time."

Elder Fairchild leaned forward. "Legendary level? That has not been achieved in centuries."

Alberto smiled gently, cracking his knuckles. "But I've"

Elder Ashford crossed his arms. "Prove it."

Alberto raised a hand. Vines grew from the stone floor, wrapping gently around the table's edge before retreating. "It is true."

The elders murmured in awe.

"Why are you here?" Fernando asked gently though tired.

Alberto moved closer to him, placing his hands on his. "I've come to pay respect to the princess and also offer my condolences" He replied with smiles on his face.

Fernando turned to Alberto. "What do you say on this matter?"

Alberto looked at Liana's shrouded form. "The Thornwood honors those who defy fate. But the rules are ancient. She can rest there without sacrifice if the keeper wills it."

Elder Bramwell protested. "The keeper cannot override tradition."

Alberto's voice was calm. "I am the tradition now."

Alberto stood before the elders in the council chamber, his presence commanding a silence that fell over the room like a heavy cloak. The elders shifted in their seats, their eyes fixed on him with a mix of awe and confusion. Fernando sat at the head of the table, his face still etched with grief, while Mira remained standing near the door.

Alberto cleared his throat. "Elders, may I have a moment with Alpha Fernando and Mira alone?"

Elder Bramwell glanced at the others. "Very well. We will wait outside."

Elder Hawthorne nodded. "Take the time you need."

The elders filed out, the door closing behind them with a soft thud.

Fernando stood immediately and pulled Alberto into a tight hug. His tears fell freely, soaking into Alberto's tunic.

"I thought I lost you," Fernando whispered. "You walked into hell for me."

Alberto hugged him back. "I had to. You are my mate."

Mira cleared her throat softly. "He is right. The bond is complete now."

Fernando released Alberto but kept his hands on his shoulders. "How are you here? The forest..."

Alberto looked at him. "I cannot stay long. The full blood moon is tomorrow night. It drains my power and the forest if I am not there. I came because of Liana."

Mira stepped closer. "How did you attain the legendary level? No keeper has left the Thornwood in centuries."

Alberto shook his head. "I do not know exactly. It happened when the old keeper died. I buried him in the heart of the forest. After that, I felt the power shift to me. I can leave now, but it costs pain each time."

Fernando's eyes softened. "You came anyway."

Alberto nodded. "For Liana. Let me bury her. I can give her peace in the Thornwood."

Fernando hesitated. "You would do that?"

Alberto met his gaze. "Yes. It is the only way she rests properly. The forest can honor her."

Mira placed a hand on Fernando's arm. "It is a good idea. The Thornwood will protect her soul."

Fernando sighed. "Agreed. You bury Liana."

They walked out together. The elders waited in the antechamber, their expressions expectant.

Fernando addressed them. "Alberto will bury Liana in the Thornwood. He is the keeper now. It is the right way."

Elder Bramwell frowned. "The Thornwood? But she is royalty, can't we call Vagus to give her a befitting burial?."

Alberto spoke up. "As keeper, I can give her a place of honor. The forest will guard her eternally."

Elder Hawthorne nodded slowly. "If the keeper wills it, we agree."

Elder Whitcombe added. "The pack will witness."

Fernando turned to Darius and Samael. "Take the corpse. Follow Alberto."

Darius and Samael lifted Liana's shrouded body from the bier. The group moved out of the keep, Alberto leading the way toward the forest edge.

As they approached, the sky darkened suddenly, clouds gathering without wind. The air grew heavy, carrying the scent of rain and earth.

Elder Fairchild whispered. "What is this?"

Alberto raised a hand. "The forest welcomes us."

Trees along the path bent low, branches dipping like subjects before a king. Vines retreated from the trail. Flowers bloomed in an instant, carpeting the ground in silver and blue.

Elder Ashford gasped. "The plants bow to him."

Alberto walked on. "The Thornwood recognizes its keeper."

The group followed, the elders murmuring in awe as the forest parted before them. Darius and Samael carried Liana carefully, the shroud unstained by thorns or branches.

In the heart of the forest, Alberto stopped at a clearing where ancient trees formed a natural circle. He knelt and placed his hands on the earth.

"Open," he said.

The ground parted without sound, revealing a soft bed of moss and petals.

Darius and Samael lowered Liana into the grave. Alberto stood.

"Rest in peace," he said. "The forest guards you now."

The earth closed over her, vines weaving a protective lattice.

The elders bowed their heads.

Fernando whispered. "Thank you."

Alberto turned to him. "I must go now. The full moon calls."

Fernando hugged him again. "Come back soon."

Alberto vanished into the trees.