Chapter 178 When the Gamma Fell Silent

Chapter 178 When the Gamma Fell Silent


Elena reached for words, but they dissolved before forming.

Her strength drained without warning. A sound of pure agony ripped from her throat.

“Please,” she sobbed, “strike me awake and tell me this is a lie. How am I supposed to explain this horrible news to his daughter—Seraphina? How do I face Lexa and Aaron now?”

Dolphus reached for her without a word.

After speaking with the doctor, Elena and Dolphus stepped outside the doctor's office.

Dolphus drove Elena back home but he couldn't hold back the tears burning in his eyes.

He pulled over hard and stopped the car. His forehead struck the steering wheel as a bitter cry tore from his throat.

Dolphus stayed still for a while before lifting his head and wiping his face dry.

No words followed. He started the car and pulled himself together.

The next morning, people streamed into the Farrington estate. Nearby packs and those from distant cities arrived to offer their condolences.

Seraphina stood at the center of it all. Lexa and Aaron stayed close at her sides—silent, watchful.

A week later, the burial ground filled.

Wolves stood in silence. The earth lay open.

The first director stepped forward, his voice steady.

“Gamma Raphael stood like stone,” he said. “When storms rose, he did not bend. When enemies came, he stood first. I walked beside him in business and pack affairs. I watched him bleed for this pack. His name will not fade.”

He stepped back.

Another director moved forward, her eyes bright with tears.

“He taught us restraint,” she said. “He taught us honor. When anger burned, he showed calm. When pride grew loud, he showed humility. I owe my standing to his guidance.”

She bowed and stepped aside.

A third director lifted his head.

“He guarded our borders,” he said. “He protected our young. He never turned his back on duty. Even in his last breath, he called for those he loved. That is the mark of a true wolf.”

He stepped away.

Alpha Simeon Walter moved forward last. His voice rolled deep across the ground.

“Gamma Raphael Farrington served with loyalty,” he said. “He carried wisdom and strength. The pack stands today because of his sacrifice. His spirit runs with the ancestors. His howl remains in our blood.”

The grave was filled, covered with sand, decorated and sealed.

Two weeks later, evening settled quietly over the city. Soft lights glowed inside Elena’s apartment as the door opened and Dolphus stepped in.

Elena lifted her head at once.

Dolphus removed his jacket and set it aside. He stood before her, hands firm at his sides.

“We’ve finished everything for Gamma Raphael,” he said. “The mourning is done. The rites are complete.”

Elena answered with a nod, nothing more.

“I believe it’s time I returned to where I belong,” Dolphus said softly. “Sebastian is waiting. I have to finish what I left behind.”

Elena rose slowly to her feet.

“My parents’ killers are still out there,” he said. “And they are not men who let enemies walk away alive. If I go after them, there is no guarantee I will return.”

“I will also take my rightful place,” he added. “I will accept the Alpha rank. That throne belongs to my blood.”

The words landed heavily. Her breath trembled.

“You’re leaving,” she said softly.

“Yes,” Dolphus replied. “I must.”

Her face blurred with tears.

“What will I tell Lexa and Aaron?” Elena asked. “What will I say when they ask for their father?”

Dolphus stepped closer.

“I already went to the family house,” he said. “I spoke with Seraphina. I sat with Lexa and Aaron.”

Elena looked up at him.

“I told them I’m leaving for a contract,” he said. “One that will take time.”

Her lips parted.

“Aaron asked how long I’d be gone,” Dolphus continued. “I told him it would be years.”

Elena pressed a hand to her mouth.

“He cared,” Dolphus said quietly. “That surprised me.”

He inhaled slowly.

“I told them so they wouldn’t search for me,” he said. “So worry wouldn’t draw them into danger.”

Elena used a tissue to clear the tears from her face. The hint of a smile touched her mouth.

Silence settled between them.

Then Dolphus spoke again.

“Now that Gamma Raphael is gone,” he said, “I think it’s time you tell Seraphina the truth.”

Elena shook her head sharply at his words.

“The truth about your identity needs to be made known to her,” Dolphus said. “You should tell her she’s your mother.”

Elena smiled softly—but the smile trembled. Her fingers curled at her sides.

“Some truths are better left asleep,” she said. “Not telling her will be the best option.”

“At least not yet,” Elena added.

Dolphus studied her.

“If fate desires it,” Elena continued, “she’ll learn it herself.”

Dolphus nodded once.

Elena stepped closer.

“No need for me to stay back in this apartment, since you are leaving this town soon. I think that it will be nice for me to move back to Farrington estate.”

Dolphus frowned slightly.

“I need to be near my children,” she added. “I need to be near Seraphina too.”

Dolphus dragged Elena closer enough to him that he could feel her heartbeat, then he wrapped his hands around her waist.

“Your kind is rare, Elena,” he stated.

Elena rested her forehead against him, then lifted her face to meet his eyes.

“Those promises I made to you before my grandfather's death, I will never break.” Elena said.

His grip at her waist straightened.

“One year. Five years. Ten years,” she said. “I’ll still wait.”

Dolphus drew her closer. Within a few seconds, he hesitated—his deep breath warm against her lips, as if he was memorizing the moment.

Then his mouth found hers.

The kiss deepened, and he never stopped. He was kissing her as if his life depended on it.

He lifted Elena into his arms and carried her toward the bedroom. As soon as they crossed the threshold, he hooked his foot back and pushed the door shut behind them.

Elena woke up around nine thirty in the morning, she stirred and reached beside her. But the space was empty. She rose quickly and saw a white envelope resting close to her on the bed.

She picked it up and opened it.

The handwriting was Dolphus’s.

“I left this way because seeing you leave would weaken me,” the letter read. “If you watched me go, your tears would follow me into battle.”

Her hands shook.

“By the time you read this, I will be on my way to Sebastian,” it continued. “Do not call me. Do not search for me. Love softens the blade. I cannot afford softness now.”

Tears splashed onto the page.

“When this is over, I will come back for you and our children.”

“I promise to stay alive. Every breath I take will be for you. Every strike I make will carry your name.”

Elena lowered the letter. A sob broke free. She cried until her shoulders shook, until the ache eased.

Then she gathered herself. She bathed, dressed in blue jeans and a pink blazer, and prepared for the day.

She stepped from the dressing room and paused before the mirror near the restroom. She studied her reflection.

“It is time to face reality,” she said to herself. “I must not disappoint my grandfather.”

She drew in a slow breath and straightened her shoulders.

“I will be strong,” she murmured. “For Lexa and Aaron.”

Taking her blush leather bag from the couch, Elena left the apartment, closing the door behind her without looking back.