Speak their names

Speak their names
My parents and everyone began walking towards the pack hall but I pulled back away from Malachi.

"I- I just need one moment alone. I'll be there soon." I said, everyone had noticed that we weren't following them anymore and turned around to see what was going on. Malachi caught up to them and ushered them out, saying something quietly. I appreciated that they looked like they wanted to stay with me, I wasn't quite finished saying goodbye.

The Ball room was mostly empty, except a few people still milling around, wanting to spend as much time as they had left with their loved ones.

I approached May, still sitting by Juni and tenderly stroking her coffin while whispering to her.

She looked up at my presence approaching her and smiled softly, as I stood at her side. We both stood in silence for a few a few minutes, and without thinking, I began singing - the words sounding haunting as they echoed with the acoustics of the ball room walls.

May your dreams bring you peace in the darkness
May you always rise over the rain
May the light from above, always lead you to love
May you stay in the arms of the angels

May you always be brave in the shadows
'Til the sun shines upon you again
Hear this prayer in my heart, and we'll ne'er be apart
May you stay in the arms of the angels

May you hear every song in the forest
And if ever you lose your own way
Hear my voice like a breeze, whisper soft through the trees
May you stay in the arms of the angels

May you grow up to stand, love
With the pride of your family and name
When you lay down your head, or to rest in your bed
May you stay in the arms of the angels

Those who were left, were watching me silently and another hand on my shoulder made my head turn from reflex. Cora was standing behind me with tears streaming down her face and I noticed everyone else was standing at the door still.

"That was beautiful, Aurelia. I've never heard that one before..." May whispered, smiling fondly at me.

"Lullaby for a Soldier." I barely managed to whisper.

"Come now, I need a stiff drink." May chuckled sadly, and held both of our hands as we walked back to the others.

We reached the pack hall and were met with laughter, the somber mood from earlier mostly gone a part from the lingering, shadow of red, puffy eyes. Everyone was celebrating their lives, speaking their names and telling stories which was all we could have had hoped for.

Amora handed me a beer that she pulled out from nowhere.

"To our fierce warriors, our fierce leaders and our fierce love for one another!" Amora called out, which was met with raised glasses and cheering from across the hall.

"I'm so proud of you, Aurelia." My mother said beaming at me, as she raised her wine glass in my direction.

We all broke off and began mingling with our pack members. I felt a small pang of guilt that I hadn't really spoken to anyone recently, but if it bothered anyone - they didn't show it and met us with smiles, hugs and stories of their own.

"I'm so sorry about your brother, Aurelia." A young girl said as she approached me, I recognised her as one of May's girls and gave her a hug.

"How's May doing?" I asked, and the girl pointed to a corner laughing as my jaw dropped.

The sweet, older lady was currently standing at a table with Britton while they were both in the middle of throwing down three shots in a row, while everyone around her cheered.

"Don't underestimate her, She's an absolute weapon." The girl wheezed, laughing even harder at the expression on my face.

"I can't believe that I thought she was an innocent, sweet, old Mother Orchard." I said in disbelief, shaking my head which bought on a new round of laughter from the girl.

"She's strong and has seen a lot. Rhydian will look after her." She giggled, and I looked at her questioningly.

"It's the worst kept secret in Shadowfen that those two sneak around every now and then. He even brings her flowers to the Orchard sometimes!" I looked at her in surprise - there was clearly a lot more that I was yet to learn about Shadowfen. They were similar in age though, so I guess it wasn't the most shocking gossip I could have heard.

"Does Malachi know?" I pried curiously.

"He's not blind, Rhydian just thinks he hides it well. May knows that Malachi knows - He apparently once told her not to say anything since he's just happy that his Father isn't lonely." She said slyly and I beamed proudly at my mate from across the room, not thinking that I could fall in love with him anymore than I was... but here we were.

"I'm so sorry - I just realised that I don't even know your name!" I said, a little horrified with myself, but she just giggled and casually waved me off.

"No, no - Don't stress, it'll take you awhile to get to know everyone! I'm Isla!" She replied with a smile.

"Well Isla, It turns out I know absolutely nothing at Shadowfen at all so we need to make it a date so that you can fill me in on the juicey stuff that no one else will tell me." I laughed.

"Deal!" She said with a grin and we said goodbye.

I walked over to where Malachi was and wrapped my arms around him, just needing to be close to him.

"How are you going, my love?" He purred and kissed me on the top of my head.

"Well, I just learnt there was a lot of underbelly gossip about Shadowfen that I never knew!" I smirked and he raised his eyebrows.

"You want the gossip? Shall we do it over painting our nails and a pillow fight? Or a picnic?" He teased and I playfully swatted him.

"You're a menace." I laughed, as we turned our attention to Britton and May now singing loudly as they danced.