Bella’s body lay on the castle steps for one day.
Damien wouldn’t let anyone touch her. Not the healers. Not the guards. Not me.
He sat beside her for twenty-four hours straight. No food. No water. No sleep. Just his hand on her cold forehead like he could warm her back to life with will alone.
I watched from the doorway. Side wrapped tight. Each breath still cut like glass. But I didn’t go to him. Not yet.
Grief needs space. Even beasts need to break alone first.
When the sun set the second time, Damien stood. One motion. No hesitation. He lifted Bella. Carried her down the steps, through the silent courtyard, out to the cliff edge behind the castle.
I followed. Leaned on the wall more than I walked.
The wolves had built the pyre. Pine and oak. High. Dry. They stood in a circle,
