Luna Vera's body is laid on a raised platform, still in her blue robes, surrounded by flowers and candles. The entire pack gathers in concentric circles—family closest, then ranked members, then the rest of the pack, with allied Alphas forming an outer ring of respect.
Kade and Kieran stand at the head of the platform, both in formal Alpha regalia. Kade's face is carefully blank, Alpha mask firmly in place. Kieran's grief is more visible, but controlled.
I'm positioned just behind them with Asher, along with Luna Ava and the pack elders. The placement is significant—family, not merely pack.
As the sun begins to set, Kade steps forward to speak.
"Luna Vera Blackthorn served this pack for forty-three years." His voice carries across the silent clearing. "She was fierce in protection, gen
