A War inside me

Chapter 5

Evelyn’s POV

A bright light of the sun wakes me up. I was so exhausted after shopping that I fell asleep without a second thought. I open up my window and hear the beautiful sound of the birds singing.

I look out to our vast territory and for a moment it feels like everything is going to be okay.

I mind link a few members to make sure everything is already in motion.

“Flowers are here, and tables are set in the courtyard,” links Miriam.

“Is the special seating here from Henry’s shop?” I ask.

“No, they’re five minutes out.”

“Perfect, I need the king and queen placed up front for the ceremony.” I tell her while I quickly jump in the shower, making sure I cleanse myself beautifully. I then throw on my black, sleek dress, and I do my hair in a tight bun, leaving a few face-framing pieces out. Lastly, I opened the drawer of my vanity and pulled out my mother’s diamond earrings she wore for all special occasions; they were her favorite, and my father had passed them down to me. Now I wear them as a comfort staple.

I slipped on my heels and grabbed my clipboard and purse and left to the chapel.

Ben, my brother’s beta, was already at the bottom of the staircase waiting for me.

“Evie,” he said gently as I walked down the stairs. I wrapped my arm around his strong arms and laid my head against him as we walked out to the cars waiting for us. “I promise you everything is going to be okay.”

Ben had been one of the few males my father had approved to be around me. He was deemed as a safe male in his eyes; therefore, my brother and I were extremely close. It was a bonus that he was the son of Brandon, Dad’s beta.

The car ride was silent. I didn’t need to say a word. Ben could read me like the back of his hand, and I didn’t need to mask any emotions around him either. So, I laid my head on his shoulder, and he kissed my forehead. “It’s okay, Evie,” he whispered. We arrived at the chapel, my heels echoing on the floor as we moved through the quiet chapel with a calmness I didn’t feel. I held my clipboard tightly against my chest. Observing every detail of the chapel — the flowers were arranged beautifully, the framed photo centered, the guest book opened to a fresh page, chairs aligned in perfect rows.

I nodded to the pastor and adjusted the candles myself when no one was looking. Grief sat heavy in my throat, but I pushed it down, keeping my hands steady as I guided pack members on where to stand and reminded them gently of the schedule. It wasn’t just a funeral to me; it was coordinating, and I refused to let anything be less than perfect.

Kaden and the pastor would be conducting the service. Me, Ben, and Mira would be sitting up front.

The service started, and I couldn’t help but let the tears fall on Ben’s shoulder. He handed me a pair of sunglasses, and I graciously took them. He placed another pair of glasses over his eyes as well, and I’d be lying if I said I paid attention the whole time. I felt zoned out up until everyone started getting up to see my father lying in his casket.

“Let’s go last,” Ben told me softly.

We waited until the chapel was empty. Just Me,Ben, Mira, and Kaden were left.

We walked up slowly. Dad was lying in his casket peacefully. His eyes were closed. He had multiple battle scars all over his face, a symbol of a true warrior. We paid our respects.

Beta Brandon, Gamma Axton, Lead Warrior Troy, and Kaden all gathered around to walk the casket down to the courtyard where their father would be buried next to their mother. They were about to pick it up when— “Wait!” Boomed a loud voice in the chapel, startling us all. We looked over, following the sound of the voice. 2 figures appeared: a petite woman with jet-black hair and striking blue eyes came to view next to a tall man with broad shoulders, both their auras radiating power.

“My king,” gasped all the men in the room and Mira.

“WHY WAS I NOT NOTIFIED OF THE KING’S ARRIVAL!” Kaden growled at the men beside him.

“Enough, boy, no need to get your panties in a twist. I instructed them not to notify you. Whose orders are more important, mine or yours?” the king challenged him.

Kaden bowed respectfully, “Yours, of course, my King.”

“Very well then. I guess they were just following orders. No need to make a fuss,” he said, waving his hand.

They made it to the front. We opened the casket while the king said a beautiful prayer in their father’s behalf. I looked up slightly to catch the Queen looking right at me. She is so beautiful, just like I remember her back when I was 6. It looks like she hasn’t aged at all.

The men gathered around once more, but this time the king wanted nothing more than to be one of the men that carried their father out.

So, with Kaden on the right, the king on the left, the men all took their positions and carried their father out.

The pack members gasped, seeing the king not only was the king in attendance but part of the funeral.

The casket is placed next to the grave.

And then the King spoke amongst the pack.

“ Today, my kingdom bows its head.

We gather not merely to mourn an Alpha, but to honor a man whose loyalty stood firmer than our walls, whose courage burned brighter than our banners.

He was the first to charge, the last to retreat, and the one every warrior looked to when fear threatened the line. In battle, he was steel. In counsel, he was wisdom. In heart, he was steadfast.

I have worn a crown for many years, yet I tell you this: the strength of a king is measured by the men who stand beside him. And there was none who stood stronger than he.

He fought so others would live. He gave so others could hope. And though he has fallen, his name will rise—etched into our halls, carried on the tongues of every soldier who marches after him.

Let this kingdom remember: heroes are not born from bloodline, but from bravery. And he was the bravest of us all.

May his spirit find rest, and may we prove worthy of the sacrifice he made. Today, we lay Alpha Daniel of Stonebrook to peace. Tomorrow, we fight in his honor.”

The pack stood still as the king spoke, mourning and grieving the passing of their Alpha. The casket was lowered into the ground, and we watched the gold sparkle for its last time. The members all took turns throwing a handful of dirt and saying a small prayer, but when it came to me, I couldn’t gather the right words. I grabbed a single white rose. “I love you, father,” I whispered softly as tears continued to flow down my cheeks. I tossed the rose on top of the casket.

Immediately familiar, strong arms wrapped around me. “Ben,” I cried into his chest. I looked over just in time to see the casket be buried by piles of dirt to cover the casket. I stayed tucked inside Ben’s chest, peering over. I could see the queen and king staring at mine and Ben’s interaction with questionable looks? But Ben is my comfort and always has been.