The flames consumed Damon's body, casting long shadows across the mourning pack.
The fire crackled and roared, sending sparks spiraling into the night sky. The heat was intense, forcing the gathered wolves to step back, but no one wanted to look away. This was their Alpha. Their leader. Their friend. He deserved to be seen until the very end.
Elara watched until there was nothing left but ash and memory. The flames died down slowly, leaving behind a pile of glowing embers and the faint scent of smoke. Beside her, Caleb stood rigid, his face carved from stone, but she felt the tremor in his hand where it held hers. His grief was silent, controlled, but she knew him well enough to see the cracks in his armor.
Luna pressed close to her mother's side, her young face wet with tears she tried
