The memorial garden bloomed in full moonlight.
White lilies swayed beside stone paths. At the center stood the cliffstone marker, Sophie's name carved deep into the granite, the lullaby line etched beneath it.
Dylan placed a single white lily at its base.
Around him, the pack had gathered.
Children held lanterns.
Elders wore silver bands in mourning.
He didn't stand apart. He stood among them.
No longer Alpha.
Just a man.
Just hers.
Kingsley stepped forward to address the crowd, voice steady. “One year ago, our Luna gave everything. Not for power. Not for pride. But for peace. Tonight, we remember not only what we lost—but what she taught us."
A moment of silence.
Then Dylan stepped beside the stone, lifting his head.
“She loved you, even when you shunned her," he said. “She l
