MORNING – 9AM
ROYAL CEMETERY
The Royal Cemetery was bathed in the soft golden glow of the morning sun, yet no warmth reached my heart or the hearts of those gathered. The air felt heavy with grief, a somber silence hanging over the sacred grounds.
I stood motionless, my hand intertwined with Aria's as she tried to anchor me. My reflection in her tear-filled eyes was pale and haggard, my own bloodshot from sleepless nights and relentless tears. Beside me stood Clara and Owen, their faces drawn with sadness. Regan, Chloe, Bella, and Valerie clung to one another, their usually cheerful expressions replaced by quiet devastation. Alpha Dylan and Lily stood solemnly off to the side, along with other Alphas who had come to pay their respects to the legendary matriarch of our royal line.
