Chapter 14
Silence filled the crypt, heavier than the stone walls themselves. Some truths needed no voice – the father’s silence spoke volumes.
He staggered back, grief crushing him as understanding dawned. Collapsing before Ravenna’s body, he wept. “Forgive me, my daughter… forgive me…
Valdrin stood like a shadow against the wall until finally, his voice rough: “The blame is mine to
carry.”
I’ve arranged passage north. When Winter heals, I’ll take Ravenna’s ashes beyond our territories. She wouldn’t want to remain among those who betrayed her.”
Days slipped by before Valdrin returned to their den. Eight years of shared life haunted every corner. Their mate–bond ceremony portrait still graced the wall, Ravenna’s smile frozen in a happier
time.
The emptiness drove him to the hunting grounds, where an elder she–wolf’s voice caught him: “Alpha, where is your Luna lately?”
Visiting her birth pack,” the lie came easily.
“Such a shame she worried for your health, asked me to bring healing herbs for your sleepless nights…”
She pressed the bundle into his hands. Something cracked inside him.
The den’s silence consumed him. He’d never been one for conversation, had even found Ravenna’s constant chatter about pack life irritating. Now that silence felt like a curse.
The door creaked. His heart leaped. “Ravenna:
But Ash stood there, grief darkening his young face. “Father, I hunger.”
Pack–prepared meals went untouched. “It tastes wrong. When is Mother returning?”
Morning brought Ash’s unconscious cry: “Mother! You forgot to wake me!”
Reality struck him silent mid–word. He refused the pack cook’s offerings. “I want Mother’s food. This isn’t right.”
The Alpha & Substance Luna. Alleau Clained. A Sand Reborn
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Finally, tears filled the pup’s eyes. “Tather, you promised she’d return in days. Where is she?”
Yes, three days… By all Valdrin knew, Ravenna should return by 3 days, wearing a new form….
C
