Chapter 84

Mia’s Pov

The sky was a heavy gray, the clouds hanging low as if mourning with us. A cold wind swept through the trees, carrying with it the scent of pine and wet earth. It felt like the world itself had paused in sorrow, the weight of grief pressing down on everything, on everyone.

I stood at the edge of the clearing, staring at the pyre where Sylvia’s body lay. Dressed in her finest robes, she looked peaceful, her hands folded over her chest, as if she were simply resting. But I knew better. There was no rest in death, not for someone like her. She had given everything for us, for me. And now, she was gone.

My throat felt tight, and my eyes stung with unshed tears. I hadn’t cried since the night we lost her. It felt like if I started, I might never stop. Christian stood beside me, silent and strong, his hand gripping mine, grounding me as the crowd gathered around us. The pack was here, every warrior, every healer, everyone whose lives Sylvia had touched. They all stood in somber si