Chapter 67

Mel's POV

I clear my throat, feeling the alcohol loosening my restraint. “This one’s for my mom,” I announce, my slurred voice booming through the room. Then, I start singing the lyrics to “Rain” by Sleep Token—loudly and likely off-key. Who fucking cares.

I feel Jaxon’s heated gaze on me, but he doesn’t make an effort to stop me. The crowd watches, some in shock, many grimacing—all the old, cranky farts. I grab Elder Gregory’s hand, singing in his face, watching while his expression twists in disgust. I hear Patrick burst out laughter, while Bliss quietly scolds him for encouraging me.

I start head banging to the beat in my head, and as I cross the stage, I almost trip over my own feet. “Oh shit, that was a close one,” I say loudly into the microphone, then keep singing like my life depends on it. Maybe, just maybe, it’s what I need to finally let go of all the anger, the grief weighing heavily on my heart.

Some of the younger crowd, those who know the band, start singing along, wavin