Sorrows and Ashes

Kaiden's POV

Once the chanting ended, I stepped forward again, this time around I held a torch in my hand.


The flames danced at the tip, and it made some shadows on the ground.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself before I approached the pyres.


"With this fire, we release their spirits," I declared, my voice carrying through the quiet night. "May they find peace among the stars, and may their wisdom lead us now and always." I said.


I lowered the torch and then it ignited the pyres. The fire caught quickly, the flames leaped up to consume the bodies.


The heat was intense, but I stood my ground, watching as the flames rose higher, crackling and popping.


The light from the fire bathed the faces of the pack members, reflecting the sorrow etched in their expressions.


A part of me felt detached, as if this wasn't really happening, as if I were watching someone else's life unfold.


But the reality was all too clear. My parents were gone, and I was left to carry their legacy.

The weight of that responsibility was crushing, but I knew I couldn't falter. Not now, not ever.


As the flames burned brighter, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Elder Marcus, his eyes filled with understanding and sympathy.


"You have shown great strength, Kaiden," he said quietly. "Your parents would be proud."


I nodded, unable to find the words to respond. The fire roared, consuming the last remnants of the people who had been my world.



The heat pressed against my skin, but I welcomed it, letting it burn away the numbness and shock.


It was a strange comfort, this ritual, a way to say goodbye that felt both too much and not enough.


The flames gradually began to die down, leaving only glowing embers.


The ceremony was nearing its end, but I lingered, staring into the fire.

My mind was a whirlwind of memories—my father's laugh, my mother's gentle touch, the lessons they had taught me, the love they had given.

It was overwhelming, and yet, there was a strange peace in the finality of it all.


As the last of the embers faded, I felt a shift in the air.

The pack members were dispersing, whispering their goodbyes and heading back to their homes.


But I couldn't move. My legs felt like lead, my heart heavy in my chest.

I knew I needed to say something, to close this chapter, but the words wouldn't come.


And then, I felt it—a gentle presence at my side.


I didn't need to look to know it was Lilian.

Her aura was unmistakable, a soothing calm amidst the chaos of my emotions.


She didn't speak, didn't try to console me with platitudes. She just stood there, silent and steady, offering her quiet support.


Finally, I turned to her, my voice raw with emotion.


"I don't know how to do this," I admitted, the confession slipping out before I could stop it. "I don't know how to be strong enough." I confessed.


Lilian's eyes softened, and she reached out, her hand brushing against mine. It was a simple touch, but it sent a shiver down my spine.


"You don't have to be strong all the time," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling of the dying fire. "It's okay to grieve, to feel lost. You're not alone in this." She said.



Her words hit me harder than I expected. For so long, I'd been trying to shoulder everything on my own, to be the unbreakable alpha everyone needed me to be.

But in that moment, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I didn't have to do it alone.


Lilian was here, offering her support without expecting anything in return, and it was more than I deserved.


I took a deep breath, letting her words sink in.

"Thank you," I managed to say, my voice thick with emotion. "For being here." It took me a lot to say those words.



She nodded, her hand still resting on mine.

"Always," she replied, a small, reassuring smile tugging at her lips.


We stood there together, watching the last of the embers flicker out. The night was quiet, the air cool and still. And for the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to feel the full weight of my grief.


I let the tears fall, not caring if anyone saw. This was my moment to mourn, to let go of the pain and the fear, if only for a little while.


As the last of the smoke drifted into the night sky, I felt a strange sense of closure.


The ceremony was over, but the journey was just beginning. I had a pack to lead, a legacy to uphold, and a mate who was willing to stand by my side, no matter what. It wouldn't be easy, but for the first time, I felt a glimmer of hope.


Lilian squeezed my hand gently, a silent reminder that she was there.


I turned to her, meeting her gaze, and saw a depth of understanding in her eyes that took my breath away.


She didn't need to say anything; her presence was enough.


Together, we turned away from the pyres, leaving the past behind us. The future was uncertain, filled with challenges and unknowns, but I knew I could face it.

With Lilian by my side, I felt a strength I hadn't known I possessed.


And as we walked back to the packhouse, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to let her in, to trust her with the parts of myself I kept hidden.



It wouldn't happen overnight, and it wouldn't be easy. But for Lilian, for the pack, and for myself, I was willing to try.


We had a long road ahead, but with her by my side, I felt ready to face it.
As we reached the packhouse, I glanced back one last time at the smoldering pyres.


The smoke had all but disappeared, the flames extinguished. It was an end, yes, but also a beginning.

A new chapter, one that I hoped would be filled with healing, growth, and maybe, just maybe, a little happiness. For now, that was enough.