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CHAPTER 50
~Rhiannon's POV~
The sun moved across the sky, casting different shadows through the trees. Birds called to each other in the distance. Life continued, as it always did, even in the face of death and loss.
Eventually, I stood up, brushing the dirt from my dress. The black fabric was stained now, but somehow that felt right.
"Goodbye, Father," I said softly. "Rest well."
I took one last look at the grave, memorising every detail, then turned and walked back down the path. Kael was waiting for me at the edge of the clearing, leaning against a tree. He straightened when he saw me approaching.
"Ready?" he asked.
I nodded. "Ready."
I expected Kael to say more, maybe tease me or something, but to my surprise, he didn't say anything. He held his hand for me as Soren bowed his head.
As we walked back toward the pack house, I found myself stealing glances at him. I still didn't understand why he'd done this for me.