"When a guardian chooses his own ending, fate itself bows in acknowledgment."
The stone of the Wall of Remembrance was cold, even through the soles of my ceremonial boots. The air was sharp with the scent of high-altitude frost and the lingering metallic smell of military discipline. Today was the official farewell to Silas, the day we conferred the Highest Burial Order and cemented the perfect, necessary lie. I stood beside Elias, who, despite my protests, insisted on attending. He was pale but formidable, anchored by his fierce Alpha resolve and the protective bubble of energy I wove around him. The sight of the flag-draped casket, the muted ranks of the Honor Guard, and the silent, massive crowd gathered on the Citadel below all confirmed the severity of the loss.
