Chapter 75.

Erianna.

Late night…

My brother left his room a while ago to handle the pack procedures after the battle. The rules are sacred, bury the fallen in Eliora’s presence before daylight, then give account of their deaths to their families. The warriors already had their funerals, their pyres blazing beneath Eliora’s light. Now, the grief stricken are being told the names.

Their anguished tears ripping through the walls of the mansion. Their pain familiar to me. Just like we had felt when dad had died.

'Wake dad up, mum.' I had cried when dad was brought in, dead.

Mum had broken down, Gerald had been devastated. And our cries of anguish never brought dad back. Rather our sorrows only dug deep, until they became dull aches over the years.

I should have fought by Gerald’s side tonight. I really should have. Instead, I stood with Ephraim. My mate. My true place now. I was tethered by the bond, the instinct to guard him above all else. Stand with your mate, protect your mate. Tha