Nine

Damien

We gathered around Aunt Hera's final resting place, with a dark cloud of sorrow hanging above us. The cemetery was so quiet, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind and occasional mournful sniffles.

I stood at the front of the grave, feeling lost and alone. It was upsetting to see Aunt Hera inside the casket, lifeless.

We each held bunches of flowers as we stood in silence, paying our final respects.

Penelope, Aunt Hera's adopted daughter, wept uncontrollably. I wrapped an arm around her, trying to comfort her as best I could.

The mourners were gloomy. Leo, Isadora, and Anysia stood beside me. Xena and her husband held each other, with Xena sniffing into her handkerchief.

My heart ached with grief. I remembered all the good times I had with Aunt Hera – her warm smile and infectious laugh, her meals that filled me, and her words of encouragement.

"Being an Alpha is a giant responsibility," she'd always say. "Always remember to keep your friends close and your enemies