CH. 149 THE FUNERAL

AUTHOR’S POV

The dark hall was covered in shadows and sorrow, a sea of black clothing as mourners gathered to pay their final respects. Nora stood by Leo’s grave, her hand trembling as she placed a lily on top of the polished wood of his coffin. Leo’s parents, their faces covered with grief, stood beside her, each adding their own floral tribute.

Nora turned to them, but her eyes pointed at the ground, the guilt still weighing on her. She dropped to her knees and whispered, “I’m the reason your son is gone. I took him away from you. If he hadn’t saved me, he would still be here.”

But Leo’s parents would hear none of it. His mother lifted Nora gently, her voice soft yet firm. “No, honey. It was not your doing. It was the will of the moon goddess, and our son chose to save you.”

His father added, “You must live for him now. Make his sacrifice meaningful.” A smile lit up his broad face, softening his harsh features.

Overwhelmed by their kindness, Nora felt a tear streak down her fac