Black cloth draped the halls of Blackwood Mansion.The cheerful voices that usually echoed through the estate had been replaced by hushed whispers and quiet footsteps. Servants moved about with lowered heads while healers prepared Alpha Raymond's body for the funeral rites.One after another, pack members arrived to pay their respects.At the center of it all sat Ashley.She knelt beside her father's body, dressed in a simple black gown. Her eyes were red, tears streamed down her cheeks, and every now and then a quiet sob escaped her lips.To everyone watching, she looked like a daughter shattered by grief."My Lady," an elderly woman said softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "May the Moon Goddess grant him peace."Ashley nodded weakly, unable to speak.The woman squeezed her shoulder before moving away.As soon as she was gone, Ashley lowered her gaze to her father's still face.For a long moment, she simply looked at him.*You were a good Alpha,* she admitted silently.
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