Heart of a rogue

Chapter 38

The day of Alani's funeral was somber and heavy, a gathering of the pack in mourning. The entire pack had assembled, their faces etched with grief and their eyes red from hours of weeping. The clearing where the ceremony took place was adorned with flowers and garlands, each one a tribute to the life Alani had lived—a life filled with strength, compassion, and dedication. For us, this all happened in a day... But for them we had been gone for multiple days, almost a full week. We had to wait for the moon, which meant another week of preserving Alani's body underground.

Declan, standing tall despite the weight of his sorrow, took his place at the front. As Alpha, he was expected to lead the proceedings, but today, the mantle of leadership felt like a burden. He cleared his throat and began to speak, his voice choked with emotion but steady.

"Today, we remember Alani," he said, his gaze sweeping over the gathered pack members. "She was not only my sister but also a fierce and dedicated leader. She ran the rehabilitation camps with a strength and determination that inspired us all. Her unwavering commitment to helping others was unmatched. Alani had her quirks—her stubbornness, her unfiltered honesty—but that's what made her who she was. She was a champ, and she will be deeply missed."

There was a murmur of agreement and sobs from the crowd as Declan continued, his voice breaking but resolute. "She fought hard for what she believed in, and she loved fiercely. She left an indelible mark on us, and while her absence leaves a void, her spirit will live on in the work she did and the lives she touched."

As Declan finished, he stepped back, his eyes damp as he took his place beside me. It was my turn to speak, and I felt the weight of the pack's gaze on me. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, the silence around me a testament to the respect and grief shared by all.

"Today, we say goodbye to Alani," I began, my voice steady but filled with emotion. "When I first joined this pack, Alani and I butted heads more than a few times. We were like oil and water—constantly clashing. But over time, I came to see her for who she truly was. Many times, girlfriends or allies start out at odds before they learn to respect and even love each other. And that was true for us. I grew to respect her deeply, for her strength, her dedication, and her unwavering spirit."

I paused, feeling the weight of my words. "Alani was not just a sister to Declan but a pillar of strength for this pack. She gave so much of herself to us, and for that, we are eternally grateful. Thank you, Alani, for everything. Your legacy will live on through the lives you touched and the battles you fought."

With my words, I hoped to honor Alani's memory and offer some solace to those mourning her loss. As the ceremony continued, the moon began its ascent to its highest peak in the night sky. The time for the pack's final tribute arrived.

In a beautiful, primal display, the entire pack shifted into their wolf forms. The transition was seamless, a fluid motion of shifting fur and bone. As wolves, they gathered in a pack, their howls rising into the night sky—a hauntingly beautiful sound that echoed through the forest, a testament to their unity and their sorrow.

The pack then began their run, a powerful, synchronized movement through the woods. It was a cathartic release, a way to honor Alani's spirit with the freedom and strength she had embodied. Their run was a dance of shadows and moonlight, a final, primal tribute to their fallen member.

When the run ended, the pack returned to their human forms, exhausted but with a sense of shared healing. As the members of the pack dispersed, I made my way to the pack house, where Declan was waiting.

He looked distraught, his face pale and drawn. The weight of grief seemed to have settled heavily upon him, and I could see the deep lines of sorrow etched into his features.