Chapter 52
Joe's POV
The morning air was heavier than usual, almost like the sky knew we were mourning.
I stood at the edge of the Mourning Field, a vast stretch of land lined with fluttering banners, each one bearing the crest of a fallen warrior. The wind carried the scent of earth and iron, and every flag whispered stories I couldn't quite remember… but my soul could. Somewhere deep inside me, I felt them, every face I couldn't recall, every voice I couldn't place.
Their families stood in clusters. Mothers with glassy eyes, children too young to understand, fathers with silent pain carved into their expressions.
"I'm sorry for your loss," I told one woman, gripping her hand.
She nodded tearfully, placing her free hand over mine. "He believed in you, Alpha. Died fighting for your name."
I swallowed hard. What do you say to that?
"His name will be remembered," I said, the only promise I could offer.
