"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust..." As the priest continued to officiate Cedric's funeral, a sea of mourners clad in black gathered around the burial ground.
Aliana stood quietly, her gaze fixed on the coffin as it was lowered into the earth. No tears fell from her eyes this time. Over the past two days, she had grieved until she they wouldn't come out anymore.
Gavriel stood beside her with his arm wrapped securely around her waist, standing by in case she broke down. He had been her rock, keeping her grounded and granting her the quiet space she needed to heal.
Regret still weighed heavily on Aliana's heart for not being able to save Cedric despite everything. Still, Gavriel had continued to reassure her that she had at least saved Cedric's soul from being consumed by the demoness Vorra.
After all, Cedric's final words had been those of gratitude, thanking her for saving his soul.
Still, accepting the harsh reality of his absence was a bitter pill to swallow.
