Hailee's POV
The sky felt heavy.
Gray. Silent. Thick with sorrow… like even the heavens bowed their heads for my father.
Today was the day we laid him to rest.
The burial ground was full—warriors, elders, omegas, old friends, and my father's allies. Everyone dressed in black. Everyone moved quietly. Even the birds refused to sing.
But the only warmth I felt… the only steady thing holding me up…
was Nathan.
He hadn't left my side since morning. Not even to breathe.
His hand stayed on my waist, firm but gentle, grounding me like an anchor in the middle of a storm I couldn't escape.
Every few moments, his thumb brushed my hip—small, soft movements that said:
"I'm here… I'm not going anywhere."
"Are you okay?" he whispered, his voice low, careful.
He had asked me that over and over. At least fifty times.
I nodded slowly, even though my heart felt like shattered glass under my ribs.
"Yes… I'm okay."
