Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 568

Chapter 568: Henry’s Wake keep

Tonight was the wake-keep ceremony for the late Alpha Henry.

Aside from the earlier commotion caused by Griffin and Violet’s escape, nothing monumental had happened since. For now, things had settled into an uneasy calm.

Tonight, they would mourn, and honor the fallen hero, Alpha Henry with proper respect. Then tomorrow, he will finally be laid to rest.

The ceremony was open to all members of the West Pack. Men, women, and even children were permitted to attend, and they had arrived in full force.

Rows of chairs stretched across the wide ceremonial grounds, perfectly aligned, creating neat pathways down the center. At the very front, an exclusive row of high-backed, cushioned chairs was set aside for the high-ranking wolves.

The entire place glowed with the soft light of torches and candles. The electricity had been deliberately turned off to honor tradition and give the night a sacred feel. The moment was heavy with grief, the scent of burning wax and incense saturating the air.

Members of the West pack sat in complete silence, their gazes lowered. Women clutched handkerchiefs or the hems of their dark mourning shawls, while men sat stiff-backed, their hands clasped tightly, and their jaws clenched. Even the usually restless children were subdued, their wide and innocent eyes reflecting the torchlight.

Asher, draped in black from head to toe, was the first to enter, and every head lifted. His expression was so stoic and unreadable, it looked like he was made from stone.

As soon as they saw him, the women began to wail. Their cries were piercing, rising in a haunting chorus that sent chills down people’s spines. Some dropped to their knees, clutching their heads, while others reached out desperately to touch Asher as he passed.

It was customary for the women of the West pack to mourn loudly, and express their grief in raw, unfiltered waves of sound. Tugging on Asher’s clothes was their way of showing deep condolence, a physical gesture that they shared in his pain.

As expected of him, Asher didn’t waver. He moved forward with unflinching resolve, letting their hands fall away as he passed through them. For once, the West Pack’s traditions suited him because he wasn’t burdened by grief at all.

Roman was right beside Asher. He stole a glance at his friend, relaxing when he realized he was good. Then he kept moving, falling into step with the other Alphas.

When they reached the front, Asher took his reserved seat. Roman sat just beside him, and the others filled in the row. Just like that, a heavy, expectant silence fell again.

Then the atmosphere shifted as Alpha King Elijah entered with all the authority of his title. His presence radiated power that had all spines straightening and heads bowing without being told. The remaining Alphas and his guests trailed right behind him.

Unlike Asher, no one dared to touch Elijah, their earlier wailing ceasing. The crowd parted for him instinctively, leaving a clear path down the center aisle.

Elijah’s stride was regal and unhurried, his gaze sweeping over his subjects with a predator’s calm detachment.

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