The courtyard of Dravengard Palace was filled with people.
It had been cleared two days earlier, and now it was full.
Alphas, Lunas, gammas, and members of the royal household stood in quiet rows around a large open space at the centre.
Two wooden pyres had been built side by side. Upon them lay the embalmed bodies of Declan and Brian, dressed in the deep purple of the royal house, their hands folded across their chests and their weapons laid beside them, prepared according to Lycan custom for the final rite of fire.
Derek stood at the head of the pyres with Kira on one side and Nana on the other. Kai stood beside Nana. They were all in black, wearing shades to hide their puffy eyes.
The elder wolf came forward, carried the rites in his hands and raised both hands and the courtyard fell still.
"We give them back," he said.
"We give them back," the courtyard answered.
