VALEN’S POV

The day was gloomy and cold. The scent of winter was rife in the crisp wind that danced through the air. But the chill I felt had nothing to do with the climate. It was bone deep and prevailing. It prevailed through the collection and examination of Meredith’s body and the preparation for the ceremony for her last rites.

It prevailed as I committed her to the afterlife, as was my duty as her Alpha. It prevailed as the words honoring her life flowed from my ...