Hundred and seventy-five

They stood outside in the De Luca's graveyard. It marked Arabella's first visit, and she wished it would also be the last.

Despite the daytime, mournful howls echoed before the funeral commenced. She guessed it was traditions.

Brianna and her sisters took charge of the ceremony, as Sandro had handed it over to them.

"Today, we lay to rest Nicholas Armstrong, a fierce Beta, and guardian of our pack. Let's remember the beautiful things he did for us. He died a hero, sacrificing his life for his friends. He'll be forever missed."

Blaze was truly gone, Arabella pondered. She had spent the whole previous day waiting for him or someone to reveal that it was all a joke. To assure her he would wake up, hug her, kiss her, and tell her everything would be fine.

But no one came. She had seen him give up, and not even her tears, which had awakened him the first time, worked this time. Brianna had mentioned something about him running out of luck.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, and though she vo