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Chapter 5 - Loss

The afternoon air carried a strange silence, as if the whole world was holding its breath. Grey practiced a few movements in the clearing, feeling the weight of his lineage in every strike and jump. Each step reminded him how much he'd grown—he wasn't the scared boy who had run from the flames that night anymore.

Cora watched him from a few steps away, bent forward with her hair falling over her face.

"You're faster than me," she said, her tone half teasing, half admiring.

Grey smiled, though a shadow crossed his expression.

"Not as fast as before…" he murmured softly. "But… I miss how things used to be."

The crunch of gravel nearby broke the quiet. Derek appeared between the trees, arms crossed, his serious face showing a trace of relief. When he saw them, he took a deep breath.

"Talia called me," he said, voice low. "I heard about Laura."

Talia stepped out from the house, walking toward them with calm control, though her eyes told a different story.

"It's been… terrible," she said, her tone steady but full of emotion. "The police said it looked like an animal attack, but… I know it wasn't. Maybe another alpha, someone from a different pack."

Grey frowned, anger and confusion twisting inside him.

"How could that happen to her? She was… strong." His voice trembled, but he kept his gaze firm.

Derek moved closer, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"She was strong—and brave. But even alphas can be caught off guard." His eyes locked on Grey's. "We need to stay alert. We don't know who else might be out there."

Cora stepped closer and took Grey's hand without thinking. Her eyes reflected the same mix of fear and resolve.

"We're not going to let that stop us," she whispered. "Not while we can protect each other."

Talia sighed and sat down on a nearby rock, gathering the three of them with her eyes.

"Tomorrow's your first day at high school," she said, forcing a small smile. "I want you to remember that despite what happened, there's still life to live. Laura would've wanted you to be happy—to face this with strength and hope."

Grey and Cora exchanged a look, one filled with nostalgia and quiet excitement.

"I'm nervous," Cora admitted, her voice trembling just a little. "But… I want it to be a good start."

"Me too," said Grey, squeezing her hand gently. "Though it still feels like something's missing."

Derek leaned forward, watching them with a mix of sternness and affection.

"It feels empty," he said, referring to Laura. "But that doesn't mean you can't move forward. Learn from this, but don't let fear define you."

The clearing fell silent again, broken only by the soft rustle of the wind through the trees. Grey turned slightly, stretching as if trying to release the tension in his chest.

"I guess tomorrow's going to be… a strange day," he murmured. "New classes, new faces… and everything that's happening."

Cora smiled faintly, though her eyes shimmered with held-back tears.

"I'll miss her. Every time I close my eyes, I'll remember. But I'll also remember what she taught us—that we're strong," she said, pausing softly. "And that we keep moving forward."

Talia nodded, brushing her hand gently over Grey's hair.

"Exactly. Her strength lives in both of you. Don't forget who you are or where you come from."

"Do you think we'll be able to handle it?" Grey asked, a hint of doubt creeping into his voice.

"Yes," Cora answered firmly, tightening her grip on his hand. "Together. Always."

Derek stepped back a little, watching them prepare to head inside. His expression softened for a moment, like an older brother quietly guarding his family.

"Tomorrow will be a challenge," he finally said. "But I know you're both ready."

The two exchanged smiles—quiet, knowing, filled with unspoken emotions. They didn't need words. Their bond was enough. Laura's death had left a wound, but it had also reminded them what it meant to protect and to belong.

As the sun dipped below the trees, the forest seemed to hold its breath again. Everything was still, wrapped in a calm that carried both peace and pain.

Grey took a slow breath, feeling the weight of everything, responsibility, grief, and hope, settle in his chest.

"Tomorrow's going to be a good day," he said, almost convincing himself.

"Yeah," Cora whispered, resting her head on his shoulder. "It will be."

The twilight wrapped around the house and the woods, reminding them that even though life could be unpredictable and cruel, they still had each other.

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