Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 568: Henry’s Wake keep

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.

to toe, was the first to enter, and every head

to wail. Their cries were piercing, rising in a haunting chorus that sent chills

in raw, unfiltered waves of sound. Tugging on Asher’s clothes

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

He stole a glance at his friend, relaxing when he realized he was good. Then he kept moving, falling

the front, Asher took his reserved seat. Roman sat just beside him, and the others filled in

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

Elijah, their earlier wailing ceasing. The crowd parted for him instinctively, leaving a clear path down the center

gaze sweeping over his subjects with a

as his throne back home, it was still luxurious,

word spoken. The two figures sat side by side, one the heir of the West, the

through the gathered crowd, breaking the heavy silence. From the far end of the ceremonial grounds, Luna Patricia appeared, draped head to toe in mourning

She was not alone.

Their movements were perfectly in sync, as though the ritual had been rehearsed countless times. This was their tradition, and even Alpha King Elijah watched

flee, but no matter which direction she turned, the women closed ranks, herding her forward. They forced her back into the ceremonial path until she reached the raised stage at the heart of the grounds, where a massive framed portrait of Alpha Henry stood tall. Before it lay the sealed coffin draped with the West