Chapter 808

Barry's funeral was a reverent affair, thanks to the combined efforts of the Abernathy and Ashbourne families.

As the day waned and the Fairhaven family dispersed, Jareth remained knelt in the chapel, his gaze fixed on his grandfather's portrait, unwilling to leave.

Evadne had gone home to be with Emeric, while Thaddeus stayed by Jareth's side until the end.

"Jareth, you're exhausted. It's time to head back and get some rest," Thaddeus sighed, moving to help him up, but finding him as unyielding as iron.

"I can't rest yet. There's still Lily's affairs to look after," Jareth replied, his voice almost robotic.

The bone-deep weariness in his tone twisted Thaddeus' heart.

Lily.

That name, unspoken by them all these days, because they knew it was the gaping, bleeding wound in Jareth's heart that would never heal.

"I'll help you. Don't worry, I'm here for you," Thaddeus said, his voice gravelly with emotion.

Lily was gone, and no words of comfort seemed to hold any weight.

"I remember Lily once said she wanted a simple, peaceful life. Even for her own funeral, she wanted it plain and quiet, to slip away like a raindrop vanishing in a shower. Nothing could be more fitting," Jareth said, his breath hitching as a nascent smile shattered before it could fully form. "But with me, all the fighting, never a day of peace or comfort. Thad, I destroyed Lily's life, it was me. I'm responsible for her death. She has no kin left in this world. How can I possibly make amends, how can I ever repay her?"

Thaddeus knelt beside him, his large hand patiently patting Jareth's back,

"Jareth, don't do this to yourself. Lily wouldn't want to see you so broken. You need to stay strong, to protect the Fairhaven legacy, and Marilla. That way, her sacrifices won't be in vain."

was only as night fell that Thaddeus and Jareth finally left the

dimly lit car, his face pale but his voice steady. "I want to sort through Lily's things. Afterward,

Jareth, Marilla, and Lily for a

impassive face sat in the back, and Jareth, only minutes after the car started, rested his head against the

"Jareth, we're here."

hour later, Thaddeus woke him. Jareth rubbed his face, looking haggard as he stepped

Dean followed closely, concerned for his

looks like he's holding on, but he's running on empty,"

"I know."

was at a loss on how

familiar code and pushed

he stepped into the living room, his gaze swept across the room, everything as it had been,

"Mr. Jareth, you're back."

melodious, floated into his ears. Jareth's face brightened with a warm

"I'm back."

the response he longed for would never

stature crumbled, and he knelt, his body curling inward as if to retreat

"Jareth!"

"Mr. Jareth!"

they heard the sound

handle this. Don't push yourself," Thaddeus said, wrapping an arm around his trembling friend, his own

"It's okay. I'm okay."

himself up from the ground, step by step, he made

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