Page 81 of Warrior

∞∞∞

Heartbreaking funerals filled the following week.We buried five Shadow Warriors each night, their loss hitting like a punch with every painful procession.On the final night, we laid Harris to rest, giving him full Warrior honors.

During Harris’s service, Mila and I stood on either side of Skylar, offering what comfort we could as King gave the eulogy.Despite Harris’s betrayal, King had insisted he receive a Warrior’s burial, understanding the simplicity of his actions.He had protected his mate.

“Harris was a hero, a true Warrior,” King began.“His name will be written in our history books.His memory will remain a part of us, and we will tell our children stories of a great Warrior.”The men shouted in agreement, their voices echoing through the night.

King’s gaze shifted.“Skylar, his wife, is now one of us,” he declared.Then his eyes moved to Landan and Mila.“You are now part of our people too.You are safe here.This is your home if you choose to stay.Welcome.”

Both nodded, and Mila discreetly wiped away tears as she clung to Skylar.

King stepped forward and lowered a torch into the kindling beneath Harris’s body.Flames crackled and spread, casting an orange glow over the somber gathering.

Skylar released our arms and moved forward, taking her own torch and lighting the wood.When she returned, her heart-wrenching sobs filled the air as she collapsed back into our embrace.We stood with her for an hour, watching the flames consume Harris’s body, Skylar’s grief as raw as the fire before us.

“Skylar,” I said softly, stroking her back.“Someone will stay with him all night.You need to rest.”

“No!”she cried, gripping Mila like a lifeline when I tried to guide her away.

Axel appeared silently behind us.He injected something into her arm so quickly, I didn’t have time to object.

“She needs rest,” he said simply, catching her as she slumped forward.

I hesitated, guilt gnawing at me, but Axel shook his head.“Let me be the doctor and relieve some of her suffering.She hasn’t slept in days.”

Mila met my eyes and nodded.“He’s right, she needs to sleep.I won’t leave her side,” she promised.

Reluctantly, I left Skylar in their care.Axel carried her toward the citadel, and Mila stayed close.

As I stood by the burning pyre, I glanced around at the people I now called family.The men were adjusting to having a female Shadow Warrior within their ranks.They treated me as King’s mate and, more importantly, as a Warrior in my own right.After battling the Federation, no one could deny I was one of them now.

King pulled me close, his arm draped protectively over my shoulder as we stood watching the flames for a while longer.Together, we walked back to the citadel.

I saw Landan and would have stopped, but King steered me clear.He spoke before I could scold him.

“I had a talk with him this morning.He understands his life could depend on avoiding getting too close to you.I explained that the mating rage does not last forever, and he respects our ways.”

I didn’t argue because I understood.

∞∞∞

The following morning, King held a council meeting, minus Beck.Usually, it was Beck who caused the trouble, but for some reason, Nokita and Labyrinth thought they needed to discuss every minute detail and argue for hours.Their voices rose as they debated strategy.I stayed silent, listening to their heated discussions about taking the entire Federation off the map.

King’s frustration built until it reached a boiling point.I could see his Warrior form fighting to break free.

“Damn children,” he muttered and stormed from the room.

They ignored him and debated in his absence, their voices a hum of anger and impatience.I stayed quiet, observing.

When King finally returned, he leaned down and kissed my cheek before reclaiming his seat.He crossed his arms and allowed his beast’s energy to fill the room, though he didn’t shift.

The men went quiet.

The council hadn’t noticed my silence, but King did.His gaze met mine, and he winked.I raised an eyebrow, confused.He addressed the men.

“Marinah has something to say.”

I fought a smile and placed my palms flat on the table, spreading my fingers slowly before I looked up.

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