CHAPTER 171: A DIFFICULT GOODBYE

A gut-wrenching scream of pain tore out of Zack as he sank to his knees before the lifeless bodies of Drakon, Shirley, and Dahlia. They'd lost. Not just the battle but also the war. His body trembled with the force of his sobs, and his throat felt raw and scratched as he placed a useless hand on Drakon's silent heart before leaning down to listen to the sound of nothing. "Why?!" He bellowed, placing his hand on Shirley's ice-cold temple. Another anguished sound escaped him as he stared at the grayish hue of Dahlia's lips. This was no nightmare. No matter how much he wanted to wake up from it. He took a deep, shuddering breath, leaned back on his feet, and placed his two palms against his lap. "I'm so sorry," he muttered, slowly preparing himself for the passage chant. "I failed you, alpha. I failed the Luna, and you too, Dahlia." He brushed away the tears staining his cheeks and swallowed hard as he began. "May your journey be swift; may your heart be light." He drew a sign on