Chapter 783

　　Third person's POV 　　Why did it have to be Derek? 　　Alvin's fists tightened as he stared at the horizon. Derek had lived with a clear conscience—except for Tabitha. He didn't deserve this end. 　　But Alvin wasn't a healer. All he could do was watch as Derek's breaths grew shallower, his skin paler. 　　The bell tinkled again—Hedwig had followed them here. 　　When they finally stopped, Alvin eased Derek against a gnarled pine, its needles pricking Derek's back like needles of ice. 　　"This spot's good," Alvin said, voice cracking. "You'll see the sunrise." 　　Derek nodded weakly. "Good." 　　The mountain wind bit through Derek's coat, but it cleared his head a little. 　　"Alvin... my biggest regret was letting Daphne's demands tear Tabitha and me apart. If I hadn't blamed her for Silver Moon Pack's problems... none of this would've happened." 　　"Alpha Derek, you had your reasons," Alvin said, though the words felt hollow. 　　"Reasons?" Derek snorted, the sound wet and ragged. "I used to hide be