Chapter 99. A Final Moment

Ainsley

Days later, I step through the iron gate of Redmoon’s graveyard, my heart heavy with sorrow and hope as I make my way through the uniform rows.

The morning light is soft and gentle, barely warming the snow covered pathway as I walk down it. Liam walks beside me, his steady presence grounding while he keeps my hand wrapped tightly in his, helping to quell my scattered thoughts.

My grandfather trails along slowly behind us, quiet and solemn. We’re here to visit my grandmother’s grave where she now rests beside my mother. A bittersweet event that’s been a long time coming.

I clutch the bouquet of lilies and wildflowers in my free hand a little tighter as I make my way toward the two gravestones standing side by side—my grandmother’s and my mother’s. The sight of them together warms me a little. At least Cyrus has the decency to lay my grandmother down to rest next to her daughter.

That’s perhaps the only kind thing he’s ever done.