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The burial ceremony unfolds with a solemnity that echoes through the space. A priest in rich vestments intones prayers in Latin, the ancient language weaving an aura of reverence for the departed soul.
Incense wafts through the air, carrying with it the aroma of centuries-old traditions that bind us to our heritage.
Xander stands beside me, his eyes straight ahead while the priest blesses his father’s soul.
The cemetery is a sea of dark attire and muted whispers, each mourner bearing the weight of grief as they gather to pay their respects.
The air is thick with the heavy scent of lilies and the sorrow that clings to the atmosphere as if the very heavens weep for the loss of a man whose presence commands respect in both life and death.
My hair ruffles gently in the breeze blowing through the trees as I stand, my arms around my body, my heart breaking for the man beside me.
He’s wearing a stoic mask on his face, his body so still I would believe he’s hewn from marble if his chest wasn’t rising and falling every few seconds.
He closes his eyes as the priest says the last stream of prayers, and soon, it is time to let his Father into the dark earth. Tears stream down my face, and he gives me a long, soft look. “Hey, it’s fine.”
I nod. I know it’s fine. But he’s hurt. He’s in pain as much as he won’t agree he’ll ever miss the man. “I know. It’s just so sad he’s gone now when things are looking up for us.”
“He fought long and hard. He deserves a rest.” He looks at the dark casket placed in the center of the gathering, and his lips curl in a soft smile. “I like to think he’s at peace now.”
But is it possible? Amory had spent his entire life with violence just around the corner from him. He was responsible for more than a few deaths, for drugs on the streets and guns in homes. Is there rest for him, or is it judgment?
The funeral mass is taking place just a few steps from the family mausoleum, where his father will finally be laid to rest. There are a few snuffles and sniffles from the females, but most of the men keep their faces blank. Death is an accepted end to the journey of life.
The priest ends the prayer, and six men heft the casket, and we trail behind them to the mausoleum, the guests behind us. Not all of them will make it inside; the burial itself is reserved for family only.
I tug gently at Xander as we step through the large wooden door at the entrance of the mausoleum. He gives me his attention, and I ask softly. “Are you okay?”
“As okay as I can be. Don’t you worry.” He smiles softly, but his eyes are bright, and they bring an ache to my chest.
We stop before the large crypt where his father’s casket will be laid, and the six men step in, slowly, slowly, letting the casket drop until it lands with a thump on the granite surface of the elevated platform.
A loud wail cuts the solemn silence, and I turn to find his mother sagging into Alec’s arms, her face hidden away. Alec’s jaw ticks hard, and Xander’s nail bites into the skin of my hand, but I don’t pull away.
Knox is looking up with an effort to hold his own emotions at bay. Only Declan is sobbing quietly, a line of tears running down both his cheeks.
He leans against one of the statues scattered around the room. It’s a gloomy day outside, but inside, it’s almost warm, with bright lights spilling from the chandeliers above.
Amory Vittoria has been laid to rest. Finally, I turn away and sink my face into Xander’s shoulders, and he holds me tight, but his body is restless and shifty under me. He sinks his hand into his pocket and comes up with his phone, checks it for a second, and returns it to the pocket.
By the time I lift my head, he’s already directing the men out of the crypt with instructions, the keening cry when the men step out loud enough to meet my ears inside the mausoleum. Knox leads his mother outside.
I feel queasy immediately as I step outside, already wondering if there will be a repeat of my time in the bathroom from this morning.
I turn my head to find a man staring. He’s almost...normal, apart from the flask, which he lifts in a salute and drinks from. He looks harmless enough, but for the rest of the time, he just stares at me.
“I’ll be driving over to the house to receive the guests for the feast. I want you with me. I don’t want you out of my sight.” Xander takes my hand, and together with his brothers, we walk over to the car, where I slide into the back beside him. Ryder is absent, and I realize I haven’t seen him all day.
I don’t ask Xander because he places his hand on my thighs and leans back into the cool leather. I relax into him and allow him some time for himself. We sit in a comfortable silence till we arrive at his parent’s.
We arrive at the house to find guests milling around. There are about two hundred people who have come to feast for the last time at Amory’s table.
His mother is already at the door, thanking the people for coming, and Xander joins her. I try to walk away, but his hand tightens around mine. “I’ll be inside with your brothers. You don’t have to worry.”
“Make sure they don’t lose sight of you.” He grits out. He lets me go, and I walk away, thinking he’s being more protective than usual. I find Knox sitting on the sofa alone, his eyes closed. Beside him is Declan, who is dry-eyed and scowling.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, settling between the two of them.
“There’s too many fucking people. Where the fuck did they come from?” He growls, his eyes darting around the room, which is buzzing with the loud silence of people eating and talking quietly. “It’s not safe.”
