The funeral was held in the Elfender family cemetery, a sprawling piece of land on the eastern edge of the estate where generations of their ancestors had been laid to rest.
Altair stood at the front of the gathering, dressed in formal black mourning attire, his face carefully neutral. His mother stood to his left, veiled and silent. Zara was on his right, her hand clutching his arm tightly. Michael stood on Helena's other side, positioned perfectly to be visible to all attendees.
The cemetery was full.
Dozens of noble families had sent representatives—some out of genuine respect, others out of political necessity. Lord Godric Elfender had been a significant figure in Valthoria's summoner hierarchy, and his death created ripples that would be felt for months.
The priest droned on about honor, legacy, and the eternal nature of the soul. Altair barely heard him. His eyes drifted across the crowd, taking in the faces.
