GOODBYE OLD FRIENDS

LIAM

I watch solemnly as the boat floats away, burning.

Sniffles and muffled cries are behind me, the families who lost their loved ones mourning. My heart clenches, as I close my eyes, saying a final goodbye to my friends who died to protect me and the territory.

Before I stand up from where I am crouched by the river bed, I put away all the sadness and sorrow I feel, masking before finally standing up to comfort the pack members who are here today.

"King …" Reece walks up to me as I make my way to the families.

"Reece," I nod as I look at my baby brother. He has been better, as I notice the eye bags from the obvious lack of sleep.

"Can we talk, after this?" Reece asks, looking at me for a few seconds and then looking at his feet.

I can never deny my brother anything. When he was away, not talking to me hurt but I could only respect his decision to stay away and figure out what he wanted. "Sure, I am here whenever you need me."