Alpha's Regret: The Seventh Time was Forever

Chapter 477: Chapter 477 - Don’t make it easy for her

Hours later, the seven of them finally reached the Seasoned Pack. Only the omegas and a few middle-aged warriors had stayed behind to keep watch. Out of all the packs scattered across the werewolf territories, this one was one of the smallest.

There weren’t any fancy buildings or showy training grounds to impress anyone, but honestly, none of that mattered right now. The heavy ache sitting in everyone’s chest was just too much to deal with.

Ian didn’t waste any time. He led them quietly toward the omega burial grounds without saying a word. The farther they walked, the heavier the silence grew around them.

That cold air carried the thick scent of damp earth, and the old trees stood perfectly still, like they were mourning right along with the living. Even the birds had gone quiet, vanishing completely.

Each step felt harder than the last, like the ground itself was trying to drag them down.

When Voren, Vladimir, and Seraphine finally laid eyes on the burial ground, a sharp, twisting pain ripped through their chests.

The graves looked old and neglected, uneven mounds covered in wild weeds that had taken over everything. Cracked headstones leaned crookedly into the dirt, some half-swallowed by the overgrowth.

It was painfully clear this was the kind of place reserved for wolves packs had tossed aside and forgotten.

Ordinary wolves didn’t deserve to end up in a spot like this. But this was where their Luna had been resting all these years. A true queen. A woman who had given up everything.

A mother who had poured her whole soul into her family. Their hearts shattered all over again, the grief crashing through them like a fresh wound that would never heal.

Then, soft crying drifted through the chilly air. Everyone froze in place. The heartbreaking sound seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere all at once, wrapping around the entire burial ground like a ghost that refused to leave.

Ian slowly raised his hand and pointed toward one lonely grave. ”This is exactly the time when the omegas always hear someone crying from this spot.”

Olivia dropped her gaze, guilt crashing over her like a tidal wave that threatened to drown her completely. ”This... this was the time she died,” she whispered, her voice barely there.

She knew every word she spoke only made her crimes look even worse, but no one even glanced her way. Their eyes stayed locked on that single, forgotten grave.

Ian quietly stepped aside. Vladimir stared at the weathered headstone for just a second before his legs completely gave out. He dropped hard to his knees, tears flooding his vision as he reached out with shaking fingers toward the grave. ”Oriana...” His voice cracked so badly he could hardly breathe. ”I’m so sorry.”

His broad shoulders shook with violent sobs. ”I never knew you died right after giving everything you had just to bring our son into this world.” Fresh tears poured down his face without stopping. ”Our boy grew up to be an incredible man. He’s strong, honorable... everything you ever dreamed he’d become.”

Voren slowly lowered himself beside his father. The proud Alpha who had stared down countless enemies without flinching now looked like nothing more than a completely heartbroken son.

He pressed his fingers gently against the cold earth. ”Mom...” His throat tightened painfully. ”We were lied to.” Raw pain flashed across his face. ”I’m so sorry. If I had known the truth, I would’ve come looking for you decades ago.”

His lips trembled into a sad, heartbreaking smile. ”We found all the gifts you left behind for us.” His eyes drifted slowly toward Seraphine. ”And I brought your daughter-in-law home to finally meet you.”

Seraphine’s eyes burned with unshed tears. She knelt quietly beside both men and placed one gentle hand on the grave. ”Luna Oriana...” Every word overflowed with deep emotion. ”I’m so incredibly sorry for everything you suffered through.”

She blinked hard, fighting back the tears clouding her vision. ”But I want you to know this—no one could ever replace you. Not until you get the proper burial you truly deserve.”

A warm, gentle smile pursed her lips even through the overwhelming sadness in her eyes. ”We came here to take you home.”

The second those words left her mouth, the wind exploded around them. A fierce, icy gust roared across the cemetery without any warning.

Leaves whipped wildly through the air, dust swirled up from the ground, and branches bent hard under the powerful force. Even though no snow had fallen over the Seasoned Pack, the cold suddenly became unbearable, cutting straight to the bone.

Without even thinking, both Vladimir and Voren threw their arms around Seraphine, shielding her completely from the freezing blast. They refused to let even a whisper of that wind touch her.

Then everything changed. Olivia gasped sharply, her whole body going stiff. Her breathing turned ragged and uneven. Seraphine’s eyes widened in pure horror. ”What... what’s happening to her?” she cried out, fear thick in her voice.

Ira clung tighter to her father’s arm, her own heart hammering wildly. ”Dad...”

Alpha Faustus stayed perfectly still. Instead of looking at Olivia, he lifted his gaze toward the crescent moon shining above the trees. His expression turned deadly serious. ”From the looks of it... she’s taking her own revenge.”

Vladimir shook his head right away, his eyes never leaving Oriana’s grave. ”No, Oriana,” he said, his voice trembling with raw emotion. ”Don’t make it easy for her.” He pointed toward Olivia without even bothering to look.

”She has to face the shame from the entire pack.” His breathing grew heavier, his jaw clenching tight. ”If you kill her now, the pack will never know the full truth of what she did.”

A heavy silence fell over them. Then, just like that, the violent wind slowly died down. The freezing air faded away as a quiet warmth settled gently over the burial ground.

It felt almost comforting, like a soft, peaceful embrace from somewhere beyond.

Oriana suddenly sucked in a deep breath, her body relaxing as if invisible hands had finally let her go. Color slowly returned to her face.

It felt like someone had pulled her back from drowning in deep, dark water.

Ian cleared his throat and stepped forward. ”I buried her myself,” he said quietly, his eyes resting on the grave. ”Let me bring her out.”

He turned toward the tools nearby, but Voren immediately shook his head. He stood up slowly and helped Seraphine back to her feet, his gaze never leaving the grave. ”She’s my mother.” Determination hardened every line of his face. ”I’ll do it.”

Vladimir stepped forward almost at the same time. ”No,” he said, pain etched deeply into every feature. ”She’s my wife.”

Before they could argue any further, Seraphine gently stepped between them, her calm voice easing the heavy tension. ”Dad...” She looked at Vladimir with quiet respect. ”Voren is younger and stronger.” Then she reached for Voren’s hand. ”He also owes his life to his mother.” Her gaze returned to Vladimir. ”Please let him do this. You can collect her remains yourself afterward.”

Her words carried both kindness and deep wisdom. After several long seconds, Vladimir slowly nodded. He couldn’t deny the truth in what she said.

Voren took the shovel and, without another word, began digging. Each powerful scoop of dirt carried years of buried pain and regret.

The sound of metal striking earth echoed through the silent cemetery as his strong arms worked without slowing. In less than twenty minutes, he had dug nearly six feet deep.

Finally, the shovel struck something solid. A dull thud rang out from below. Voren knew immediately he had reached the coffin.

He tossed the shovel aside and dropped to his knees, using his bare hands to brush away the loose dirt, rocks, and dust surrounding the old wooden box.

Alpha Faustus handed him a flashlight. He shone the beam carefully until he found the rusted lock. His fingers gripped the edge of the lid tight, muscles straining across his arms, as he pulled with one powerful motion.

The coffin opened, and the sight inside stole the breath from every single one of them. Vladimir’s face went ghostly white.

His eyes rolled back, and without making another sound, he collapsed hard onto the ground.