Everyone looked around in surprise as the garden began to blossom, its beauty so vibrant that it brightened their eyes. The priestess continued to chant, her voice weaving a spell of transformation, but even the garden's beauty couldn't replace the loss that King Derek had just suffered - the loss of his mate and dear wife.

King Derek sniffled, his eyes filled with tears, his face etched with pain. Alfred and Layla watched, helpless, as there was nothing they could do to pacify the king. The king's eyes were swollen, as if there were still thousands of unshed tears within them.

As the reality of the situation sank in, King...