The next morning arrived in a blanket of silence. The sun had risen, but its light felt dimmer than usual, as if it too mourned.
Joshua opened his eyes slowly, sitting up on his bed with a heavy breath. Across the room, Lancelot was already awake, silently doing push-ups on the hardwood floor, his face expressionless, focused.
Joshua rubbed his eyes, his voice low.
"Guess today is Amy's funeral."
His tone carried a weight, a quiet sorrow that filled the room like fog.
Lancelot paused mid-pushup, stood up, and nodded silently. There was no need for words.
A knock echoed from the door.
"You may enter," Lancelot said.
The door creaked open to reveal a young woman in the familiar maid uniform of House Kaizer. She had long black hair that shimmered like obsidian, sharp golden eyes, and pointed ears, unmistakably a noble witch. In her arms were two neatly folded black suits.
Joshua narrowed his eyes, his mood darkening.
"Who the hell are you?" he snapped, irritation flaring in his voice. (So they already replaced Amy...)
The woman bowed politely. "My name is Tiffany. I'm a noble witch and a maid of the noble House of Kaizer. I also serve on the medical staff."
Joshua raised an eyebrow.
"She's the one who always healed your wounds," Lancelot explained. "You just never saw her, you were unconscious every time."
Joshua blinked, then looked away. (So she's always been here... That explains it.)
"Thanks... for healing me," he said flatly, his expression unreadable.
Tiffany smiled, undeterred by his cold tone. "The pleasure is all mine, Joshua."
Joshua avoided her gaze. (I better not get close. The same thing might happen again... just like Amy.)
Tiffany held out the folded suits. "I came to bring your outfits for the funeral. The service is in a few hours."
She handed one to Lancelot, who nodded.
"Thank you, Tiffany."
Then she offered the other to Joshua. He took it wordlessly.
Tiffany bowed once more, stepped out, and quietly closed the door behind her. As she walked down the corridor, her thoughts lingered on the boy she'd just met.
(He's nothing like Amy described... She said he was funny, warm, and kind. But now, he's the complete opposite. Maybe... maybe he's just that sad.)
Back in the room, Lancelot glanced at Joshua, sensing his inner struggle.
(He's probably scared that if he gets close to Tiffany, she'll end up like Amy... I won't say anything. He needs time.)
The two dressed in silence, slipping into the black suits of mourning. Then, without a word, they made their way to the graveyard behind the noble estate, where only members and servants of the Kaizer house were buried.
When they arrived, the seats were already filled with somber figures in black dresses and dark suits. All eyes were lowered, waiting for the service to begin. Joshua and Lancelot took their seats beside Blanchette and Merlin, Joshua to Blanchette's left, Merlin on her right, and Lancelot on the end.
The sun had reached its zenith by the time the ceremony began. The casket stood solemnly behind the speaker's podium, surrounded by wreaths of white roses and lavender.
King William stepped forward first, regal and somber.
"I want to begin this funeral service by honoring Amy," he said. "She was a hard worker, a loyal maid, and a cherished member of House Kaizer. She will be dearly missed."
He paused.
"I would now like to invite her father, Jonathan, to speak."
Jonathan rose slowly from his seat, the lines on his face more defined than ever. He stepped to the front, his voice rough but steady.
"My daughter... suffered her whole life," he began. "Even after joining this noble house, the wounds from her childhood never truly healed. Trauma clung to her like a shadow. But... something changed when a young noble werewolf came into her life."
Joshua's breath caught.
"He broke through her pain, pain caused by noble werewolves just like him. But he was different. He gave her joy, peace... even when it meant sacrificing parts of himself. And when I saw her face... after she passed... she was smiling. She was at peace."
Jonathan turned, his eyes locking with Joshua's.
"That's why I say this now: Joshua, I forgive you. And more than that... I thank you. For everything you gave her."
The dam inside Joshua broke. Tears spilled, not tears of sorrow, but of release. Relief.
Beside him, Blanchette gently took his hand. Merlin smiled warmly, and even Lancelot gave a subtle nod.
They buried Amy after that. Lowered her into the earth as sunlight broke through the clouds, casting a brief, gentle glow over the scene.
When it was over, everyone returned to their lives. The world kept turning.
But for those who loved Amy... nothing would ever be quite the same.