Closing the book

And just like that, her blood ran cold with new grief. It was inescapable and came on so quickly that she was powerless to stop it. Theory's smile faltered, her polite façade splintering. Sadness shone in her eyes and she looked quickly away towards the rapids where Shaye was buried, sucking in a breath quickly to compose herself. "I'm terribly sorry. It's been long enough now that I assumed everyone just... knew, but I suppose that's foolish of me," she laughed but there was no humor there. "I think I remember you. You were with us for a spell... I was so young then." Theory paused to still the feelings that were stirring and continued: "Shaye died shortly after the volcano displaced us, but I'm sure anything you may have wanted to discuss with her can be discussed with me." Even as she spoke the words they felt like heavy ashes in her mouth. Was that presumptuous of her? She was alpha now. Shaye couldn't hear whatever message Tsunami bore.