Chapter 9

Shane immediately dialed the number for the sky burial reservation. As expected, Valerie had indeed booked it two weeks ago. An unsettling feeling crept into his chest. He realized that Valerie had too many secrets. Perhaps she wasn't as vicious as she had always seemed. He gathered his thoughts and went to meet with the sky burial organizers. Upon learning that the process was highly intricate and required traveling to Eleyburn, Shane fell into deep contemplation. Sky burial was Valerie's final wish, after all. If he didn't go along, there was a risk that news of her death might spread. After much deliberation, he hurried to the hospital. He was ready to request a leave of absence from Fabian. At the hospital, he found Sasha awake. She was nestled against Fabian's chest like a child. "Fab, once I'm discharged, I want to try that new Solmarian restaurant. Will you take me there?" Her voice was sweet and coy. Fabian chuckled and pinched her cheek affectionately. "Of course. I'll