#Chapter 130: Late Night Deals

Ava It was just after two in the morning when the nurse came in to gently inform us that visiting hours were over. Chris and I had been keeping a silent vigil by Degas’s bedside for hours, neither of us willing to leave the frail Elder’s side—but neither of us able to speak to each other, either. “I understand,” Chris said, rising stiffly from his chair. His tuxedo was rumpled from spending the night sitting in a folding chair, his jacket long since discarded and his top few buttons undone. His tie was nowhere to be found. “But would it be possible for us to remain here tonight? Elder Degas is... well, he’s family.” The nurse nodded with a sigh. “Very well, Alpha Chris. Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.” Once the nurse left, a heavy silence fell over the room once more. I turned my attention back to Degas, unable to tear my eyes away from his withered features—those deep lines etched into his face, the paper-thin skin stretched taut over his protrudin