Chapter 113
This entire ordeal has overwhelmed the fear I had left for midterms. I mean, I’m not saying I’m not internally screaming because I’m dying to know what my grade is going to be, but what is about to happen just takes the top place for shit I’ve gotten myself into. This is reallyhappening. All I wanted was to be free from all of this. To give him exactly what he wanted There is no reason for me to stay by his side. He has everything he wanted.
As we’re driven to the front of the council hall, I can see a whole lot of familiar faces in the crowd. People I thought were m friends are here to ensure their alpha gets away with the mess he’s turned my life into. What has he told them or promised them? Is it bad enough to bring them here to testify against me? Is this where my story ends? Is this all my life is worth?
My grandmother takes my hand when the car comes to a halt at the front doors. There are a lot of cameras out there. My life is about to get the kind of exposure I’ve always feared having given my position. I’ve never wanted this kind of power. I still don’t want it. Everyone is watching what I do. Not just the pack, but the Lycan race as well.
“Sophia,” Ragnar calls my name when he opens the door, and I don’t make any effort to move.
I look up at him when I see his hand waiting for me to take. We haven’t spoken since I turned away when he offered to mari me in front of the council. It’s a relief that he didn’t take it personally enough to not come. Ivar is standing a few feet away, along with a few other guards.
The flashes begin going crazy when I reach out to take his hand. My heart drops when I hear them calling my name and firing questions from every direction I can turn in. I make the mistake of glancing over to the crowd on the packland’s side. There are signs that say Luna Sophie. Come back. Pictures of Santiago and me decorate posters and T–shirts. They try to catch my attention as the rest of our entourage surrounds us.
“Stay with me, Soph,” Ragnar whispers and pulls me close. My grandmother follows behind us as we push our way inside the council hall.
Once inside, the high ceilings greet us. The first person I see is former Alpha Romano standing to the right of the room with a group of guards and the Alpha King. The two of them stop talking the moment their eyes land on me. I feel my body tense up tightly, and the rage rushes to the surface with absolute vengeance.
“Calm yourself,” my grandmother whispers into my ear. I lower my gaze, but I see the moment that Alpha Romano senses something is off. He takes a step closer to us, only to earn a well–deserved growl from Ivar. I think he saw it. My affinity shining in my eyes.
“Head up at all times, Little Wolf. These dogs are beneath you,” Ragnar huffs in their direction. I follow his lead. As soon as we approach the council room, we are all patted down to make sure we don’t have any hidden weapons.
When we’re all cleared, we are escorted inside the scent of sedar and ink hangs heavy in the air. There are already people seated on both sides. My grandmother and I are taken to the front. Only as we get to the hearing tables does Ragnar let go of my hand. He looks around and reluctantly moves to take a seat in the rows behind us. Alariq greets us with a confident
smile.
“Major General,” he bows to my grandmother. “Lady Helvig.”
I drop into the seat, completely frustrated with this entire situation. My stomach is churning. I feel like the breakfast I forced down to not worry Ragnar and my grandmother is going to projectile across the ugly brown carpeted floor. I can hear the ticking in my watch as each second passes by as slowly as it possibly can.
My body tenses up tightly when I hear Santiago’s name echo from behind me. The doors swing open, and I hear the way he barges in with his team in pursuit. His scent, which once brought me comfort, sends dread down my spine. I see his shiny oxfords stop beside me, but I don’t dare turn to look at him. I’m frozen with fear, and I can think of nothing but please, Gods. Don’t send me back to this man. I won’t survive.
1/3
8:49 am
Chapter 113
00:4
He has enough sense not to say a word to me. I release the breath I didn’t know I was holding when he’s out of sight in my peripheries. I almost jump out of my skin when my grandmother places her hand over mine. Her eyes darken when I meet
her gaze.
“It’s just me, my love, she says gently. I fight with everything in me not to break down crying. “Breathe.”
“Sorry, I choke out and try to calm my racing heart. She takes a deep breath and links our hands. She dismisses my apology with a small headshake.
The gavel is slammed three times, and the doors shut us all in. The room is absolute chaos for a moment before it settles. and silence follows. It’s so quiet I can hear several hearts beating all around me. I clear my throat and sit back, trying to swallow the sudden dryness in my throat.
“Take a seat, Alpha Romano. I would like to settle this dispute today if possible,” the judge says.
The woman is dressed in an all–black gown to cover up her coven colours and attire. Her beautiful raven–black hair is pulled back into a perfect high bun that wraps around her head like a tiara. Her crimson eyes show what she is. A vampire, and if she’s sitting in the high chair, it means she’s been around for a very, very long time.
“All stand,” the plaintiff calls out.
We all stand. I can feel eyes on me as the plaintiff comes over with a giant black piece of Obsidian. My grandmother and Alariq take the no lie oath, but I am skipped as a rogue. A moon stone is taken over to the werewolves, and they take the oath of the moon goddess.
Once the judge is satisfied, she gives the okay to start.
“Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to the Alliance Council Hall. Today, we are here to settle a misunderstanding between two fated mates. Alpha Santiago Romano and Rogue Omega, Sophia Helvig.
“Due to the diversity of the case, Coven Master Alexandria Rayne has taken time from her busy schedule to act as judge to ensure the fairness of the final verdict. We would like to inform you all that if any of you disrespect Master Rayne’s courtroom, you will be removed from the hall and you will not be allowed re–entry unless the trial is extended another day.
“Please, remain on your side of the room. Leaving your assigned locations can and will be interpreted as a threat, and you will be removed from the hall even if you are simply a witness. I would like to remind you all that you are under oath and will be held accountable to the laws of the master so long as you are in her courtroom.
“Thank you for joining us tonight. We ask that you keep an open mind despite your race and beliefs. We all have a story to tell, and this is where the truth will be listened to. May the truth set us all free.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
