The verdict

Aria's Pov

The oppressive silence in the Werewolf Court pressed down on me like a physical weight as I watched Jennie take the stand. Her usual vibrant energy was gone, replaced by a shell-shocked demeanor that made my heart ache. The ornate courtroom was packed with what seemed like every important werewolf for miles - their scrutiny only adding to the suffocating atmosphere.

"Breathe, Aria," Davina's voice echoed in my mind. "You need to stay calm."

I took a shaky breath, trying to quell the anxiety churning in my stomach. Dr. Edward's potions had helped me reconnect with my inner wolf for a few minutes at time everyday but our relationship was still strained after last night's heated argument about Kaine and the mate bond.

"I can't just forget what he did," I thought back fiercely. "He killed my mother, Davina. How can you expect me to accept him?"

"There are things you don't understand yet," Davina replied, her tone tinged with frustration. "The mate bond exists for a reason. Fighting it will only hurt you in the long run."

As I fought with the mixed emotions of anger and grief, my fists clenched tightly. I couldn't help but replay our argument from the previous night in my mind. Before I could delve deeper into my thoughts, the voice of the court assistant interrupted me.

"Aria Greywind, please approach the bar to give your testimony."

My legs felt like lead as I stood. Across the room, I caught sight of Scarlet - or what was left of her. Her once-perfect blonde hair hung in limp tangles, and she'd lost an alarming amount of weight. The angry red scar marring her hand made my stomach turn. Despite everything, a pang of pity shot through me.

As I made my way to the front, my gaze was drawn inexorably upward. Kaine sat on a raised dais, his piercing grey eyes locked on me. The moment our gazes met, a wave of warmth washed over me, followed by a surge of joy so intense it took my breath away.

"What's happening?" I asked Davina, alarmed. "Is Kaine using his magic on me again?"

"No," she replied, her tone softening. "That's the mate bond, Aria. That's what you've been fighting against.The effects of Dr. Edwards' potions are becoming more apparent as they start to work properly on us."

I tore my eyes away from Kaine, my cheeks burning. This was all wrong. I shouldn't be feeling anything positive toward him, let alone this overwhelming sense of rightness. Not when I was here to plead for Scarlet's life.

"Members of the court," I began, my voice trembling slightly. "I'm here to speak on behalf of Scarlet Ravens. While her actions were undoubtedly wrong, I believe that forgiveness and the opportunity for redemption should also be considered."

As I spoke, recounting the events leading up to that fateful night, I could feel Kaine's gaze burning into me. It took every ounce of willpower not to look at him again, not to let myself be swept away by emotions I couldn't - wouldn't - trust.

"Stay focused," Davina urged.

I nodded imperceptibly, forcing myself to meet the eyes of the stern-faced werewolves judging Scarlet's fate. "Scarlet has been my friend for years. She's not a violent person by nature. Her actions that night were born of fear and desperation, not malice."

I had decided to defend Scarlet by playing the jealousy card. She was envious of me, a mere orphan, who was about to become engaged to Darian Voss - one of America's most sought-after werewolf bachelors.

A low murmur rippled through the courtroom. I pressed on, my voice growing stronger as I advocated for mercy. "I'm not asking for her actions to go unpunished. But I am asking this court to show compassion. To consider rehabilitation rather than execution."

As I finished speaking, the tension in the room was palpable. I risked a glance at Scarlet, who was staring at me with a mixture of gratitude and resignation that made my heart clench.

This girl has broken my heart into a thousand pieces, but I still feel the need to defend her as if my entire existence depended on it.

"You did well," Davina said softly. "Now we wait."

The head judge, a stern-faced older werewolf, leaned forward. "Thank you for your testimony, Miss Greywind. You may step down."

As I made my way back to my seat on shaky legs, I finally allowed myself to look at Kaine again. The intensity in his gaze made me catch my breath. For a moment, I could almost believe that he cared, that there was more to him than the monster who'd taken my mother from me.

"There is more," Davina insisted. "If you'd just let yourself see it-"

"No," I cut her off, turning away from Kaine's magnetic pull. "I can't. Not now. Maybe not ever."

But even as I said the words, a traitorous part of me wondered if I was only lying to myself.

————-

The courtroom feels stifling as I sit rigid in my seat, heart pounding. Every word of testimony, every sob from Scarlet's mother, echoes in my ears. I can barely breathe.

"Aria, you okay?" Davina's voice cuts through the fog in my mind.

"I... I need some air," I whisper, rising on unsteady legs.

As if on cue, Kaine decided to give a fifteen minutes break.

Outside, the cool breeze caresses my flushed cheeks. I inhale deeply, trying to calm my frayed nerves.

"Want to go for a run after the verdict?" Davina asks. "It'll help clear your head."

I nod gratefully. "Yes, that sounds perfect."

Suddenly, a familiar warmth envelops me. My breath catches as I turn to see Kaine approaching, his powerful presence electrifying the air around us.

"Aria," he says, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. "How are you doing? Have you been taking your potions regularly?"

"Y-yes, Alpha," I stammer, cursing my nervousness. "I'm doing well, thank you."

His intense gray eyes study me. "I didn't need to use magic for Davina to appear this time. You're progressing rapidly."

Pride swells in my chest at his words. I no longer had to depend on Kaine to summon Davina, which was a major improvement, "Really? That's wonderful news."

"Indeed. I'd like to assess your progress tonight, if you're amenable. A run, perhaps?" There's an odd hesitancy in his tone that makes me suspicious.

"Tonight?" I hedge, glancing towards the courtroom. "I'm not sure... I'd like to know Scarlet's fate first."

Kaine nods, his expression unreadable. "Of course. You performed admirably during your testimony, by the way."

Before I can respond, we're called back inside. The tension in the room is palpable as the jury delivers their verdict: Scarlet is guilty.

My heart races as all eyes turn to Kaine. He stands, regal and imposing, ready to pass sentence. In that moment, an desperate idea strikes me.

"Davina," I plead silently, "can you ask Neo to speak with Kaine? To show mercy?"

There's a pause, then Davina's wry voice: "Playing the sympathy card, are we? Fine, I'll try."

I watch Kaine intently, searching for any sign that Davina and Neo's plea has reached him. For a breathless moment, he seems to hesitate.

Then his deep voice rings out: "Scarlet Ravens, for your crimes against our pack, you are hereby banished from the United States. Your wolf will be silenced for two years." He pauses, his gaze sweeping the room. "Furthermore, you will pay five million dollars each to Derek, Tyler, Jennie, and Aria, as well as a donation of the same amount to their orphanage."

A collective gasp ripples through the courtroom. I can hardly believe my ears. It's a harsh sentence, yes, but Scarlet will live. And her wolf will be silenced, not killed. Relief and gratitude wash over me.

"Thank you, Davina," I whisper.

Her smug reply comes swiftly: "You're welcome. Now about that run with Kaine tonight..."

I groan internally. "You and Neo planned this, didn't you?"

"Maybe," she says, her tone innocent. "But admit it, you're curious about how much you've improved. Plus, alone time with our deliciously brooding Alpha? Win-win."

Heat rises to my cheeks. "Davina!" I admonish, but can't help the small smile tugging at my lips. Despite the day's emotional turmoil, a flutter of anticipation builds in my chest at the thought of running with Kaine under the stars.

Kaine catches my eye. "Tonight?" he asks simply.

I take a deep breath, steeling my nerves. "Tonight," I confirm, hoping I won't regret this decision.

As the courtroom empties, Otto Ravens approaches me with his lawyer, holding a check in his hand. "Thank you for your testimony," he says, his expression unreadable.

He has always been distant and emotionless, but at this moment, there was a sense of relief emanating from him.

"I know I can never fully repay you for everything my daughter has caused."

I shake my head, trying to conceal my unease as I look at the check in front of me. There are so many zeroes on it, and it makes me uncomfortable.

"I did what was right," I say quietly. I knew that if I refuse the check Kaine will make my life a hell.

Otto nods, then hands the check to me. "This is for you. I hope it helps ease any burden that Scarlet may have caused."

A pang of guilt hits me as I consider the reason behind receiving this check. Although I know I probably deserve it, I can't shake off the unease of accepting it. Before I can voice my concerns, Otto's lawyer hands me an envelope.

He hands me an invitation to Scarlet's banishment ceremony. "I didn't put a date on it because I was not really hoping my Scarlet would return but thanks to you she will live…" Otto chokes back a sob and I give him a moment to compose himself. "Regardless, the ceremony will be held tomorrow evening at our pack's borders."

I take the invitation with a nod, watching as Otto and his lawyer leave me to go to Derek, Tyler and Jennie to give them their check outside the courthouse.

Finally he approached Kaine and give him the last check, probably the one for the orphanage.

My friends gather around me, their expressions a mix of relief and concern.

"I'm proud of you," Tyler says softly, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Me too," Tyler adds with a small smile.

Jennie wraps her arms around me in a tight hug. "We're here for you no matter what," she whispers.

I squeeze them all tightly before we make our way out of the court and head home. But my mind is still reeling from the events of today - Scarlet's conviction and sentence, Kaine's unexpected mercy, and Otto's generosity.

As soon as we arrive home, Davina pounces on me excitedly.

"Did you see that? The infamous Alpha Kaine showing mercy! This could change everything!"

I shrug off her enthusiasm, still unsure about how to feel about Kaine's actions today. All I know is that I have to face him tonight for our run.