Chapter 11: The Trial

The room was silent, save for the murmurs of the gathered pack. Their stares were sharp, their suspicion an oppressive weight on my shoulders. I stood in the center of the council chamber, surrounded by wolves who once called me family. Now, they demanded answers.

"This trial is necessary," said Elder Marcus, his voice devoid of sympathy. "The pack deserves the truth, even if it's painful."

The truth? If only they knew how much truth could hurt. My hands clenched at my sides, nails digging into my palms. The Alpha's seat loomed above the gathered council, but it was empty. He wasn't here to defend me.

"I've given everything for this pack," I said, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. "And you still doubt me?"

Marcus's gaze was cold. "We doubt because the evidence demands it. The ring found in the traitor's possession. The way they knew our patrol routes. It all points to you."

A ripple of agreement passed through the crowd. I bit back the words clawing at my throat. Defending myself felt futile. No one wanted to believe in my innocence.

Before I could respond, the heavy doors burst open, slamming against the stone walls with a resounding crash. A scout stumbled inside, his furred form shifting as he struggled to catch his breath.

"They're here!" he shouted, his voice frantic. "Blackwood is attacking!"

Panic erupted in the chamber. Wolves shifted, their growls and shouts echoing in the confined space. Marcus turned to the scout, his face pale. "What do you mean? They wouldn't dare—"

"They've crossed the river," the scout interrupted, desperation bleeding into his tone. "And they're demanding her." His eyes fell on me, and the room's chaos turned to icy stillness.

A wave of nausea swept over me as the pack's gaze shifted once more. Accusing. Doubting. Marcus pointed a gnarled finger in my direction.

"Traitor," he hissed.

The council chamber erupted into chaos, accusations flying like daggers. I stood frozen, the weight of their words pressing down on me.

"You brought them here!" someone shouted.

"She's been working with Blackwood all along!"

"No," I said, my voice shaking with fury. "I didn't betray this pack. I would die before I handed you over to them!"

The crowd's growls grew louder, but before they could advance, a commanding voice cut through the din.

"Enough."

The Alpha's presence was like a thunderclap. He strode into the chamber, his gaze sweeping over the crowd with cold authority.

"She is under my protection," he declared, his voice unwavering. "If you want to blame someone, you'll go through me."

The crowd faltered, their anger clashing with their instinct to obey their leader. But Marcus wasn't so easily cowed.

"You would risk all of us for her?" he demanded. "The bond has clouded your judgment, Alpha. She's not worth this."

The Alpha's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. "I decide what's worth the risk. Not you."

Before Marcus could retort, a shattering howl echoed through the fortress, followed by the sound of claws scraping against stone. Blackwood was here, their attack already underway.

The Alpha turned to me, his expression unreadable. "Prove them wrong," he said, his words more command than plea. "Show them where your loyalty lies."

I nodded, my heart pounding. The pack's doubts burned, but I couldn't let them win.

The chamber erupted into action, wolves shifting and charging toward the courtyard. I followed, every step fueled by defiance.

Outside, chaos reigned. Blackwood wolves surged through the gates, their snarls filling the air. I barely had time to dodge a lunging attacker before another was upon me.

The fight was brutal, every claw swipe and bite a reminder of what was at stake. I caught sight of the Alpha in the fray, his movements fluid and deadly. For a moment, our eyes met, and something passed between us—a promise, perhaps, or a challenge.

As the battle raged, a Blackwood wolf lunged toward a young pup cowering near the wall. Instinct took over. I threw myself between them, taking the brunt of the attack. Pain seared through my shoulder as claws raked across my skin, but I didn't falter.

The pup scrambled away, and I turned to face my attacker, determination burning in my chest. This was my pack, and I would defend it—no matter the cost.

"Stay down," the Blackwood wolf snarled, circling me. "You don't belong here."

"Maybe," I said, baring my teeth. "But you don't get to decide that."

I launched myself at him, the fight a blur of teeth and claws. When it was over, he lay unconscious at my feet.

The pack had seen. Their doubt hung heavy in the air, but so did something else—respect.

The Alpha stepped forward, his voice carrying over the battlefield. "Let this be proof enough. She is one of us. She's my mate. And she has my protection."

His words silenced the crowd. Even Marcus couldn't argue against the Alpha's declaration.

But the weight of his claim settled heavily on me. The bond between us was undeniable, but it only made my position more precarious. The pack's loyalty to him wouldn't extend to me so easily.

As the last of the Blackwood wolves retreated, a new tension gripped the air. Near the edge of the forest, a figure stood watching. Even from a distance, I recognized them.

My breath hitched, the world tilting on its axis. They were supposed to be dead.

The Alpha followed my gaze, his expression darkening. "Who is that?"

I couldn't bring myself to answer. The shadow of my past had returned, and with it, the secrets I'd fought so hard to bury.