I Did Not Betray My People

The night fell heavy, and snow swept fiercely across the ancient valley where the Bloodfang Tribe conducted its Trials.

Strange symbols were carved into the surrounding rocks—old, almost mythic curses or oaths of the clans—faintly shimmering under the cold, pale light. The air was thick with an ancient and solemn aura, as if time itself had frozen here, leaving only silence behind.

Leo knelt on the freezing stone slab, his wrists shackled by iron chains. Blood seeped from his cracked lips, staining the gray-brown leather armor he wore. His shoulders screamed with pain from being suspended for too long, every inch of his body felt as if it had been shredded by blades. The scent of blood and rust filled the air.The torches flickered, casting monstrous shadows on the cliffs, whispering of the countless souls who had once suffered here.

Before him stood the Elders of the tribe, their expressions severe, their eyes cold and unyielding.Farther back stood Kael, arms folded, gaze harsh—yet flickering with something far more complicated.

"Are you ready, Leo Thorne?"The Grand Elder's voice rolled through the valley like thunder, his piercing gaze seeming to strip away Leo's very soul.

Leo's breath was ragged, heavy with pain, but he still raised his head, meeting that gaze without flinching.He knew—this moment was not just for himself, but for his people as well.

"I am ready," he said hoarsely, but firmly.

"Then let it begin," the Grand Elder declared, swinging the wolf-fang scepter he held, pointing it straight at Leo.

Instantly, a force like a raging tide crashed into him.Leo felt as though every drop of blood in his body froze solid, his bones groaning under the assault. His vision blurred, his limbs locked, trapped by the crushing power that thickened the very air around him.Before he could resist, he was pulled—Dragged—Into another world.

It was a forest, dark and endless.Moonlight poured like water across ancient trees. Their shadows twined together, forming the shapes of beasts long forgotten.

Standing before Leo was a giant wolf, its eyes burning with fury and pain.With a roar that shook the earth, it lunged at him.

"Traitor," the wolf's voice rumbled, deep and commanding, reverberating in Leo's very bones."Die!"

The wolf's howl sliced through the night, piercing Leo's mind like a thousand blades.Pain exploded in his chest; his heart pounded so violently he thought it would burst from his ribs.

"I... did not betray... my tribe..."Leo ground out the words through gritted teeth, fighting against the agony pressing him down.

The wolf's howl intensified, a sound sharp and merciless.

"Liar," the voice roared again, "Your soul shall be torn apart."

"I'm not lying!"From somewhere deep inside—whether born of anger, injustice, or sheer survival instinct—Leo summoned strength he didn't know he had.He shouted, voice ringing across the phantom forest:

"I was framed!I did not betray my people!Give me a just trial!"

The howls quieted slightly.The world around him began to dissolve into mist.

Darkness closed in.When Leo opened his eyes again, he was back in the trial grounds.

His entire body was drenched in sweat, his frame collapsed onto the stone floor.He knelt there, barely able to move, every muscle throbbing as though he had been hammered and broken.

But he had not fallen.

Slowly—trembling, but determined—Leo straightened his spine and lifted his head.His eyes, bloodshot but clear, met the Elders'.

The Elders exchanged glances.Leo was alive—which meant he had passed the Trial.

"Leo didn't die," Kael said sharply when the Elders hesitated."Doesn't that mean he spoke the truth?"

The Elders' gazes grew more complicated—some still wary, others touched by a flicker of warmth.

Leo knelt silently, waiting for their final judgment.

A heavy footstep approached.Leo looked up—and found himself staring into the face of his father.

Orton Thorne.Chieftain of the Bloodfang Tribe.

Father and son locked eyes for a long, long moment.

Then, without a word, Orton turned away, facing the Elders.

"He has passed the Trial," he said, his voice low but firm.

The Elders nodded one by one.The Grand Elder declared, "Yes, Chieftain."

Kael immediately stepped forward."Then, does that mean Leo can return to the tribe?"

Before anyone could answer, a harsh voice rang out:

"So my son died for nothing?!"

It was Garran's father, his eyes bloodshot with grief and rage.He pointed a trembling finger at Leo.

"My son was murdered—and now you would let his killer claim innocence?Garran would never betray our people!Chieftain, have you forgotten?He was your most loyal, most faithful hand!"

The Chieftain and the Elders visibly hesitated.

Kael broke the silence."Chieftain, I request a full investigation into what truly happened three years ago.I will uncover the truth."

Leo gave Kael a look of silent gratitude.

Kael had always been a blunt, hot-blooded man.Three years ago, when Leo was framed for Garran's death, Kael had been the first to condemn him.But now, seeing Leo survive the Trial, he immediately stood beside him—as a warrior, and as a brother-in-arms.

The Chieftain cast another glance at Leo.Then he said,

"Very well.You will investigate.Until the truth is uncovered, Leo—you may not yet return to the tribe.But rest assured—no one will lay a hand on you.Recover your strength."

Without waiting for a response, Orton turned and walked away.

One by one, the others followed, leaving the trial ground empty.

Except—

Selena.

She stepped forward, gently helping Leo to his feet.

He looked at her, murmuring:"Thank you."

Selena gave him a small, steady smile.

Kael approached next, casting a brief glance at Selena before speaking to Leo.

"I've arranged a place for you to stay," he said."Come with me."