The Alpha's Curse The Enemy Within

Chapter 22 Twenty Two

Sheila's point of view

I have been in my chamber for a day now. Ria and Brielle kept updating me on everything that was happening in the court. So far, no decision has been made. That was good to know, but so far there's been no way of proving my innocence. No way at all. And as the seconds ticked by, I couldn't help getting nervous.

There was a quick knock on the door, I sent my eyes up and Brielle stepped in. She held an uneasy look on her face, which only scared me more. "It's time." She said, and I pulled up from the bed, flattening my dress. "Everyone has gathered at the court already."

I took in sharp breaths. I have been called upon by the Pack's court for my trial. Brielle told me that Killian had insisted on it. For someone who didn't believe me, I was still grateful to him. It gave us some time to find the person who those weapons belonged to.

I followed Brielle out of my room to the castle court. It was full with every ranking wolf in the Crescent North Pack present, every one of them seated around the big circle table, while some were scattered around.

And at the center of the table was my mate, Killian Reid, staring intensely at me. And beside him was Thea. Rage bathed through me. Why on earth was she here? She was neither a ranking wolf nor a member of the court.

But I had to keep my mouth shut and muffle my rage; I even had to mask the agony that washed over

me at the hateful stares that everyone hurled at me.

"It looks like everyone is here now," Killian said to everyone present in the court. His eyes scanned over the faces of everyone in the court before finally landing on me. "We are gathered here today to bear witness to the trial of Sheila Callaso, Luna of the Crescent North Pack," his domineering voice filled the court, and I shivered at the cold that suddenly encamped on the court, feasting on my skin.

"Sheila stands accused of attempting murder on the lives of the Alpha and Thea by the use of poisonous arrows," Killian continued. "In doing so, she has endangered the lives of one of our fellow pack members and myself as well."

A cold sweat formed at the back of my neck as I discreetly scanned my eyes around, trying to see if Morgan was around. But he wasn't there; it appeared he hadn't returned yet. I became nervous as every second ticked by.

"Do you swear on the goddess' name that you will tell the truth in the course of this trial?" Killian asked, holding my gaze without a single emotion in his depths.

I nodded, assuringly. I have been telling the truth all along. If only someone would believe me.

"I do", I replied loudly. I looked him dead in the eyes, and then my gaze shifted to a smiling Thea. She must be having a blast.

She was trying to bother me, but keeping my life was more important than my fury.

"And how do you plead?" Killian asked, all stares held in disdain, and fury burned through my skin as they awaited my response.

I said again in the court, "Not guilty." My voice rang loudly.

A raging murmur of curses filled the air around us. I kept a straight face, ignoring the hushed voices. Surely, they hadn't actually expected me to plead guilty to such a blatant crime?

Killian nodded. "Very well," Killian said as he leaned forward. "We will begin the trial," Killian added. I inhaled deeply, knowing this would be a lot worse than I expected.

I swallowed hard, my throat now feeling so dry.

And with that, the trial began.

I was interrogated by one of the ranked pack members. I was asked over and over again about what happened at the scene, and my words didn't change.

"I saw a figure rushing through the forest. It was a male. He was wearing black clothing and had his face covered. I followed him, and that's when I saw him behind the trees with the bow and the poisoned arrows. I didn't even know what he was doing there or who those arrows were meant for. I tried to run away, but he caught me. He gripped my neck. As you can see, his claw marks haven't healed yet." I touched my neck.

"Do we look like fools to you? You could possibly have arranged that yourself," one of the ranked members spoke.

"I could, but I'm unable to. As most of you know already, I am without a wolf." I was shocked to see their surprised gazes. They had no idea about that. My gaze shot up to Killian's unreadable ones. Even though a few of the members of the pack were aware of this, he hadn't told the court about it.

My revelation caused another murmur. But Killian silenced it before it got out of hand.

"During my struggle with him, I saw the mark of the crescent on his wrist. That's why I am certain that he is a member of this pack." I said again, even though my words had no proof.

"Your claim is outrageous and lacks evidence." I knew that as well. I shut my eyes, praying to the goddess Morgan was having better luck than I was.

I said, "I was almost killed, but someone saved me and attacked whoever owned those poisoned arrows."

"Can you identify who your supposed helper was?" Someone in the court asked.

Killian's piercing eyes scanned mine. Silently, I shook my head negatively. For some reason, Morgan insisted I said nothing about Kaiser Black to the court.

They all gave me incredulous looks. The trial continued a little longer, and I kept answering whatever questions they had.

Soon, the trial ended, and my words still didn't seem to change anyone's thoughts. They all still believe I did it.

I was dismissed and ordered back to my room while the court deliberated on my fate.

Brielle took me back to my room. I was relieved to find Morgan waiting for me there. I rushed to him, expectantly.

"Morgan? Did you find anything?" I asked. But the look on his face told me he didn't. Morgan had gone back to the scene where I had caught the masked man in hopes of finding something that we could trace back to him or prove someone else was there with me. But unfortunately, there was nothing. Not even the tiniest evidence to prove someone was there with me. I sighed, feeling pain all over my body from the crash against the tree when the masked man almost claimed my life.

At the thought, I shot up from my bed. Brielle jerked, following my action. "Do you remember something?" She asked, while Morgan penetrating green eyes tightened on me.

"I had stabbed him with my dagger. Did you find the dagger in the forest?" I turned to Morgan.

Morgan shook his head negatively.

That was impossible. It had to be there.

"I scanned the whole place, but there was nothing there." As if reading my thoughts, he added.

Did someone take it? My thoughts once again drifted to Kaiser Black. If someone had taken it, there was a high chance it could be him.

Morgan seemed to be thinking exactly what I was. His green eyes went dark. "If it's really with who I think it is, there is no way of getting it back," he stated flatly.

"Even if that dagger might be the only way to prove I'm actually innocent?" I asked, a thought popping into my head, which might just be the way to my freedom.

Morgan creased his brows, confusedly.

"And how is that?" He questioned.

"Valerie," I mentioned, and Morgan's scowl disappeared, but it appeared as quickly as it was gone.

"Even still," He begun, "Going into their territory will be suicide. It could even start another war." He uttered.

My heart jammed strangely at the thought of both packs at war. But what did he mean by another war? Has there been a war between both packs?

The door was pushed open, and Allen stalked in with Ria. He scanned everyone in the room, as our gazes fell on him. "You are not allowed to receive anything but—"

"There's something here for you," Ria completed, stepping closer to me. Her hands revealed my dagger, which was covered by a blue cloth smeared with the blood of the masked warrior.

"How?"

She spoke before I could finish. "It was sent to the pack, for you, "

Quickly, Morgan reached for it. His eyes scanned the dried blood that smeared the hilt and sharp blade.

Something sparked in his eyes as he met mine. "This might just work."

Releasing a breath of relief, I sprawled my hands around him.

Now we just have to meet the only witch who could help us. Valerie © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.