Chapter 4

               Chapter four

             No one is as dangerous as those who      

                                    play victims 

                   of the crimes they committed

***ROXANNE***

IT WAS FINALLY HERE. The day everyone had been anticipating— the lunar festival. Decorations hung from tree branches and twinkled like stars. It bathed white moon pack in a mesmerising glow. Lively chatter filled the air, laughter intermingled with the sound of a distant waterfall and the atmosphere was charged with vibrant energy. Excitement buzzed through the pack as they prepared for a night of celebration under the radiant moon. 

I was everything but excited. I pressed my nose against my window frame— the only place I could get a view of the festival. The vibrant colours and joyous sounds didn't make me feel any better, it only deepened my sadness. I was still grounded by the Alpha, I was confined to the walls of my room, left to wallow in bitterness while the pack revelled in the merry of the festival. My heart ached as a distant laughter reached my ears and it reminded me painfully of the fun I was missing. 

Today, lots would find their partners and here I will be stuck in my room. 

I gazed longingly at the celebration and got so carried away that I didn't hear Chloe saunter into my room. 

“Locked away, Roxy? Missing all the fun, are we?” she taunted. 

I forcefully tore my eyes away from the window and fixated them on her. I eyed her dress— it snatched her body and her legs adorned the most sexy heels ever. Her hair was well styled and her make-up was perfect. She was beautiful.

“What? Do you want these?” she gestured to her dress, “They wouldn't look good on you sweetie. Look at you, grounded and miserable. You're such a disgrace, Roxanne. Even the festival wants nothing to do with you.”

Silent tears rolled down my cheek, as her words cut through me like icy daggers. I would never get used to her verbal assault. They were new every day and hurt thrice as ever. 

“You’re a stain on this pack, Roxanne. You're nothing but a burden. No wonder the Alpha grounded you. He's probably sick of you embarrassing him. You shouldn't be a member of this pack, you're not fit for it,” she spat. 

Chloe neared me. So close I could feel her breath on my neck and it made the hairs there stand in fright. She twirled a strand of my hair around her finger. 

“It's a pity you have these beautiful eyes and healthy hair. If I were your sister, I would shave your head and sell your hair to people who are deserving of it. Roxy, no one wants a weakling like you. You should've been regarded as an Alpha’s sister but you're nothing but a disappointment. I bet the moon goddess is weary of your pathetic existence. She must be so ashamed she made a failure like you.”

Her words plunge deeper into my fragile spirit like a dagger. I couldn't do anything but listen helplessly. 

Chloe patted my dress before adding, “You know what's the saddest part? No one even bothered to plead for your release. They all think you're a lost cause. The good thing is that everyone can breathe in fresh hair as long as you aren't around.”

She laughed scornfully and left the room, shutting it with a loud bang. I wiped my tears away and laid on my bed. Why was I so weak? Why couldn't I be strong like everyone else?

****

The sound of a loud bang startled me and woke me up from my slumber. I slowly opened my and took a moment to process where I was. Ohh it was my bedroom. I glanced around and my eyes settled in the direction where the noise had come from— my door. Chloe and two pack officers stood at the entrance and she flashed me a look of disdain. 

Why did she have to be the first thing I saw when I awoke and the last thing I saw before going to bed? 

“Errr… good day?” I said. 

Why were they here? I wondered. 

“Get up!” the first officer yelled. 

I shuddered and jumped from my bed, staring around with questioning eyes. 

“The Alpha’s staff and his golden ring are missing and you know what that means,” Carol spat. 

I furrowed my brows, “I'm sorry ma’am but I'm lost.” I stuttered.

“Do you think with your brains at all? He can't attend the lunar festival without it! We've searched every room of every member and it’s not there. Except for your room. It couldn't have walked away by itself.”

That was when it dawned on me. It was compulsory that an Alpha on any lunar festival, must be on his ring and with his staff. But why were they here? Did they think I did it?

“I…I didn't take it,” I whispered. 

“Officers do your thing,” she instructed.

I crouched in a corner and watched the officers turn my room into a dumpster. I didn't try to stop them because I was certain it wasn’t with me. I never neared my brother, let alone go close to his things. They flung this and turned that and yanked this and closed that. I waited patiently for the search to be over so I could go and peep from my window at the event happening. 

The first officer glanced at Chloe and then at me before holding up a red velvet case that made my heart somersault. 

“Um, this might be the ring you're looking for?”

***

My heart raced as my brother, The Alpha, summoned me into the pack office during the Lunar Festival. Confusion clouded my mind and with trepidation I entered, only to be met with accusing eyes. 

“So you now have the effrontery to steal things, Roxy. How could you do this? Not only are you a disappointment. You're also a thief,” he declared, his eyes devoid of brotherly warmth. 

Shock and disbelief flashed across my face as I stuttered, “I swear I will never do that— Brother please believe me. I didn't steal it,” I pleaded. 

“Of course, I stole it. My ring was found in your room, same as my staff. Everyone was celebrating, you were the only one in here, Roxy.”

“Please, I will never do that,” I pleaded. 

His next response made my heart shatter as he declared mercilessly, “I can't let you tarnish our pack’s reputation anymore. What do you want the people to say? That my sister is a thief? Throw her in Jail! She's nothing but a liability,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain. 

My pleas fell on deaf ears as the guards came for me to put cuffs on my wrists. The weight of his betrayal fell heavily on my shoulders. One last look into my brother’s eyes before I was hauled out and I knew my time was up. They didn't want me anymore, I was useless. 

In the cold confines of the cell I was put in, I grappled with the sting of betrayal. It felt surreal that my brother— my blood had abandoned me. I knew it was a setup and it was either his idea or Chloe's. We were raised together and I had never stolen. Why now? I heard the festival continue outside but I folded in a corner and drowned myself in my sobs as I awaited my fate. 

***

My public trial unfolded amidst a hostile crowd. I was brought to my knees and I think my head in shame as accusations flew and no one spoke in my defence. They all looked in disdain and called me names as they left me to the mercy of their judgement. 

Alpha can't stand before everyone, ready to announce my fate. The pack had already demanded banishment— their anger fueled by their beloved Alpha’s accusation. I felt the weight of isolation as accusing eyes surrounded me. There was no one to couch for me. 

The moment my brother opened his mouth to pass judgement, chaos erupted. I glanced around in worry as the pack’s bodyguard rushed in. 

“He's here,” they said. 

“Who is here?” Alpha Zane inquired, his eyes darkening. 

“Alpha Ryker.”