07. Accused (b)

ELISSE

“Uncle, please, just hear me out. Selena didn’t faint because of me, it was Alpha Dravenhall who did this. He said he had his reasons.” I tried to make him understand what had really happened.

But, he snapped, “SHUT UP!”

He stepped forward, eyes narrowing as he checked Selena. His gaze filled with menace at me. “You’re lucky you’re family. If you weren’t, I’d tear your throat out without a second thought.”

“But—”

“No buts! We’re holding a trial, right now. Just because I say you’re lucky doesn’t mean your punishment will be light.”

“—It wasn’t me!” I insisted.

He ignored me and lifted Selena into his arms, then stared back at me coldly. “Jealous girl. You dare hurt your own cousin because you envy her? You’ve fallen so far, this is nothing but shameful.”

I opened my mouth to explain, but his fury was like a wall I couldn’t break through. Any word from me would just make things worse.

Before I could say another word, his son appeared.

Alaric, the Alpha Heir.

He was my age and still hadn’t found his mate. Behind him stood two pack members, their faces stern and alert.

“What’s going on here, Father? Why are you here? We still need to patrol the northern territory,” Alaric said, eyes flicking between us.

“I had a bad feeling. Turns out this foolish girl hurt your sister,” Henry said, still glaring at me.

“What? Why?”

"She’s jealous your sister found a mate like Alpha Dravenhall. She’s trying to mess up their bond.”

I refused to be cornered. I denied it, “I didn’t do anything! Please, listen, it was Alpha Dravenhall who made Selena faint."

Henry scoffed. “Why would her own mate hurt her? This is your doing, out of jealousy! You’re jealous because my daughter found an alpha, but you’re still alone year after year.”

“He is my mate, and—"

"SHUT UP!" His voice thundered through the room, shaking the very walls. His alpha presence pressed down on me, suffocating, as if he could devour me whole. There was no space to argue, no chance to defend myself.

"You wretched little whore," he spat, eyes burning like coals, "How dare you hurt my daughter!? You’d better shut your mouth and be damn grateful I’m still letting you breathe in my territory!"

Ah, his furious glare cut through me. I was angry, yes, but hurt too. My uncle’s family had never liked me. They always made sure I felt like an outsider.

I tried to speak, "I just want—”

“Alaric,” Henry interrupted, cutting me off. “We’re holding the trial immediately.”

Alaric nodded and motioned to the two men behind him. “Take her.”

They grabbed my hands and I struggled. “Wait! Wait until Alpha Dravenhall arrives. He can explain everything!”

Henry carried Selena out without another word, exchanging a sharp look with Alaric as they left.

I called to him, "Wait, Uncle!"

He didn’t even look back.

***