Chains of injustice

The mouldy air of the dungeon clung to my skin, roughing itself around me like a snake. I was kneeling on the cold stone floor, my body weak from the effects of that silver chain that Caroline made the guards bound me in.

The darkness seemed to be whispering doubts into my ear, taught me of my guilt, of the above celebrated the life of my mate can’t believe that they were to blame on me confetti a pair of footsteps down the hallway, a wave of tension. I looked up through the bars to see that one of the guards showed me a flicker of compassion, his eyes wide with uncertainty.

“Miss Avery, I’m sorry we had to bring you down here,” he said apologetically. Glancing over his shoulder as if to make sure he was alone. “I know that I shouldn’t be talking to you. But I’m not convinced that you killed Craig. You don’t belong down here.” He said sadly.

“What do you mean?” I was surprised by his kindness towards me.”You have seen for yourself what they think of me. They think I did it.” I shook my head in disbelief. It was like a nightmare had come true.

“I know, but I don’t believe it. I know you would never hurt Craig like that. I don’t trust Carolina.” He sneered as he mentioned her name. “You must be hungry? Thirsty?” The guard quickly reached into his pockets for a chocolate bar and water bottle. I nodded gratefully as he went to open the door and hand me it.

“The trial is tomorrow, but some of us..” he stopped on the spot and looked up hesitantly.

“Some of us what?” another guard interrupted, stepping forward. He took the stuff from his hands and shook his head. “Pete, do you think it’s your place to do this? It’s not our business. We will wait for the Alpha to decide on this, and that’s the end of it. Do not get involved with the prisoners. They are here for a reason. To answer for their crimes, whatever it may be.” He warned the kind guard, and I sighed without saying a word. The kind guard shot me a sympathetic smile and mouthed an apology. It wasn’t his fault, but I was grateful that someone was on my side. Carolina seemed to have done an excellent job of turning the pack against me.

The heavy doors opened before anyone could say anything, and light streamed in.

Even in the dungeon, I couldn’t get away from Carolina. The guards stood up straight, and their faces remained tight-lipped.

“Oh look, such a tragic site, the mighty Avery Woods shackled like a common criminal.” She teased me, and I rolled my eyes at her irritatingly high-pitched voice. “If only Craig could see you now.” She chuckled.

I looked away, swallowing the bitterness that threatened to rise in my throat. Ignoring her was my only weapon, and I clung to that thought. Maybe she would get tired and leave me alone if I held my silence. Wishful thinking, maybe?

But ignoring her only seems to make it worse for me. “Oh, I see. You’re ignoring me now, are we, little Miss Brave Avery? Do you think that’s going to make me go away? Isn’t that what you wanted to be left alone, away from the pack, away from Craig? Well, now you got what you wanted, didn’t you?”

The mere mention of his name sent a fresh wave of grief to overwhelm me. It felt suffocating, so intense.

“Look, Carolina. I didn’t want this, and you know it. You know that we both know the truth.” I replied, finally daring to meet her gaze. “So, what do you even want from me? Is my pain not enough for you? Does seeing me like this bring you such joy?”

She crossed her arms over her chest, glaring daggers at me. How dare she?

“Do you think I would want anything from you? You are pathetic.” She laughed, and her voice echoed off the stone walls like a nasty melody. “You should be thankful that you’re not dead. You should be begging for forgiveness, yet you are so deluded that you think anyone could care about little old you. Craig deserved better than you. It should’ve been you who died, not him. I could have made him so much happier.” She muttered.

It dawned on me that she had strong feelings for my mate. “Well, something tells me that you were jealous of me! You were jealous that he chose me and not you. Were you in love with Craig?” I smiled up at her, knowing that would enrage her. It was pretty embarrassing to think how desperate she must have been.

“You asked if I’m in love with your mate. I am. I was in love with him and willing to do whatever it took to be with him. Now you’ve taken that away from me and him. I will spend every day of my life making you pay for it. You will suffer no matter the outcome of the trial tomorrow. This pack would be so much better if you just died, you stupid bitch.” Laughter pierced like a jagged blade. “Besides, we will see tomorrow what the Alpha says about this.” She looked so sure that I would be severely punished when I was not guilty.

“Yes, we will see.” I challenged her, and she didn’t like that one bit.

“Oh, darling,” she replied, “The reality is you’ve already lost. What makes you think the trial tomorrow will go your way? The pack is ready to see you punished. You should be terrified. Do you think Alpha will go against the whole of his pack on this?”

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. “What happens at the trial doesn’t matter. I’m not guilty. They’ll see that eventually.” I said, my voice trembling. I didn’t want her to see how much she had affected me.

Carolina knelt at my level and said calmly. “I can’t wait to watch you suffer for everything that you took from me.” She whispered and then stood up to leave. I watched as the door slammed closed behind her. She turned around, looking at me one last time before disappearing.

I wouldn’t let Carolina push me down anymore. Craig might not be here anymore, but I wouldn’t let anyone walk all over me. I was determined to stand my ground and prove my innocence. I would face the trial tomorrow with my head held high.