Branded a Traitor

~Elara~

“Run Elara, this is no time to freeze.”

Maybe it was the fear I heard in her voice, or the fearful realization of what was happening, but I ran.

My legs took over, I dashed into the woods without another gaze backwards.

My heart thundered. Ney’s voice only fueled the fear gnawing inside of me.

My breath echoed in my ears, being brought back to me by the wind which was rushing past me.

Branches slapped my skin. But I didn’t dare slow down. Every second, they were closer.

“Hurry, she is getting away.” I could hear their voice behind me.

My stomach tightened.

Thankfully, Ney came forward, pushing through me with a rough quick shift. 

Then, I heard the loud cracking of bones and loud howls. My breath hitched in panic.

They shifted too; they were hunting me now.

Chills ran down my spine. I felt the wind rush pass me as I sprinted across the woods. I don’t know where I am going, but the only thought on my mind right now is to escape.

How could Lucien do this?

Suspension wasn’t enough?

Now he sent them to hunt me like prey.

I could feel them getting closer. I knew they would soon catch up to me.

These were well-trained warriors, trained in both speed and agility.

“Ney, do something. They can’t catch us.” I pleaded with Ney, who was already running at full speed.

Ney didn’t answer. She was laser-focused on escape.

Every tree we passed only made the chase even more intense, because they jumped past branches as though it was nothing to begin with.

Am I going to die like this? Being chased like a criminal. Is this how it ends for me? Hunted like a traitor?

A growl spilled into the air behind me— too close. Ney snarled in my mind.

Then, my paws caught something— a crack.

A branch. I didn’t see it on time. I crashed—hard.

Pain shot up my side as I tumbled down an embankment, skidding into dirt and leaves.

Before I could rise, they were on me.

Heavy paws slammed down. Claws-grazed skin.

I shifted back instinctively, gasping—human again, naked and shaking, knees scraped and bleeding.

Hands gripped my arms, pinning me down. I blinked up into Karl’s dark, furred face.

I looked up and saw myself staring into Karl’s menacing glare. Even in wolf form, I heard him through the link:

“Luna, this doesn’t have to end like that. I advise you to comply with us.”

Even though he spoke with respect, I could clearly hear the hostility in his voice.

My heart tightened.

Did Lucien really make them do this?

To treat me like this?

I can’t believe the pack I have protected with my life turned out to treat me like this.

They hauled me up, steel grips digging into my arms. I was pinned. Powerless.

Just like that, I was led back to my pack, as a criminal.

I noticed the crowd of Pack members gathered outside the Pack Hall as we approached.

My throat felt painfully dry.

Ney was trying to act brave.

But I could clearly feel her pain, feel the tight anguish of her heart.

Lucien was standing there with the elders as I was brought forward.

Even when the warriors stepped away, two of them forced me to my knees before they stepped away too.

They didn’t go far, they stayed around in case I chose to run again.

But I can’t run anymore, I don’t have the energy to.

Even with enough energy, there will be nowhere to run to.

I tried to meet Lucien’s gaze, to see why he was doing this to me, but he looked everywhere but my face.

My guts twisted, coiling like a snake.

Just then, Elder Zara stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

I had already been forced to change back to skin on our way here, and the only clothing I had on was the clothing Beta Kyle had handed me, a gown he had been gracious enough to grab.

I wanted to laugh, but my lips trembled instead.

“Luna Elara.” He gritted his teeth; I could see his veins popping from his forehead.

“It didn’t have to get to this.”

I breathed hard, staring at Lucien, who still hadn’t looked at me yet.

I wanted to laugh and cry at the shame I saw on his face.

He wouldn’t meet my eyes. That alone shattered something in me.

He looked so… worried and guilty.

Why? He didn’t seem to be worried when he suspended me and still sent his guards to hunt me down.

“Luna, you have been charged with the attempted murder of the future heir of this pack. Such deeds cannot go unpunished.”

His words echoed in my ears even after he finished talking.

My lips quivered.

I felt my body tremble from a sudden coldness, a shudder ran through my body.

I looked up at Elder Zein, my fists clenching tightly.

“I am not guilty of that charge, Elder Zein, what evidence do you have to treat me like this?”

My eyes were on Lucien again, and this time around our eyes met.

For a moment, I saw something like pain flash through his eyes. He looked so helpless right now.

Elder Garrick stepped forward, his movement stiff and angry.

It was enough to turn my attention to him. I couldn’t help but wonder why he looked so angry.

“Luna Elara, this Pack upholds justice more than anything."

"We have our evidence: the very person you sent to kill the mother of the heir of this pack, confessed to the crime.”

The crowd behind us gasped from shock. Then low whispers began to flow among them.

My jaw tightened. I tried my best to restrain myself from snapping at him.

When I looked up, I couldn’t hide the rage from my eyes, because his eyes widened when he saw my eyes.

“Elder Garrick, I must say you are very zealous about this. One might think you have something else to gain from this.”

Elder Garrick didn’t fling. But something flickered in his eyes.

He let out a nervous laugh. But his eyes were hard with restrained anger.

“Luna, trying to pin your crimes on another person isn’t wise.”

My ribs tightened. I wish I can slap his face.

“Fine, you claim you have evidence, lets see it then. Bring the maiden who says I sent her, and let her say it to my face.”

Everywhere stilled. And just like that, the atmosphere changed.