Chapter 1

Raven’s POV

In the last couple of days, things had been weird, especially since the golden scepter had been declared missing. The Alpha, River Kane, didn't even look at me anymore. Yes, the scepter was stolen, but…it didn't rule out the beautiful night we had some days ago.

“My lady.” A maid ran in. Her red hair reminded me of my late mother. “The Alpha has ordered a thorough search of the packhouse, so everyone needs to be in his chambers to witness the search.”

“Really?” I had several objections to that, but at least it would afford me the chance to meet with River Kane, my mate.

“My lady, let's go.” She tugged at my arm, urgency in her voice.

Getting to the chambers, everyone was gathered. I walked in late but still found a space close to River Kane. His darting eyes, broad shoulders, firm hands, and blue eyes. My wolf was reacting, but I toned it down.

“Whoever stole the golden scepter, this is your last chance to step forward!” He paused for a while, but no one stepped forward.

“Let the search begin!” he announced in a thundering voice.

The house guards dispersed to carry out his orders, giving me the chance to advance toward him.

“Greetings, my lord.” I bowed, trying to hide my emerging blush.

“Not now!”

His cold voice caused my whole being to shudder. Why did he dismiss me like that?

The door pushed open, with the guards rushing in with the golden scepter in their hands.

Finally! It was found.

“Where did you find the scepter?”

The guards exchanged uneasy glances, as though they were scared to speak.

“My lord, can we speak to you privately?”

“No! Say it in front of everyone!”

The commander of the guards took a deep breath before turning his eyes toward me.

Why was he staring at me?

“We found the scepter in Lady Raven's room!”

My fingers trembled, and my whole body began to fidget. Was I hearing properly? Me? How?

“Liar! It can't be!”

I looked at the Alpha. “There must be a mistake somewhere. I've never seen this scepter in my life.”

He turned to the commander again. “Are you sure about that?”

The commander affirmed with a firm nod. I could barely feel my legs, especially with everyone's eyes on me.

“That's not possible! I swear I know nothing.”

“Silence!” he thundered, his jaw tightening. His eyes peered into mine without any tenderness. All I could see was rage. “Guards! Take her to the dungeon until I decide what to do next!”

“No! No! I'm innocent!”

They grabbed my arms and dragged me away. My chest tightened as tears filled my eyes.

“This can't be happening…”

My body slammed against the cold tiles before the guards shut the huge black door in my face, locking me inside the dark space. Unable to hold back my tears, I let them stream down, pounding on the metal door in the process.

“Let me out! Let me go! Please!”

Two days later…

My lips had become chapped, and my strength was gone. Hunger and weakness had taken away every bit of fight I had left in me.

By the time the guards pulled me out, I could barely stand. I simply followed them as they led me before the council.

I stared intently at the Alpha, hoping to see anything other than the hardness and judgment in his eyes.

“The law is the law! You all know how difficult it is for an Alpha like myself to make a decree and go back on it!”

I could hear the crowd gasp, but my heart was already breaking from the betrayal I could hear in his voice.

“After much deliberation with the council, we have decided to waive the death penalty for the thief!”

A smile curved on my lips.

“Thank you!” I bowed repeatedly.

“But that doesn't take away the need for punishment. So, instead of the death penalty…you are banished from this pack.”

“What?!”

I couldn't be hearing him correctly. He couldn't possibly banish his own mate.

“I didn't do anything! I'm innocent, River Kane!”

He slammed his hand against the arm of his throne.

“You are not innocent! You are a petty thief and a traitor to this pack. You can't live here anymore. You are banished! You have just seven days to evacuate the packhouse.”

“You can't do that! I'm your mate!”

A sinister smirk crossed his face.

“So what? Raven, you are a weak wolf who does nothing but steal.”

“Kane!” My voice quivered with rage. How dare he speak to me in that manner?

“Guards, take her out of here!”

The guards charged at me, their firm hands dragging me out of the council hall.

Several questions flooded my head. Why would he just banish me? I thought he loved me.

Despite everything, the most painful part was that he had broken my heart.

I felt my whole world crumbling around me. Now I was the outcast of the pack. Even with three days gone, I still had no plan for how to leave this place. I had nowhere else to go.

The insults and scorn from everyone, including the maids, made life miserable by the hour.

My stomach growled, forcing me to step out of my room for the first time that day. Since my banishment had been announced, no maid had served me in my room. I had to go to the kitchen myself.

“Please…can I get some food?”

The head steward sneered at me before slopping a few scoops of leftover chicken soup onto a plate for me.

“Thank you,” I muttered as I turned to leave, but the loud gossiping behind me stopped me.

“I can't believe she's nothing but a petty thief! I heard the Alpha showed her mercy by banishing her. She should be dead.”

My fingers tightened around the tray to keep myself from flaring up.

“She deserves it. Always acting like she's better than everyone when all she'll ever be is a petty thief.”

Another maid joined in.

“I'm sure that's why the Alpha is bringing in his lover. I heard she's so beautiful.”

My head sparked with rage.

This couldn't be happening. The Alpha was getting a new lover?

The tray slipped from my hand, shattering against the floor.

I didn't even mind the cuts from the broken pieces. Fury was making my blood boil with envy.

How could he betray me like that?