The Final Verdict

Chapter two

Anabelle Pov

“Good morning, everyone,” Uncle Raven welcomed the elders.

“Today, we have finally reached the point where my beloved niece has made her decision to save our legacy.” He concluded.

“And I trust she's very smart and would never let us down.” Raven said with his tongue rolled out, playing the innocent look.

I stood at the centre of the council, my heart beating from the decision I was about to take.

I knew it was in my hands, it was either I stayed with my manipulative uncle or my fated mate. Neither of them would treat me nicely, they all saw me as their puppet, a woman and nothing less. 

I was just an orphan to be maltreated, played with. An object left in the hand of man, tamed to the direction of their master.

But I knew I would fight for my right, till the end.

The council hall was filled with elders centred around the golden table, all eyes on me, waiting for my final verdict. 

“Anabelle Aiden, what's your final decision?” 

“We've given you twenty-four hours to make your choice, and now it's time to tell us what you want,” Raven spoke.

Elders' eyes all over me, waiting for my final verdict.

I stood at their centre for a long moment, swallowing the dry spit on my throat. Deep breath to relax my muscles for what I would say now. 

“Good day, my elders,” I finally spoke up boldly.

“My final decision is to leave with Alpha Roman of Fangspire to get my father's legacy.”

“I agree with this contract. I would break the cold heart of the ruthless alpha, my fated mate.” I concluded.

“That's a nice thing to do, my precious niece,” my uncle smirked.

This was the perfect trap laid by my uncle, but either way he would win.

If I don't go, my father's legacy will be taken, and even if I go, I won't be able to break the heart of the cold alpha. Either way, Uncle Raven's plan will work out.

But one thing I knew was, I would rather suffer in the hands of a stranger than my father's beloved brother.

 My father has always adored his brother, treated him right. But after his death, everything changed.

“That's a very nice one, Anabelle. I trust you would break his cold heart,” the Elder Maros spoke.

“Now, this is the contract form…” elder Maros pointed. It was a paper wrapped in a wooden frame.

Uncle Raven placed it on my hands….

“Read it carefully,” he said.

“Everything stated there is what we've spoken about. Five years to put into action, to show you aren't just a woman, but have control over your emotions. This contract would determine your entitlement to this pack.” Uncle Raven said.

I felt a sharp numbness in my feet…

Belong?

Like an item traded in an auction.

My uncle traded me for his greed.”

“For now we need an alpha that would lead us. While you go on this mission, we've decided to crown Raven the alpha of the Kam kingdom.” Elder Maros said.

I didn't hear that well….I focused on getting that correctly.

“What do you mean by Uncle Raven taking my place?” I objected.

“This is my dad's legacy, I was destined to rule you guys and not him.” I countered.

“Anabelle, we've told you, a woman can't rule us! We need an Alpha, and he's the right person,” Maros countered.

I stood up angrily, my heart beating fast!

“The meeting is dismissed. Everything said will be abided by every one of us,” Elder Maros declared. 

I pushed myself with my last strength, my legs trembling, and I could feel my wolf side suffocating from the weight of betrayal. I rolled to my uncle's side.

He smirked at me.

“My dear you have to protect our name, and you've heard them. The only way to protect us, is to break the heart of the cold alpha.” He mocked out..

“Uncle… Uncle Raven, this was all your plan!” I shouted.

“All my parents did was to treat you right and give you the best life. But all you did was to gloat over their wealth, treat their daughter less humanely.” my voice shaking.

He chuckled. “You are just a woman. Leave these things for the men.”

My stomach tightened at his word, struck my heart deep.

“Uncle Raven, I won't let you have my father's legacy!” my voice heightened.

Because of you, I promise to win my betrothed.

“Alpha Roman? You think you know him? You don't know what you're saying my daughter.” He laughed out.

“You have already closed the door to your father's legacy, dear. Everything would be mine.” His smile sharpened.

“You leave at dawn tomorrow. Tomorrow marks your suffering. It's called ‘from frying pan to fire’ the land of slavery” He laughed out.

He walked away, before I could reply. His head was ravaged with so much happiness. Being the alpha has always been his dream.

I stood still for a long moment, reflecting on my decision…. I inhaled, steadying myself, even if I couldn't stay calm.

Fangspire pack.

Alpha Kael Roman.

Five years of my life.

My fate has just been stripped before my eyes and thrown into the fist of Alpha, a very ruthless ruler of the most powerful pack.

I forced myself to walk, smile and move on, but my sadness overwhelmed that. Each step I took carried the weight of a burden, and finally, I pushed the door open to exit the council.

Kam's kingdom was overwhelmed with silence, as if the sky could read everything happening. Wolves patrolled around the walls, looking for their mate. 

I stood outside, watching the place I once called my safe place. The cold air grasped my hair.

Glanced at the area that was once my place, but without my parents, everything changed. They were all betrayal wrapped in Uncle Raven's hands.

Tomorrow I will be delivered like a piece of offering to the Romans, like something sold to an enemy.

Someone out there is watching me.

Perhaps Karl Roman, waiting to tempt his dog.

I had no idea what awaited me within Fangspire walls.

Tomorrow, I step into unknown territory.

Into his territory.

Into his world.

Leaving behind all I treasured in the hands of a manipulator.