Hearing Lycan King Ethan's proclamation, Kenneth's heart pounded in his chest as he tried to absorb the weight of the situation. Not only had he been embarrassed the entire night, but he had also been humiliated in front of the powerful Lycan King. Sensing his distress, Ethan sneered and said, "I saw everything. Don't dare try to lie to me about your actions."
"I apologize, my king. I..." Kenneth started, but Ethan's intimidating snarl silenced him immediately.
Ethan, with eyes that seemed to pierce through one's soul, addressed the gathered werewolves and werefelines once more. "Lily has proven herself and demonstrated unwavering dignity under such extreme circumstances. Her courage and cunning have earned her the title of victor tonight. She possesses qualities that make her worthy of being the future Luna to one of our kings."
Mandy finally managed to pull herself to her feet. She managed to shift back into her human form. Mandy exchanged a bewildered glance with Kenneth, both trying to comprehend the unexpected turn of events. How could the Lycan King choose Lily? It was unheard of.
"How could you choose her? No matter if she was able to defeat Brandy, she is still an Omega," a wolf called out, voicing the question that most were thinking.
Ethan frowned at the question, noting the bias towards Omegas. What were they teaching these idiotic wolves in school? "And? Does being an Omega make her any less of a wolf? The cats understand that each member of their pride holds an important role. Why is it that you all believe that Omegas are worthless?"
A tense silence fell over the crowd, no one daring to speak up in response to Ethan's query. The werefelines not knowing whether to feel smug about Ethan's praise or offended.
Ethan continued, his voice firm, "Are you telling me that no one knows the history of red wolves?"
"My king," Debra said, stepping forward respectfully. "If I may speak."
"Go ahead," Ethan granted permission, curious about Debra's insight.
"Red wolves only occur every three generations. They are believed to be blessed by the Moon Goddess. Though usually lower ranked, they possess unique abilities that can strengthen and protect their pack," Debra explained.
Ethan nodded in approval, appreciating the knowledge that Debra shared. "It seems that only she-wolves have sense, but there is a part of the history that you have missed."
Debra looked at Ethan with a hint of confusion, not aware of any untold part of the history. Her mother had passed down this information just as it was. She knew that their identity had to be kept hidden as forced mate bonds could occur.
"There were three ancient bloodlines: one for Lycans, one for werewolves, and one for werefelines. Hunters targeted them, with the help of vampires, to wipe them out to weaken us. Their plan failed; however, eventually, only one bloodline remained. The last female able to produce another red wolf perished in childbirth, and she was Abigail Delont of the Ash Dawn pack - Lily Bray's mother," Ethan revealed.
The realization of the historical significance began to settle in the forest. If Ethan's words held true, then anyone who harmed a red wolf would face severe consequences, possibly even death. All eyes turned to Brandy, who was now crying, restrained by one of the Lycans.
"Then, let me have her head," Debra growled. "In payment for what she attempted to do."
"We are not beasts without order, but I do empathize with you," Ethan responded.
"Release my daughter," Mandy demanded, her voice firm despite the turmoil inside her. "I will take her place and face whatever punishment that is for her."
"Indeed you will be punished, Mandy. Your daughter will also face the consequences of her actions," Ethan stated.
Kenneth couldn't stay silent any longer. He stepped forward, defending his daughter, "My king, Brandy did nothing wrong. She fought Lily in a challenge that Lily accepted willingly. She shouldn't be punished, as she didn't know about Lily's true identity."
A lycan, who had been observing Brandy, spoke up, revealing wolfsbane hidden in her clothes. "She is guilty of possessing an illegal substance and using it against one of her kind."
Gasps and murmurs erupted among the crowd. Wolfsbane was a dangerous and forbidden substance, obtainable only through the hunters, their mortal enemies. Matthew's need to defend Brandy faded as quickly as he thought it. He could not support her or it would mean he would be going to jail as well.
'As you should. You rejected our beautiful, precious mate. You deserve whatever she faces,' Balfour, his wolf, growled within him.
As the truth unfolded, Ethan's expression darkened with anger. He smelled the herb but he wasn't quite sure. "Pathetic! She meant to kill Lily!"
Disgust and anger permeated the air as the crowd condemned Brandy for her actions.
"Take them," Ethan ordered his warriors. Mandy and Brandy were bound and led away to be held in jail, awaiting judgment by the Elder Council.
Kenneth was unable to contain his frustration. "Where are you taking them?"
"To be held in custody until the Elder Council decides what to do with them," Ethan replied, turning away.
Garrett, driven by his need to protect Lily, stepped forward to block Ethan's path, his eyes narrowed with determination. Jack tried to reach him telepathically, but Garrett had closed himself off. Again, Garrett was challenging another Alpha, but this time he was way out of his league.
'Shall I handle him, my king?' a lycan telepathically linked to Ethan.
'No, I will take care of it,' Ethan responded and then said, "What do you want wolf?"
"Give her back to me," Garrett demanded, his voice unwavering. Had he forgotten that he still held Lily, who was now unconscious in his arms.
Ethan scoffed at Garrett's request, his patience wearing thin. "Why should I? You haven't fulfilled your duty as her protector, so I will take matters into my own hands. You do not know how to ensure that she recovers."
"She does not belong to you," Garrett responded firmly.
"That is yet to be seen, Garrett Hunter. You and your pack will be called to appear in front of the Elder Council. Only then when I have assurance that I will let Lily go."