The day of the trial had finally arrived, and the entire supernatural community had gathered at Silverwood Estate, the very place where the Winter Moon celebration had once taken place. It seemed strangely fitting that this pivotal moment was unfolding amidst the same location where chaos had erupted during that ill-fated event. The atmosphere was tense as alphas, Lunas, Betas, and deltas from various packs and prides converged for what would undoubtedly be a historic trial.
For centuries, there hadn't been a trial or gathering of such significance. Lily couldn't help but feel like a bundle of nerves, even though she knew she was not at fault for the events that had transpired.
Tiffany shared Lily's apprehension as she couldn't help but frown the entire way there. "I can't believe they're holding the trial here," Tiffany remarked, a trace of disapproval in her voice. "It seems rather in poor taste."
Lily nodded, her anxiety mounting. "It's ironic, isn't it? Everything began here. I suppose it's only fitting that we find closure in this place."
"What should I expect?" Lily asked Tiffany and Debra.
"Expect an old-school mentality. In gatherings like this, men traditionally speak first, and women often ask for permission or guidance," Tiffany answered. "It's exhausting but you have to stroke fragile egos to get anywhere."
Lily's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you serious?" She looked at Debra for confirmation.
Debra nodded which only increased Lily's anxiety. "Yes, some of the elders here are older than me, even older than my own parents. They cling to the old ways, so it's best to be respectful. It could work in your favor."
Fear gripped Lily again as she began to panic. What if what Ethan said came true? What if they decided that she had no say in determining her fate or her body's future?
Dina spoke within her. 'Calm down. We don't know that yet. Our primary goal is bringing to light what happened to our mother and finding out what all Kenneth has been lying about. We can worry about what happens to us afterward.'
"I don't know what your wolf is telling you, but everything is going to be ok. We can't sit with you but we will be there to support you," Debra stated. Her comforting words relaxed Lily. She squeezed Lily's hands lovingly before leaving her in front of the imposing doors leading to her designated seating area.
Just as Lily prepared to step forward, a familiar scent made her spin around. Matthew was approaching her, and she fought to keep her expression neutral. Lily wondered what she would do if she was cornered by him. She thought that she may still have feelings for him, but all she felt was anger.
'What the hell does he want?' Dina growled. She paused, listening. 'Be careful Lily. Baldur, his wolf, he's... something is wrong.'
Sensing her distress through the mate bond, Garrett reached out. "Are you okay? Is something going on?"
"I'm fine. It's Matthew," Lily replied, her voice firm.
"I'll be right there," Garrett offered.
"Don't. This is probably what he wants. He wants to cause a scene. I'll handle this," Lily stated, rejecting his offer to come to her. She knew Garrett wouldn't be able to stop himself from beating Matthew into a pulp and Matthew would play the victim. They didn't need that right now.
"Tell me if you need me," Garrett reminded her, his concern evident in their mental connection.
Lily then shifted her attention to Matthew, who had now come to a halt before her. His eyes roamed over her body. She wore a simple modest green pressure. His eyes roaming over her body lustfully once would've made her blush, but now only made her skin crawl in disgust.
"Hello, Matthew," Lily greeted him, her tone flat. "What do you want?"
"Is that how you greet your mate?" Matthew asked with a smile. Lily finally allowed him to show her emotion and frowned.
"I rejected you and you accepted. I'm not your mate. Brandy is your mate. That's who you wanted so that's who you get," Lily stated firmly.
"Our parents made a mistake. Let's start over," Matthew proposed, his tone pleading.
Lily's anger flared as she remembered the pain he had caused her. "Did you forget how you constantly cheated on me with my own sister? You stepped out on me and you think I'm supposed to just take you back. You haven't even apologized."
"I apologize. I just wanted to get all my urges out. It was just a simple fling. She didn't mean anything to me," Matthew insisted.
"A simple fling that lasted for months. I'm not an idiot. I was in chronic pain not realizing you were sleeping with my sister the entire time. And you called that a simple fling. You led her on, made her believe that you wanted her," Lily retorted. "Brandy is my sister. Despite our awful relationship, I refuse to betray her like she did me. I refuse to be with a cheater."
Matthew persisted, "Let's be reasonable. Just give me another chance."
"No," Lily replied resolutely, unwilling to entertain the idea. "I want nothing to do with you."
Matthew's demeanor shifted, and he stepped forward. Lily wanted to step back, but she stood firm, glaring back at him. "This is your last chance," he warned her.
'What does he mean by that? Be careful Lily,' Dina warned within her.
Lily's eyes narrowed as she listened to his thinly veiled threat. "Excuse me? Are you threatening me? Are you serious right now?"
Matthew hesitated briefly before saying, "No, but there will be repercussions for going against the fated mate bond. I have learned that now. I know I made a mistake. Just give me another chance. I just want to give us another chance."
Lily scoffed. "That's rich coming from you. You have some gall trying to lecture me about the sanctity of the mate bond. I don't care about what epiphany you had. Keep it to yourself. I have moved on, and I have a mate," Lily declared firmly, ending the conversation.
"Then, I'm sorry for what happens next," Matthew said with a shrug and walked away.