The Trial
1075 Words
[Araya's POV]
The full moon rises over Ironfang Keep, casting silver light across the courtyard. Araya stands in the center of the stone circle, surrounded by the entire pack. Hundreds of wolves gather in a tight ring around her, their eyes glowing faintly in the moonlight. The air is thick with tension, with anticipation.
This is the trial of purity.
Araya wears a simple white dress, as tradition demands. Her raven-dark hair hangs loose around her shoulders, the silver streaks catching the moonlight. Her hands rest protectively over her stomach, though the swell of her pregnancy is not yet visible.
The pack watches in silence. Some faces show curiosity. Others show contempt. A few show pity.
Millie stands near the back, her hazel eyes wide with worry. Their gazes meet for a brief moment, and Millie gives a small nod of encouragement.
Araya takes a slow breath, trying to steady herself.
At the far end of the circle, Jasper stands on the raised platform reserved for the Alpha. He wears black, as always, his storm-gray eyes cold and unreadable. Beside him stands Serenya, dressed in deep green silk, her honey-blonde hair gleaming in the moonlight. She smiles faintly, her expression satisfied.
The elder priest steps forward, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "We gather under Araya's Eye to witness the trial of purity. Araya Varrow, Luna of the Drevyn Pack, has been accused of betrayal. She claims to carry the Alpha's child. The Alpha disputes this claim."
Murmurs ripple through the crowd.
The priest raises his hand, and the crowd falls silent. "The accused will answer before the pack. The moon will judge her truth."
Araya's heart pounds in her chest. She lifts her chin, meeting Jasper's gaze across the courtyard.
Jasper descends from the platform, moving toward the center of the circle. The pack parts for him, bowing their heads as he passes. He stops a few feet from Araya, his expression hard.
"Araya Varrow," Jasper says, his voice cold and formal. "You claim to carry my child. Is this true?"
"Yes," Araya says, her voice steady despite the trembling in her hands.
"When did you discover this?" Jasper asks.
"Two weeks ago," Araya says. "The healer confirmed it."
Jasper's eyes narrow. "And you expect this pack to believe the child is mine?"
"It is yours," Araya says firmly. "You know it is."
"Do I?" Jasper's voice rises slightly. "You were in my bed once. One night. And now you claim to be pregnant with my heir?"
"Yes," Araya says. "Because it's the truth."
Jasper takes a step closer, his storm-gray eyes boring into hers. "Tell me, Araya. Who else have you been with?"
The question lands like a slap.
Araya's breath catches. "No one."
"No one?" Jasper repeats, his tone mocking. "You expect this pack to believe you've been faithful? That you haven't sought comfort elsewhere?"
"I haven't," Araya says, her voice rising. "I've been with no one but you."
"Then why would I doubt you?" Jasper asks, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Why would I question the word of a wolf-less Luna who has done nothing but cause trouble since the day she arrived?"
Araya's hands curl into fists. "Because you want an excuse to cast me out. You've wanted it from the beginning."
Gasps ripple through the crowd.
Jasper's jaw tightens. "Careful, Araya. You're on trial here. Not me."
"Then ask me what you need to ask," Araya says, her voice shaking but defiant. "Stop playing games. Stop humiliating me. Just ask."
Jasper's eyes flash with anger. He turns to address the pack, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "This woman stands before you, claiming to carry my child. But I have seen no proof. I have seen only lies and manipulation."
"I'm not lying," Araya says desperately. "The healer confirmed it. Ask her. She'll tell you."
Jasper's gaze shifts to the healer, who stands near the edge of the circle. "Is this true?"
The healer steps forward, her expression grave. "Yes, Alpha. The girl is pregnant. There is no doubt."
"And can you confirm the child is mine?" Jasper asks.
The healer hesitates. "I cannot confirm parentage without the child being born. But the timing is consistent with your consummation night."
Jasper's expression does not change. "Consistent. But not certain."
"No, Alpha," the healer admits. "Not certain."
Jasper turns back to Araya, his voice cold. "So we have no proof. Only your word."
"My word should be enough," Araya says, tears streaming down her face. "I'm your mate. Your Luna. You should believe me."
"Should I?" Jasper asks quietly. "Why should I trust a wolf-less woman who has brought nothing but shame to this pack?"
The words cut deeper than any blade.
Araya's chest heaves. She stares at Jasper, searching his face for any sign of the bond they are supposed to share. But there is nothing. Only cold indifference.
"I didn't ask for this," Araya says, her voice breaking. "I didn't ask to be married to you. I didn't ask to be humiliated and rejected. But I've endured it. I've stayed. I've been loyal. And now I'm carrying your child, and you refuse to believe me."
"Because I don't believe you," Jasper says flatly.
Araya's knees buckle. She staggers, catching herself before she falls. "Please, Jasper. Please. This child is innocent. Whatever you think of me, the child has done nothing wrong."
"The child is a bastard," Jasper says coldly. "Born of lies and deceit."
The pack murmurs, some nodding in agreement, others whispering in shock.
Araya's vision blurs. She looks around the circle, searching for someone, anyone, who will speak in her defense. But most of the wolves look away, unwilling to challenge their Alpha.
Only Millie meets her gaze, tears streaming down her face.
Jasper turns to address the pack. "I have questioned this woman. I have heard her claims. And I find them lacking. She offers no proof. No evidence. Only empty words."
"That's not true," Araya says desperately. "The healer confirmed it. The timing matches. What more proof do you need?"
"I need the truth," Jasper says harshly. "And the truth is, you are tainted. You are unfit to stand as Luna of this pack."
The words echo across the courtyard, hanging in the air like a death sentence.
Araya's breath stops. Her heart hammers in her chest, the sound loud in her ears.
"Tainted," Jasper repeats, his voice cold and final. "Unfit as Luna."
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