SERENE
Everyone watched as Azriel bowed. Once to the King, once to the people before making his way back to his seat.
When the King stood, everything fell silent.
Roman, now kneeling in the center of the platform, wept silently because he knew there would be no mercy.
The King began, slow and steady. “A kingdom cannot thrive where fear rules, where Alphas wield their power as cruelty rather than protection. We strive to make ours a lawful existence, where even the strongest are bound by justice.”
He paused, eyes sweeping over the assembly before he went on, “Roman St. Cloud. Once an Alpha of standing, entrusted with the lives of your people. With that trust came honour, duty, and the sacred vow to protect those beneath your care. Instead, you betrayed that trust. You raised your hand
