Till Death Takes A Bite

Judgement

MALIAH

[STILL 24 HOURS AGO]

"Is this a joke?"

For a moment, I thought I had misheard Byron. The words echoed in my mind but I couldn’t quite believe them but as the reality of his request hit me like a ton of blocks, I felt like I had been slapped.

A wave of shock and disgust washed over me and I jerked my hands free from his, my eyes blazing with anger and betrayal.

“You can't be serious, right?” I arched my brows, hoping within me that it was all a silly joke.

“Please, be calm and listen to me.” He tried to hold me once more but i yanked my hands off his. “Zayn’s coronation is supposed to be in two days but he is dead. It would be a thing of shame if the culprit is not found.

Other Alphas would be disappointed and would not trust us again if the son of an Alpha can be killed yet the killer is not found. No one would want to be in alliance with us because they would term us as weak.

You were the last person who went in there. You were the one who made his food. You were in his room few minutes before he died….”

“I was but I did not kill him! How can you even think such about me? We might have our issues but I would never poison him…..”

“I believe you…..” He continued. “But who else will? Everyone knows you were the last person to be in there. My father loves Zayn and if he has any idea that you were the one who made his food, he could kill you. The people could stone you to death. “ he let out a sigh. “I promise to protect you. All you have to do is, agree to being the murderer.

My father would trust me for finding you and would make me the Alpha. When he does, I can decide you are not guilty and a thorough investigation has to be done but all of that cannot be done before the coronation.” He held my hands close to his chest.

My hands and legs were jittery. What had I gotten myself into?

Because of the lust Alpha Zayn had for me, he had personally requested I be assigned to clean his room and make him his breakfast myself. He had insisted I make his food and feed him with it, I however refused to do the latter.

“I love you, Maliah and I will do anything to keep you safe and protect you. I promise to set you free after I am crowned and make you my Luna then we can begin a proper search for my brother’s killer.” He explained.

That was quite risky. What would people think of me? How would people view me?

“Do not forget the people already regard you as the daughter of a mentally detailed man. It would not be difficult for them to believe you murdered him because you hate him if investigation begins and everyone knows you were the last person to serve his food. By then, I wouldn’t be able to save you and it would be too late.”

I tried to think but my thoughts were jumbled together. I didn’t even have the chance to think. He was right. I was known as the daughter of a mentally detailed man. After my mother and sister had died years back, a certain man would come to give my father an intoxicating drink.

My father had however took excess one day and began to act derailed before vanishing from the pack one day and never returning.

“I’ll do it. I will confess to the crimes.” I summoned courage. I was in a tight fix and that was the only thing I could do. My heart trembled at this decision of mine but... i was going to get arrested anyway.

“Good.” He muttered before calling out the guards and handing me over to them… as the killer.

[Back to Present]

“We have a witness!” Byron thundered. A witness? Was this a part of the scheme? My eyes searched for the witness and my breath seized the moment she walked up to the podium. I knew it was just a plan but it was breaking me.

Having a witness would make things difficult! But again, I trusted Byron's judgement. He sure had his way with things.

“Maliah is my friend but I am loyal to the crown. She returned yestermorning to tell me how much she hated Lord Zayn and how she could not wait to get rid of him. She hated him because she felt he wasn’t worthy to be Alpha. She didn’t want him as our leader and she sounded so sure that he would not rule over us.” Ivy narrated.

My heart shattered. I wasn’t sure if this was still the plan or something else? I however decided to be patient.

“Son, since you caught the murderer, make the judgement.” Alpha Oziel spoke, turning to leave immediately.

“Guards, lock her up.” Byron ordered and the guards held my hands.

“After your wedding to Shadeva, daughter of Alpha Malcolm tomorrow, you will be crowded Alpha.” My heart skipped a beat as I heard those words and I turned to look at Byron immediately. I hoped he would resist or perhaps, some sort of soberness or anything in his face but…..

Instead, his grin widened and a relaxed, satisfying look spread on his face. “Yes, Father.” He responded with so much joy. “I cannot wait to rule this pack, with Shadeva….. by my side.”

I tried to speak but the words died in my throat. This…wasn’t looking like a plan anymore . I shook my head and dismissed the thoughts. I was certain he was just trying to play along……. Or was I wrong?