Chapter 15 - Execution
1506 Words
#musicvibe - 1916, Sabaton (I’ve listened to this song on repeat for a week, and it makes me cry every time, go check it out, it’s amazing!)
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Evy POV
I had never felt such fear in my life as I was running with Violet and Alex towards the border. Not because I was afraid of the battle that was ahead of us, but because I could feel Garrett’s emotions. We were running out of time, I was sure of it. It felt like he was coming to terms with that he was going to die.
A lump formed in my throat and I had to force myself to stay behind Alex and Violet instead of running ahead of them like my instincts were telling me. From the corner of my eye, I could see vampires running next to us.
Alex had gathered a small team that came with us through the border. The rest of the army was going to be on standby in case we needed backup. I really hoped that it wouldn’t come to that. The lycans didn’t want to fight in another war, especially not when their Alpha was compromised.
When we reached the border, I instantly sensed a warrior guarding the perimeter on the other side. Seconds later, a she-wolf appeared among the trees. She growled in warning, so I dropped the clothes I was carrying in my snout and shifted back.
“Stop.” I pleaded. “We’re here to help.”
The wolf shifted back too, and I recognized her as Linda, my instructor.
“Evelyn.” She said. “What the hell is going on?”
“That woman that is always with the Alpha has a spell on him.” I replied. “She controls everything he does. I went to get some help.”
“I thought the alliance fell through.” Linda said and narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
“It didn’t.” Violet replied. “I would never go to war with my own brother.”
Linda seemed to be in conflict with herself.
“Have you mindlinked anyone?” I asked.
Linda shook her head.
“I was just about to, but then I saw you.” She shrugged.
“Are you Alpha commanded?” I asked.
Linda shook her head.
“I just got my orders from the head warrior.” She replied. “But this feels weird. There are a lot of things that don't add up.”
I walked up to her and took her hands.
“You have to let us through.” I whispered. “The queen is in danger. My mate is in danger. I can feel it. And it’s all because of that woman.”
Linda nodded and I saw sadness in her eyes.
“They’re about to be executed.” She whispered back. “You need to hurry.”
I smiled, even though her words made my blood run cold.
“Thank you.” I said. “You were never here.”
Linda nodded.
“Go.” She whispered, before shifting back to her wolf form and taking off through the forest.
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Valeria POV
I was gently led outside with Garrett following closely behind me. I balled my fists to stop my hands from shaking and I forced myself to keep my head held high.
This was probably my end, but I was still a queen.
I was determined to go down with my honor still in one piece.
The sun blinded me when I came outside, and I squinted while I waited for my eyes to get used to the sharp light.
When my vision cleared, I saw the pack standing in front of the castle gates in complete silence. Every face I saw in the crowd looked horrified, and in some strange way I was relieved that they didn’t support Tyson’s lies. They all probably knew that this was all wrong, even if they couldn’t do anything about it.
When I turned my head to look at Tyson, fear made me stop in my tracks when I realized how I was about to be executed.
A large pyre was built next to the gates, and I blinked to keep my tears away while my throat closed up.
A gentle push from the guards made me start walking again, and I stared at Tyson, trying my best to push through the block between us. But with Willow gone, I wasn’t strong enough.
Tyson stood on the steps in front of the castle gates, his face void of any emotions. Celeste was standing behind him, and I could see the excitement in her eyes.
She won.
And for the first time since I got my powers, I was completely useless.
The guards halted in front of Tyson, awaiting his next command.
“Valeria Adams.” Tyson said. “You are found guilty of treason, and I hereby sentence you to death.”
Everyone was so silent, you could hear a pin drop.
“Any last words?” Tyson asked.
“No.” I replied. “But I have one final request.”
Tyson nodded curtly and I reached out my cuffed hands.
“Touch me.” I whispered. “Let me feel the mate bond one last time.”
I saw Celeste narrow her eyes at me, as if waiting for some trick from me.
But I had none.
Tyson walked up to me and took my hand, and I felt the sparks shoot up my arm. I relished in the warm feeling and closed my eyes, trying to imprint the feel of his touch against my skin.
I flinched when Tyson pulled back his hand, the emptiness his touch left behind feeling like a cold shower while Tyson turned to Garrett.
“Garrett Vincent.” He said. “You have failed as a Gamma and betrayed your Alpha, your pack and your kingdom.”
“You’re right.” Garrett interrupted him. “I have failed as a Gamma. If I didn’t, we wouldn’t be here.”
Tyson smirked.
“I see where your loyalties lie.” He replied. “Therefore, you’ll watch your Luna die before you are executed yourself.”
“And how will I be dying?” Garrett asked. “Or you have another pyre hidden behind a bush somewhere?”
I smiled softly. Of course Garrett wasn’t going down without a large portion of sass. I felt a little proud of him for that. He had come to terms with dying, and he didn’t care anymore.
Celeste flicked her hand, and a large silver dagger appeared in her hand.
“No.” Tyson muttered. “We’ll just slit your throat once the Luna is dead. I would consider that your last words.”
With that, he turned and picked up a torch.
“Chain her to the pyre.” He commanded.
My legs stopped working, and I felt numb as the guards dragged me to the top of the pyre, cuffing my hands behind my back and chaining me to a pole. I couldn’t stop trembling, and my breaths turned ragged.
Using a lighter, Tyson lit the torch and handed it to a surprised looking Kayden.
“You’ve been loyal to me through all this.” He said. “I will grant you the honors of lighting the pyre.
Kayden took the torch with trembling hands.
“I… can’t.” He whispered.
Tyson raised an eyebrow.
“So you mean that your support has been all for show?” He asked.
“No.” Kayden immediately replied. “I’ll always be there for you, Ty.”
“Then LIGHT THE PYRE.” Tyson commanded.
The Alpha command made Kayden tremble and his legs started moving on their own.
“No.” He yelped, his arms shaking violently as he fought the command.
He fell to his knees trying to stop himself, struggling with everything he had to stop the torch from reaching the pyre.
“Tyson, this isn’t you.” He cried out while tears started falling down his cheeks.
“Do it.” Tyson replied.
“No!” Kayden screamed while his mind and body waged a war against each other.
Kayden let out a pained scream as the command got stronger in an attempt to force him to move, and I watched him fight in agony to stop the torch from reaching me, knowing full well that there was no way for him to win that battle.
“It’s okay, Kayden.” I cried. “You can let go.”
“No.” He sobbed. “It’ll kill you.”
“Let go!” I said. “It’s okay.”
“Forgive me, Luna.” Kayden whispered.
His hand let go of the torch and it landed on the dry wood. It instantly started spreading, slowly coming towards me while I started thinking about my parents.
Will they be there for me on the other side?
Could they save me from this painful death?
I really hoped so.
- Writer
