Chapter2
1041 Words
Alina's Point of View
The crowd fell into sudden silence.
Everyone turned to look at Dr. Ethan Vale, my former mentor and the pack's most
respected physician. He stood at the edge of the crowd.
"You're all making a terrible mistake," he said, his voice carrying authority.
"Don't you know her character? How can someone who has spent her entire career saving
children have the heart to kill them?"
Ryker didn't seem pleased with Ethan's interference. He released a warning growl.
"Your opinion isn't needed here. She committed murder, and she must pay with her life!"
"Light the fire!"
"Don't you dare!" Ethan snarled back. His eyes suddenly darkened, In all the years I'd
known Ethan, I'd never seen him this angry.
"Are you defying your Alpha?" Ryker's tone was dangerous.
Ethan let out a bitter laugh. "Why would I? I am only trying to rescue an innocent person.”
As if he'd just heard the funniest joke, Ryker released a cold, mocking laugh. "Say
whatever makes you feel better. I, Ryker Hart, am and will remain the Alpha of Silverpine
Pack, and my commands are absolute!"
"Listen to me," Ethan said, "Truth has a way of surfacing, and when it does, you'll regret
every decision you've made today."
"I don't care about your empty threats," Ryker replied dismissively, then turned back to the
lighter wolf. "Do it now. I want to see her burn!"
I felt a bit of hope when I saw Ethan step forward. He had always believed in me, always
supported my medical career when others questioned whether a woman could handle the
pressure of being a pack doctor. If anyone could save me, it would be him.
But that hope began to crumble when the lighter man,raised his torch again, the flames
dancing eagerly. Just as he was about to touch it to the kindling, “Wait!" Ethan shouted
again, pushing through the crowd. "You cannot do this without a proper trial!"
Ryker's eyes blazed with anger. "She had her trial. The evidence was clear."
"What evidence?" Ethan demanded. "Poison found in her kit? Anyone could have planted it
there!"
"Enough!" Ryker roared. "I won't let you delay justice any longer."
Ethan stepped closer to me, ignoring the guards who tried to stop him. His eyes were filled
with pain as he looked at me.
"Alina, I believe you. I know you would never hurt those children." His voice broke. "I should
have protected you better."
Tears streamed down my face. At least someone still believed in me, even if it was too late.
"Ethan..." I whispered.
He moved even closer, his voice dropping so only I could hear. "I love you, Alina. I've loved
you for years, but I never said anything because you were Ryker's mate."
My heart shattered all over again. "You... you love me?"
"I've watched you work, seen your dedication, your kindness. You're the most beautiful soul
I've ever known." Tears ran down his weathered face. "I can't let them do this to you."
Ryker heard Ethan's confession and his face twisted with rage. "So that's what this is
about! You want my mate for yourself!"
"She deserves someone who believes in her!" Ethan shot back. "Someone who would fight
for her instead of condemning her!"
"She's a murderer!" Ryker snarled.
"She's the woman I love, and I know her heart!" Ethan's voice rang out across the crowd.
"Alina Hart is innocent!"
Ethan suddenly moved closer to me, whispering. "Hold onto me. I can get you out of here."
I looked into his desperate eyes and shook my head weakly. "No, Ethan. They'll kill you too."
"I don't care!" His hands reached for the ropes binding me. "I won't let them do this!"
"Stop," I whispered. "Please, just stop."
He stared at me in disbelief. "You want to give up? Just like that?"
My voice broke as I spoke. "What's the point of fighting anymore?"
Ethan's eyes blazed with anger and pain. "The point is that Ryker and Mira planned all
of this! They're having an affair, Alina! They want you dead because it's an abomination in
our laws to marry another wolf while your mate is still alive!"
I stared at him, then looked across the crowd at Ryker holding Mira. The way he touched
her, protected her.
"They've been together for months," Ethan continued, his voice fierce with rage. "This whole
thing , the poisoned children, framing you, it was all to get rid of you so they could be
together legally!"
Ryker's jaw tightened as he realized what Ethan was saying. "Enough lies!"
"I screamed one last time. "Ryker, please! In your heart, you know I'm innocent!"
For just a moment, I saw something flash in his eyes. But then Mira stepped forward and
placed her hand on his arm.
"She's just trying to manipulate you," Mira said softly. "Don't let her lies confuse you. Think
of those poor children."
Ryker's expression hardened again. He looked at the man holding the torch. "Do it now."
"No!" Ethan tried to rush forward, but two pack members grabbed his arms and held him
back.
The man with the torch stepped toward me. I could feel the heat even before the flames
touched the wood beneath my feet.
"Please," I begged, looking around at all the faces I once knew and loved. "Please don't do
this."
But there was no mercy in their eyes. Only hatred and disgust.
The torch touched the kindling.
The fire caught quickly, spreading across the dry wood. Smoke filled my lungs as the flames
climbed higher. The heat was unbearable.
I screamed as the fire reached my dress. The pain was beyond anything I had ever
imagined.
"Alina!" I heard Ethan crying out, but his voice seemed so far away.
Through the flames and smoke, I saw Ryker watching me burn. Mira was still clinging to
his arm, but I couldn't see her expression through my tears and the fire.
The flames climbed higher, consuming everything. My skin, my hair, my dreams, my life. All
of it burning away.
As the fire took me,i looked up at the sky with tears streaming down my cheeks.
"Goddess please... don't let them do this...come to my rescue…”
- Writer
