WHO KILLED WHO?
1314 Words
CHAPTER 5: WHO KILLED WHO?
“Loren was killed by our former Luna…? That’s utterly absurd!” Catleya's uncle, Jonas, was the first to react, his voice rising above the murmur of confusion.
He sat among the council members, his heart pounding like a war drum as Noah summoned them, bearing the news like an ominous storm cloud.
In that charged atmosphere, Jonas felt a flicker of courage ignite within him—a bravery he'd failed to muster during Catleya's trial, paralyzed by the specter of his own fear of suffering her fate. Now, however, he faced the room with an indifference that belied the turmoil inside, wrestling with his knowledge of the girl he’d watched grow up.
Catleya was not a murderer; she was kind-hearted and resilient. But did he know enough to defend her against such a grave accusation? The thought that Noah still believed her capable of killing Loren felt like a knife twisted in his gut.
She’d always shown him kindness, how could anyone suspect her?
“I refuse to believe she did it! Luna was right there when it happened. How could she possibly be a murderer? To me, it looks like she’s been framed!” Jonas declared, his voice steady, unwavering in the eye of the storm, even as many in the room rallied in support of the new Luna, Cassidy. “This isn’t just family loyalty speaking. I seek the truth, and I will fight for it!”
A wave of astonishment rippled through the gathered crowd, indifferent expressions morphing into a tapestry of surprise and disbelief. Whispers danced in the air, sharp as daggers.
Noah’s displeasure was palpable, simmering beneath the surface. The Alpha’s mask of authority remained pristine, but Jonas could sense the growing tension.
“Very well,” Noah replied, his tone sounding like a tight rope. The shadows seemed to deepen around them, cloaking the chamber in a thick, oppressive silence. “But that doesn’t change the fact that she is the reason my son is dead…”
The murmurs fell silent, Noah's words cutting through the clamor like a blade.
A few council members shifted nervously; seeds of doubt had already taken root in their minds about Catleya. She might have been strong, but in their eyes, strength alone could not guarantee the survival of the pack without a viable heir.
Fertility was their unforgiving law.
“You might want to investigate further, Alpha,” Jonas countered, his gaze challenging his in a piercing battle. “We aren’t certain that those herbs… they may not even belong to her. Or perhaps—”
“What are you implying, Jonas?” Elder Caspian interjected, his voice a thunderclap.
If Noah was the Alpha, Caspian was the iron grip of the council. When he spoke, his word was law, a truth that held the power to cast one into the unforgiving wilderness where rogues liked to roam.
“We all know that I want what’s best for this pack!” Jonas’s voice rose, passion igniting his words.
A ripple of shock raced through the onlookers. How daring was he to speak back to Caspian?
“Ah, I see you’re still shackled by the ties of the family,” he sneered.
“That’s not the case!” Jonas shot back, a defiance burning in his chest.
“It is,” Caspian’s eyes narrowed. “And that can only mean you’re not prepared to discuss Catleya’s punishment. We might even suspect your collusion with her, Jonas.” Caspian’s gaze shifted deliberately to Noah. “What’s your take on this, Alpha?”
Jonas was aghast!
“Are you accusing me of treason?” he demanded, his voice taut, a mixture of outrage and betrayal painting his features.
“Only if you let your affection for your niece blind you to the truth.” Caspian turned his attention back to the Alpha, his composure unyielding.
“Elder Caspian is correct,” Noah chimed in, his voice chilly. “If you continue down to this path, then we might have to assume you had a hand in Loren’s death.”
The air grew heavy, a palpable force wrapping around the assembled wolves, an unyielding demand for submission that made them shrink under the weight of their Alpha's presence. They knelt, heads bowed in deference, exposed like prey before a predator.
Sweat beaded on their brows as Jonas fought against the urge to bend the knee alongside them, his dignity clawing for survival.
“And should anyone be complicit, I would not hesitate to spill blood here—regardless of rank or title. Is that understood?” Noah’s voice thundered, shaking the very foundation of their loyalty.
The ground seemed to tremble beneath the power of his conviction.
After what felt like an eternity of torment, Noah released them from his gaze.
“Does anyone else dare to oppose my decision?” he asked, his tone is icy.
Silence enveloped the council, not a soul dared to utter a word. Even Jonas remained mute, despite the storm of thoughts churning in his mind.
“Good.” Noah’s eyes sliced through them like shards of glass. “Then you will find it easy to accept the new order in this pack. Catleya is to be executed for the murder of my son… and our trusted pack doctor, Loren.”
Jonas felt the light drain from his world.
His heart ached, a heavy mantle of pity draping over his shoulders.
‘I’m sorry,’ he thought, his resolve crumbling. ‘If only I had been stronger.’
As Noah departed, Caspian turned to Jonas, venom dripping from his disdainful words.
“You are a fool,” he spat, his eyes glinting with malice. “You may have escaped today, but watch yourself. Or should I prepare to send condolences to your family? It is her fate to die for being useless.”
A handful in the room silently acquiesced to Caspian’s cruel logic.
Jonas clenched his jaw, silence was his only refuge. The venomous words hung in the air, thick and suffocating, but he controlled his rage, refusing to be provoked.
He turned on his heel and strode towards the exit, but a flicker of rebellion ignited within him. Once he reached the door, he paused, locking eyes with one of the guards. He nodded.
“It’s time,” he whispered.
The wolf understood, his posture shifting into one of unyielding determination. They moved with stealth, ensuring that no eyes were watching as they slipped away—toward the place that might yet save Catleya from the clutches of death itself.
***
“Catleya is to be executed tomorrow. What are your plans after her death?” Theo’s voice dripped with curiosity as they lay entwined in the bed, their bodies still warm from the heat of passion.
"Honestly? That sounds dreadfully dull. Watching her die seems far too simple," Cassidy purred, tracing lazy circles on his chest with her fingertips.
“Isn’t that what you’ve been scheming all along? To get rid of her?” He frowned, searching for the truth beneath her saccharine facade.
Cassidy chuckled, a dark sound that reverberated in the stillness. “Of course that’s part of it, but let’s face it—it’s just not fun enough.”
She turned to him, a playful glint dancing in her eyes.
“You’re plotting something, aren’t you?” His suspicion flared, settling in his gut like an unwelcome guest.
“Not exactly... but let’s just say, it’s worth considering. Why not trade her? Her former status as Luna gives her quite the market value. She'd make an excellent servant—”
“You mean to sell her?” Theo’s eyes widened in disbelief, confusion washing over his features.
“Not quite, darling,” Cassidy giggled, a wicked edge to her amusement. “We’re going to sell her, darling~”
- Writer
