Chapter 0433

The Council looked at each other, speaking in hushed tones. Some nodded, their gazes hardening as they glanced at my cousin. Before anyone could speak, Alvin's lawyer jumped up. "Objection. How can we trust the word of a criminal? Someone who has fled Darkmoon and sought asylum in Silvermoon? Jen, also known as White Rabbit, is a known drug dealer in the Darkmoon pack."

The same Alpha from before nodded. "The objection is noted. Alpha Hannah, do you have any other evidence to corroborate this testimony?"

I had anticipated this. "Yes, your honor. I understand your concerns," I replied coolly. "Which is why I would like to call my next witness to the stand. Alpha David of Darkmoon, please step forward."

A collective gasp swept through the room as David entered. I could feel the tension rise, everyone acutely aware of the animosity between us.

"Alpha David," I began, "can you please tell the Council about Alvin's recent behavior in Darkmoon?"

David's testimony was damning. He spoke of Alvin's drinking, his visits to prostitutes, his public indecency, and having to arrest him and return him to me like an unruly child. Then, he dropped the bombshell.

"I have here," David said, holding up a tablet, "security camera footage of Alvin bragging about his crimes to a prostitute."

My cousin's voice echoed through the chamber: "The bitch will never sire a little brat of her own. She's such a dumb whore who only cares about being skinny, she'll probably even take enough pills to kill herself before too long."

I winced at the recording but remained composed, my shoulders back.

"Don't you feel… I don't know… bad about doing that to her?" the prostitute replied. "She's your relative, and—"

"Sorry, am I here to listen to you spew shit or to fuck you? Roll over."

As the video ended, I could see the shock on the Council members' faces turn to fury. Alvin's smug expression had vanished, replaced by a sickly pallor.

After a palpable silence, a Council member turned to me, his brow furrowed. "Alpha Hannah, this is quite… unexpected. Your alliance with Alpha David, given your recent history…"

I nodded. "We have made amends for the sake of justice."

I glanced at David, whose jaw was clenched. I recalled our meeting from two weeks ago all too well, and the treaty we'd made still felt uneasy. But for the sake of justice, and tentative peace… it would be worth it.

As the Council retreated to deliberate, I felt a knot of anxiety in my stomach. I had played all my cards. Now, all I could do was wait.

Chapter 0433

The minutes ticked by like hours. Finally, after what seemed like ages, the Council members filed back into the room. The same Alpha from before stood to give their decision, and I found myself clutching Viona's hand tightly.

"After careful consideration of the evidence presented," the Alpha began, "we have come to a decision. Alvin, please rise."

Alvin stood, his face a mask of feigned indifference, but I could see the fear in his eyes. He knew he was going to prison. And he wouldn't be getting out.

"Alvin, you have been found guilty of attempted murder and conspiracy against an Alpha. You are hereby sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole. Furthermore, you are stripped of all pack rights and privileges. Do you understand these terms?"

Only then did Alvin's facade crack, his face contorting with rage. "This… This is bullshit!" he shouted, whirling on his heel and striding toward me. "You can't do this to me!"

I stepped back, allowing my guards to form a tight circle around me. My head guard let a feral snarl rip from her throat, claws extending. But the bailiff was already yanking Alvin back and cuffing him.

"You fucking bitch!" Alvin shrieked, spittle flying from his mouth. "You're going to pay for this! You think I worked alone? You really are just as dumb as you look if that's what you really think!"

My head guard turned to me, cracking her neck and nodding toward Alvin. "Alpha Hannah, want me to…?"

The thought of seeing Alvin beaten to a pulp was tempting. But no; I wouldn't give him, or anyone else, that satisfaction. So I shook my head, a tiny smile playing on my lips.

"No. That won't be necessary."

"This isn't over, Hannah!" Alvin shouted as the guards dragged him out in handcuffs. "And you know it!"

Chapter 0434