The Council looked around at each other, speaking in hushed tones. Some nodded, their gazes growing stony as they glanced at my cousin. However, before any of them 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, of course. “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 went through the room as David entered. I could feel the tension rise, everyone too 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, having to arrest him and give him back to me like an unruly brat. And 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.”

“The bitch will never sire a little brat of her own,” my cousin’s voice echoed through the chamber. “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 kept my shoulders pulled 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 out of your mouth 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, one of the Council members turned to me, his brow furrowed. “Alpha Hannah, this is quite… unexpected. Your alliance with Alpha David, given your recent history…”

I nodded and replied, “We have made amends for the sake of justice.”

I glanced at David, whose jaw was set hard. I recalled our meeting from two weeks ago all too well, and the treaty we’d made still didn’t sit right. 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.

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 like a vise.

“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!”

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

The thought of seeing Alvin being beaten to a pulp in front of everyone was tempting. But no; I wouldn’t give him, or anyone else for that matter, the 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!”