Thea’s POV

I stood there, frozen in shock, staring at the police officers. Everyone seemed paralyzed, unable to comprehend the unfolding events. It wasn't until the officers began dragging Aurora away that Roman and Margaret reacted.

“What the fuck is going on? You’ve got the wrong person!” Roman roared, veins bulging on his forearms as he stepped forward. The officer merely returned an icy glare. They paused and turned toward him. Aurora appeared to be in a trance, her mind seemingly detached from her body, disbelief etched across her face.

“We’re quite certain we have the right person, Alpha Sterling,” the tall officer replied calmly. “She identified herself as Aurora Sterling, and that’s exactly who we came to arrest.”

Aurora didn't move or struggle. She just stood there, rigid, her gaze lost and confused. I understood her reaction; I was equally baffled. Why were they arresting her? Why did they think she was responsible for the attempt on my life?

“There must be some misunderstanding,” Margaret interjected, trying to reason with them. “Whatever differences they might have, Aurora would never try to kill Thea.”

“Ma’am, we’re just following orders,” another officer said. “I suggest you start looking for a lawyer.”

They dragged Aurora away, with Margaret chasing after them while Roman stayed behind, cursing the police loudly. The rest of us remained rooted to the spot, stunned. Everything happened so fast—or was it slow? My brain struggled to comprehend what the hell was going on. Aurora couldn't possibly have ordered me shot, could she?

“Why the fuck didn’t any of you do something?” Roman shouted upon his return, facing us.

Chapter 286

“What exactly did you expect us to do?” Damien retorted.

He was right. This had completely blindsided all of us; none of us were prepared for this situation. What did he expect? That we’d openly fight with the police? We might have many flaws, but stupidity wasn't one of them.

Roman turned to glare at Sebastian. That's when I realized Phoenix wasn't with Sebastian. He must have left her with my parents or Mary.

“Is this your doing?” he asked through gritted teeth, his voice filled with rage. “You’re the one who had her arrested last time; I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re behind this too.”

“Roman, I suggest you watch yourself; I won’t tolerate unfounded accusations in my home,” Sebastian’s eyes turned cold and dangerous. He was angry. Unlike Roman’s outwardly displayed anger, Sebastian’s was different. His anger filled the entire room, a chilling presence.

Margaret returned, tears streaming down her face. She was about to speak when Sebastian’s phone rang, interrupting her.

He apologized before answering. Roman and Margaret left without speaking to me or Damien. As the door locked behind them, I sat down, already feeling a headache coming on.

Five minutes later, Sebastian returned with a puzzled expression.

“What is it?” Damien asked.

I turned on the sofa to get a good look at him. For some reason, I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like what he was about to tell us.

“That was Hawthorne,” he began, and I looked at him in confusion, unsure who that was. “The police chief called to ask if we could come to the station.”

“Why?” I asked.

“He didn’t elaborate, saying he’d rather tell us in person, but it has to do with your case and Aurora’s arrest.”