Chapter 5: The Pack's Justice (1)

The tribunal fire burns in the center of the Sunstone Pack's gathering grounds, and I know with cold certainty that I'm about to be judged for the crime of being rejected.

Two days have passed since I found Lucian in bed with my sister. Two days of fever and shaking, of vomiting blood in my quarters while the pack whispers outside my door. The bond-sickness has set in fast—faster than it should, according to the old stories. The torn mate bond festers in my chest like an infected wound, poisoning my blood with its magic.

I can barely walk. Finn has to support me under one arm as we approach the gathering grounds, his thin frame shaking with either cold or fear. He's the only one who came when I asked. The only one who didn't look at me like I'm already dead.

"You don't have to do this," he whispers, his Omega instincts clearly screaming at him to run from what's coming. "We could leave. Right now. Just... disappear into the forest."

I almost laugh. Sweet, naive Finn. As if there's anywhere in these territories where a rejected Omega could hide. As if I have the strength to make it past the border markers.

"The Alpha summoned me." My voice comes out hoarse, destroyed by days of screaming into my pillow. "I don't have a choice."

The entire Sunstone Pack has assembled in a circle around the judgment fire. Hundreds of wolves, their faces lit by flickering orange light. Some look uncomfortable—mostly the other Omegas, who understand too well how fragile our positions are. Others show open disgust, their noses wrinkling as they catch my scent. I smell like sickness now. Like broken bonds and weakness. Like everything wolves are taught to fear.

Alpha Kael—my father—sits on the raised platform at the head of the circle. He looks older than he did three days ago. Tired. But his expression is closed, his Alpha authority wrapped around him like armor.

Lucian sits beside him in the position of honor. He won't look at me. His jaw is tight, his hands clenched on the armrests of his chair. The future Alpha, already distancing himself from his mistake.

And on Lucian's other side, wearing a Luna's ceremonial cloak of deep blue that matches her eyes perfectly, sits Diana.

My twin sister meets my gaze across the fire and smiles. Just a small curve of her lips, barely visible. But I see the triumph in it. The satisfaction.

She won.

"Bring forth the petitioner." Alpha Kael's voice carries across the gathering grounds, formal and heavy with pack authority.

Finn helps me forward into the circle of firelight. Pack members shift away from me as we pass, maintaining distance like my condition might be contagious. Maybe it is. Maybe broken bonds spread like disease.

I stand before the platform on legs that threaten to buckle. Finn tries to stay beside me, but Beta Marcus—Lucian's second-in-command—steps forward and physically shoves him back into the crowd.

"Omegas don't speak at tribunal," Marcus growls.

Finn stumbles, catches himself, but his eyes meet mine with desperate apology before the crowd swallows him.

I'm alone.

"We are gathered," Alpha Kael begins, his voice taking on the ritual cadence of pack law, "to address the matter of Selene, daughter of my blood, who was blessed three nights ago with an Alpha fated mate." He pauses, and I watch his throat work with emotion he won't let show on his face. "An Alpha who has exercised his right to reject the bond and choose another."

Murmurs ripple through the crowd. Everyone knew this was coming, but hearing it stated formally makes it real.

Elder Theron, ancient and gray-muzzled, steps forward from his position among the Council. "A rejected fated mate poses significant danger to pack stability. The bond-sickness will attract rogues. Her pain will disrupt hunts and ceremonies. Pack law is clear on this matter."

"Then cast me out." The words tear from my throat before I can stop them. "If I'm such a danger, exile me. Let me die in the Cursed Forest where you won't have to see it."

Diana's eyes flash with something—surprise? concern?—but it's gone too quickly to read.

"The matter is more complicated than simple exile," Elder Marcus says, his gaze flicking to Lucian. "The Alpha has made his choice. We must formalize it."

Lucian stands. Finally looks at me. His amber eyes are haunted, but his voice is steady. Political. "I, Lucian, Alpha-Heir of the Sunstone Pack, formally claim Diana as my chosen mate and future Luna." He reaches for her hand, pulls her to her feet beside him. "I reject any prior bond that may have formed, as is my right under pack law."

The words hit like physical blows. Formal rejection. Witnessed by the entire pack. Binding and absolute.

Diana leans into Lucian's side, her expression shifting to something soft and wounded. "I never wanted this," she tells the crowd, her voice trembling with false emotion. "Selene is my sister. I love her. But when Lucian came to me that night—confused, terrified of what he was feeling—I couldn't turn him away. He was suffering."

Lies. Every word is poison wrapped in honey.

"She forced herself on him," Diana continues, and I feel the trap closing. "At the celebration. Everyone saw how aggressive she was, how she claimed the bond before he could even process it. She's always been... unstable. Emotional. And now with the bond-sickness, she's dangerous."