Chapter 28
598words
I approached the council table, my heart pounding.
"This council acknowledges the great injustice done to you and your family," she said. "We hereby restore to you full ownership of your father's research and recognize your rightful place as his heir."
She handed me a document bearing the council's seal. "Furthermore, we acknowledge your status as Luna of the Sterling pack, mate to Alpha Derek Sterling."
A cheer went up from the pack members. I felt tears spring to my eyes as Derek joined me, taking my hand in his.
"Thank you," I said, my voice thick with emotion.
Elder Thorne nodded, then turned her attention to Kayla. "Bring forward the accomplice."
Kayla was led to the center of the hall, her wrists bound. She kept her eyes on the floor, unable to meet the accusing stares of her former packmates.
"Kayla Lane, you have betrayed your pack by aiding your father's escape and participating in his plot against your Alpha. The traditional punishment for such betrayal is death."
A hush fell over the room. Derek stepped forward.
"As Alpha, I claim the right to determine her punishment," he said.
Elder Thorne nodded. "The right is yours."
Derek looked at Kayla, his expression stern but not cruel. "Kayla Lane, you are hereby banished from the Sterling pack. You will leave our territory by sunset and never return."
Kayla finally looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. She had clearly expected worse.
"However," Derek continued, "in recognition of your youth and the influence your father had over you, you will not be harmed. You may seek acceptance in another pack, if any will have you."
I stepped forward then, surprising everyone, including Derek. Through our bond, I felt his curiosity.
"I have something to add," I said quietly.
Derek nodded, giving me the floor.
I approached Kayla, stopping just before her. "You tormented me for years," I said, my voice carrying through the silent hall. "You helped your father try to kill us both."
Kayla flinched, tears filling her eyes.
"But I know what it's like to be under someone's control, to feel like you have no choice," I continued. "So while I support your banishment, I want you to know that I forgive you."
Gasps echoed through the hall. Kayla looked up at me in disbelief.
"Why?" she whispered.
"Because holding onto hatred only poisons yourself," I said simply. "I've carried enough of that for three years. I'm ready to let it go."
I turned and walked back to Derek, who looked at me with such pride and love that it took my breath away.
"The Luna has spoken," he announced. "Kayla will be escorted to the border at sunset."
As the formal proceedings concluded, pack members came forward to congratulate us and pledge their loyalty. Many who had once looked down on me as a lowly Omega now bowed their heads respectfully, calling me "Luna" with genuine deference.
It was overwhelming, this sudden shift from outcast to revered leader. Through our bond, Derek sensed my discomfort.
"Just a little longer," he whispered in my ear. "Then I have something to show you."
---
As twilight fell, Derek led me deep into the forest, following a path few seemed to know. We traveled in comfortable silence, our hands linked, occasionally sharing thoughts through our bond.
"Where are we going?" I finally asked as we reached a part of the territory I'd never seen before.
Derek smiled mysteriously. "Somewhere special. Somewhere our fathers used to meet."
