Chapter 4 A Trial

I was led by the Omegas to the area where the accused had to stand and stepped into the courtroom, filled with the whole pack. The air felt heavy with tension, and I could almost see the judgment in everyone's eyes.

The judge's seat was taken by Xavier Ronan, the Alpha of the Oak Pack. He wore a deep brown cloak, and even though he was young, he had a strong sense of authority. Another judge caught my attention too-Leia Gamora. She looked to be about thirty, with short blonde hair, golden-brown eyebrows, and pale skin.

I wasn't ready to face my husband, the man who had once promised to love me, sitting as the judge for the trial that would decide my fate under the Oak Pack's rules.

Xavier approached, his cloak draped over my shivering body. The pack's eyes studied me closely, seeing through the thin gown that barely covered me. Many were shocked and upset by his actions, as they had expected him to treat me like a criminal before any judgment was made.

"The trial hasn't started yet. We have two minutes left," Xavier's voice rang through the courtroom, trying to calm everyone and bring some order. He went back to his seat without looking at me, leaving me alone with the spinning wave of fear and uncertainty.

Loss had shaped my life, leaving deep scars. I had felt its pain many times. My mother died soon after I was born, and my father's death was a mystery, taking him away when I was only fourteen. Even my grandfather abandoned me, leaving me alone in a human world with no family.

I had always longed for love and a place where I belonged, and I thought I had found it with my husband. But that day shattered all my hopes when I saw the hatred in his eyes-a hatred I had never imagined.

Any trust I had in him vanished instantly, and I realized no one would believe in my innocence. Being abandoned by someone you love hurts more than anything.

"Let's settle this matter," Xavier said, drawing everyone's attention in the courtroom.

Attorney Rosette stood and walked toward the judges, all eyes following her.

"Sansa Elsher was seen holding a knife over Levine Ronan's lifeless body. She tried to flee the territory after the murder," Attorney Rosette said, her voice full of accusation and judgment.

Attorney Rosette held up the silver knife as evidence for the judges to see. "This is the knife she used to kill him," she said, her voice full of certainty.

She looked directly at me and then raised her voice so everyone could hear. "Even though she is accused, she is innocent until proven guilty," Rosette added, reminding everyone of the need for a fair trial.

Judge Leia Gamora furrowed her golden-brown brows and asked, "Miss Sansa, do you have a lawyer to defend you?"

Adam tried to speak, but I quickly stopped him, my voice firm. "No, I don't have a lawyer, and I don't want one."

Adam cared about me, but I didn't want him to get caught up in the anger that would surely come my way. I wanted to protect him from the storm about to hit.

"I call Edward Elijah as a witness," Rosette said, her voice carrying through the courtroom.

Edward, a beta werewolf with sleek black hair that highlighted his sharp features, stepped up to the witness stand.

Rosette asked in a firm but calm voice, "Is it true that you were at the mansion with Sansa and Levine on the night of December 8?"

Edward's voice was quiet and nervous. "Y-yes, technically I was." The crowd leaned forward, eager to hear every word.

Rosette continued, not backing down. "And is it true that you were the only other person in the mansion at that time?"

Edward nodded, keeping his head down, his voice barely above a whisper. "That's correct," he said.

"I'm sorry, can you speak a little louder?" Rosette asked, wanting to make sure everyone could hear.

Edward took a deep breath and repeated, this time louder, "That's correct."

Rosette leaned closer, her eyes on him. "Can you tell us what happened?"

Edward hesitated, thinking carefully. "I went to the mansion because Xavier asked me to get more beer. Everyone else was outside, having fun, but I saw Levine and Sansa..." He trailed off, unsure how to explain.

Rosette prompted him. "What were they doing?"

Edward spoke cautiously. "Well... they were... doing private things."

Rosette pressed on. "Can you be more specific?"

Edward swallowed and said, "They were... doing things that adults do in private, in a bedroom."

My heart pounded in my chest, and anger surged through me. I couldn't stay silent any longer. "No! That's not true! He's deceiving you all!"

I turned to Edward, my voice shaking with fury. "How can you lie like that, you jerk?"

Judge Leia Gamora spoke firmly, trying to calm me. "Miss Sansa, you will have your turn to speak. Please stay calm."

Xavier looked shocked at what was happening.

Rosette focused back on Edward. "Please continue, Mr. Edward."

Edward took a deep breath and went on. "Levine was asking her to tell Xavier the truth. He didn't want to hide their relationship anymore. But Sansa refused and they argued. In the heat of the moment, she got angry and stabbed him with the knife without warning."

The room went quiet, Edward's words hanging heavily in the air. My heart pounded as I tried to process what he had said.

Edward's voice shook, tears rolling down his cheeks. "She stabbed him twice right in front of me. I tried to help, but it was too late. His soul had already left this world," he said, his sadness clear.

Gasps and whispers spread through the audience, full of shock and fear.

Judge Leia Gamora's strong voice cut through the noise. "Silence!" she commanded, stopping the murmurs.

Rosette stayed calm and focused as she asked her next question to Edward. "How do you know about Sansa and Levine's relationship? Or Is this just your opinion?"