Chapter 20: The Face of Betrayal
The tension in the council chamber was unbearable.
Aria stood at the center, her back straight, eyes steady as she locked onto Elder Toran. His feigned innocence no longer fooled her. Not after the attack. Not after the suspicious whispers from the scouts and the way his gaze never met hers.
"I know what you did," Aria said, her voice calm but cold.
The room went still. All eyes turned to Toran, who bristled at her accusation.
"What are you talking about?" he demanded, his voice rising defensively. "I've served this pack for years! I have been loyal to the Silver Alpha!"
"You've been loyal to your own power," Aria snapped. "The Northern Lords knew the patrol route. Only someone on the inside could have betrayed us. And I know it was you."
Toran's face went pale, but his eyes flashed with anger. "You have no evidence. This is nothing but a witch hunt."
"Is it?" Aria asked, stepping closer, her presence commanding. "How is it that every time we're on the brink of a fight, you conveniently disappear for a 'meeting'?"
"I have business outside this pack—"
"Enough!" Aria's voice rang out like a whip. "You've been in bed with the enemy, haven't you? You betrayed us for power, for promises of position."
Toran's lips curled in a sneer. "You think I would betray my own kind for power? You are a child, Aria. This world is about survival, not ideals. You'll learn that soon enough."
"I already have," Aria said, her eyes darkening. "I've learned to trust those who stand by me. Those who are loyal."
For a long moment, the two locked eyes, the weight of the accusation hanging heavy in the air.
Then, Aria made a subtle gesture, and the guards moved in. The moment she did, Toran's arrogance slipped away.
"You can't do this," he spat, desperation creeping into his voice. "The Northern Lords will come for you, girl. You'll lose everything. You'll lose your pack."
Aria's lips curled into a cold smile. "Not if I burn them down first."
With one final nod, she gestured to her warriors. "Lock him in the dungeons. We'll handle this later. For now, let the council decide his fate."
As the guards dragged him away, Aria turned to face the others. The council room was dead silent.
Kael's voice broke the stillness. "You did the right thing."
She glanced at him, but her thoughts were still on the traitor's words. "The Northern Lords will come. I know that."
"And we'll be ready," Kael said, stepping closer, his expression resolute.
Nigel, who had been watching quietly, nodded. "We'll make sure he doesn't have any more allies. The pack is with you."
Aria's eyes hardened, her resolve solidifying. "I will not let anyone—anyone—tear this pack apart. We fight together or we die together."
She turned on her heel, leaving the chamber. The traitor had been dealt with—but this was only the beginning. The Northern Lords were already closing in, and she had to be ready. No matter what it cost her.