Free Web NovelChapter 211: Chapter 211 Wolf King Verdict
Sylvia’s POV
The tribunal chamber was still buzzing with tension after Elder Thornwood announced the unanimous decision against Hugo. I expected it to be over, but Hugo wasn’t going down without one final desperate attempt.
"I demand a full pack vote!" Hugo shouted, his face contorted with rage. "This is a conspiracy against an Alpha heir. You can’t possibly believe these women over me!"
Several of the smaller pack representatives shifted uncomfortably in their seats. I could sense their hesitation—centuries of patriarchal tradition had embedded the notion that an Alpha male’s word carried more weight than any female’s, regardless of rank.
"According to ancient law, I have the right to call for a territory-wide referendum on my sentencing," Hugo continued, clearly having prepared this contingency.
Elder Thornwood frowned. "That law is rarely invoked, but technically still valid—"
"It won’t be necessary."
The deep, commanding voice cut through the chamber like a blade. Every head turned toward the back of the room where Caesar stood, his powerful frame silhouetted in the doorway. The air around him seemed to vibrate with authority as he walked forward, his steps measured and deliberate.
Hugo sneered as Caesar approached. "And who exactly are you to interrupt tribunal proceedings? Some pretty boy Alpha from a minor territory? This doesn’t concern you."
Caesar didn’t even glance at Hugo. Instead, he addressed Elder Thornwood directly. "The evidence is conclusive. This wolf has violated our most sacred laws regarding consent and mate-bonds. The tribunal’s ruling should stand without interference from external packs."
"And you believe your opinion outweighs established protocol?" Hugo mocked. "What are you besides a face? Do you even have a territory to your name?"
A ripple of shocked murmurs spread through the chamber. Challenging an unknown Alpha this way was beyond reckless.
Elder Thornwood’s eyes widened in recognition. He immediately straightened his posture. "Alpha Conrad, this is... unexpected. The Council welcomes your input."
"Conrad?" Hugo faltered momentarily before doubling down. "Never heard of him. Probably runs some insignificant outpost in the backwaters."
The Elder Council members exchanged meaningful glances. Elder Thornwood cleared his throat. "For those unaware, we are honored by the presence of Alpha Caesar Conrad, King of the North American Territories."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Hugo’s face drained of all color. "I... that’s impossible. The Wolf King is—"
"Standing before you," Caesar finished coldly. "And I find your actions reprehensible. Not only did you attempt to force a bond on an unwilling wolf, but you’ve tried to slander these women to escape justice."
"As Wolf King, I fully support the tribunal’s verdict," Caesar declared. "And I personally extend protection to the victim, Rosalie Bennett, with all the resources of my office."
Hugo’s fate was sealed with those words. No pack would dare challenge a direct declaration from the Wolf King.
The verdict was unanimous and severe. Hugo Gray was stripped of his pack status and inheritance rights. He would serve twenty years in the special Lycan containment facility for his crimes against Rosalie and for attempting to pervert justice with false evidence.
As he was led away, Hugo’s mask of arrogance finally shattered completely. "You bitches will regret this!" he snarled, his eyes wild with hate. "All of you!"
"No, Hugo," I replied calmly. "The only regret here is that we didn’t see your true nature sooner. But we see it now. Everyone does."
My words seemed to infuriate him further. "And you," he spat, glaring at Caesar, "think you’re so mighty. The great Wolf King stooping to defend a couple of scheming females. They’re using you just like they used me!"
Caesar didn’t dignify his outburst with a response. Instead, he placed a protective hand on the small of my back, a gesture that spoke volumes to everyone watching.
Outside the tribunal building, reporters and pack representatives waited eagerly for statements. Selene surprised me again by stepping forward first, her head held high.
"Today, justice was served," she announced. "The Frost pack stands firmly against any abuse of power, regardless of who commits it. We extend our protection to Rosalie Bennett and commend her bravery in coming forward."
When it was my turn to speak, I kept it brief. "This case sends a clear message: no one is above our laws, and the days of using status to silence victims are over."
As the crowd dispersed, Rosalie approached us hesitantly. "Thank you," she said, her voice stronger than it had been in the courtroom. "I never expected anyone to believe me over him."
"Times are changing," I told her gently. "And we meant what we said about protection. If you need anything—a safe place, employment, anything—the Frost pack is there for you."
Selene nodded in agreement, though I could see the emotional toll the day had taken on her. Her engagement was over, her trust betrayed in the most public way possible.
That evening, as we walked to our cars, Selene paused beside mine. Caesar had discreetly told me he’d wait in his vehicle to give us sisters some privacy—another thoughtful gesture that made my heart swell despite my lingering shock at his revelation.
"I meant what I said in there," Selene told me, her voice uncharacteristically vulnerable. "About standing together."
I studied her face, searching for the manipulative sister I’d grown to distrust. Instead, I found only exhaustion and a tentative offer of something new. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
"I know," I replied. "And I meant what I said too. We’re Frosts."
Selene glanced toward Caesar, then back at me. "So... the Wolf King, huh? I guess I never stood a chance against you after all."
I shook my head firmly. "Don’t think like that. You deserve someone who values you for exactly who you are, not what they can get from you."
"That’s rich coming from you," she said with a bitter laugh. "You’ve got yourself the most powerful mate in the continent."
"And before him, I chose Zane," I reminded her. "So clearly, my judgment hasn’t always been stellar. Trust me when I say that power isn’t what makes a good partner."
Something in my words seemed to reach her. A small, genuine smile curved her lips. "I guess we’ve both made some questionable choices in men."
"Exactly. But we learn and move forward." I hesitated before adding, "Maybe we could try being actual sisters for a change."
"I’d like that," Selene replied softly.
