Chapter 114 Mercy

Chapter 114 Mercy
Rune POV.

"I want to address the accused."

The arena quiets completely. All eyes on me.

I walk closer to where Freya kneels. Feel every gaze like physical weight.

"You tried to kill me. You helped an enemy who wants to enslave all werewolves. You betrayed your pack out of jealousy and desperate love for your son."

"Yes." Freya confirms.

"But you confessed immediately. You showed genuine remorse. And your son is innocent—a victim of the same monster you helped."

I turn to address the entire arena now.

"I've spent my whole life as Omega. Considered weak, worthless, disposable. I know what it's like to be judged as less than. To have no power, no voice, no choice."

My voice is stronger now. "Now I'm Luna. I have power. Voice. Choice. And I choose to show the mercy I wish had been shown to me when I was powerless."

I look back at Freya. "I choose exile instead of death. On three conditions."

"Name them." Logan says. Stands to join me.

"First: You tell us everything you know about Viktor. Every detail, every plan, every vulnerability. You help us stop him completely."

"Yes." Freya says immediately.

"Second: If I can save Marcus—and I make no promises—you dedicate your exile to making amends. Not to us. We'll never trust you again. But to others. Help refugees. Protect the vulnerable. Fight Viktor's forces wherever you find them."

"I swear it." Freya's voice is fierce.

"Third: You leave Ironfang territory within one week and never return. If you cross our borders again, the death sentence stands. No second chances."

Freya bows deeply. Forehead touching the arena floor. "Thank you, Luna. Alpha. I don't deserve this mercy."

"No. You don't. But Marcus deserves a mother who'll fight to redeem herself. And we need every weapon against Viktor we can get."

Logan pronounces sentence formally: "Freya of Ironfang—you are hereby exiled from pack lands. You have one week to provide all intelligence on Viktor, say your goodbyes, and depart. Return means death without trial. Do you accept these terms?"

"I accept. And I thank you for mercy I don't deserve."

Guards help her stand. Lead her away. Not to execution. To chambers where she'll be questioned.

The arena erupts in discussion. Some approving. Others arguing. Everyone having opinions.

Logan raises his hand for silence. Takes another hour to address questions. Clarify legal precedents. Hear from allied Alphas.

Kane stands. "The Luna showed wisdom beyond her years. Mercy that strengthens rather than weakens. Ironfang is fortunate in their choice of Luna."

Garrick nods. "The judgment was fair, legal, and politically sound. Well done."

Other allied Alphas voice support. The pack members gradually accept the decision.

Finally, as sun begins setting, Logan pronounces trial complete.

"Tomorrow at dawn, Lilith's sentence will be carried out. Tonight, we prepare for what comes next. Dismissed."

The arena slowly empties. Pack members filing out. Still discussing. Debating. Processing.

A healer rushes up as we're leaving. "Alpha, Luna—Marcus is failing rapidly. If Oracle healing is attempted, it must be soon. Hours, maybe less."

Freya, being led away by guards, turns. Her expression desperate. Pleading.

I meet Logan's eyes.

"I'll try." I tell the healer. Then to Freya: "No promises. But I'll try."

Freya's sob follows us as we head toward our chambers to prepare.

Logan pulls me aside in an empty corridor. Grips my shoulders.

"You don't have to do this. Marcus is innocent, yes, but you don't owe Freya anything."

"I know. But I owe myself. The person I want to be. Luna who helps when she can, even when it costs."

"Even when it costs your own memories?"

"Even then." Though my stomach twists.

Logan pulls me into embrace. "I hate this. Watching you sacrifice pieces of yourself."

"I know." I whisper against his chest. "But that's what being Luna means. Sometimes the cost is high."

"Just don't sacrifice so much there's nothing left."

I pull back to meet his eyes. "I won't. I promise."

But we both know I can't really promise that.

"Let me be there. When you heal Marcus. Let me hold you through it."

"Always."

We head to our chambers to prepare. Tomorrow at dawn, Lilith dies. Tonight, I try to save an innocent and pay Oracle's price.

Whatever memories I lose, at least I'll still have this: Logan's hand in mine. His love through the bond. His unwavering presence.

That has to be enough.

Because tomorrow, I might not remember much else.