Alyssa's POV
In the morning I set out to see Alyssa. I spent all night thinking about her. My body ached badly from yesterday's fight but right now all I cared about was setting my eyes on Alyssa.
I went to the section that was allocated to the Blood Brothers pack. I saw Ethan standing at the entrance. "Hello Ethan" I greeted. "Hello Marcus" we shook hands.
"I can't thank you enough for bringing Alyssa back to me". "No need to thank me Ethan" I said trying to hide my irritation. "I can do anything for the woman of my dream," I said trying to get back at him. I requested to see Alyssa but he wouldn't let me.
"Alyssa is in a critical condition, she is being closely examined. The physician said not to let anyone disturb her until she is stronger" he said. I knew it was a lie but there was nothing I could do.
"Sorry buddy, maybe next time" he waved at me and I left. Reluctantly, I took my breakfast and dressed up for the hearing. The hearing was to take place in the village courtroom
The village courtroom was where crucial issues that were yet to be ascertained are discussed among the stakeholder before presenting to the public.
On this occasion, however, the alphas and lunas from the other packs who had come for the wrestling festival were invited to join in the hearing.
The courtroom was scanty when I got there. I took a seat in the front row. Minutes later, others begin to walk in. Alpha and lunas from the other pack my father and Lordson Al walking side by side. Behind them was alpha George the alpha of Ethan's pack. Alpha George was the youngest alpha among the alphas present. He was followed by Ethan and Alyssa. Alyssa looked sickly and this made me feel pity for her. I couldn't help but imagine what she had been through and I wished I could take the pain away.
I was so lost in my thought that I didn't notice Marrieta's entrance early enough. She was accompanied by a lady she once introduced to me as her close friend and confidant. Her name is Mata. Her step was careful and calculated. It was as if she was being careful not to step on a trap.
I tried to read her expression for any sign of guilt but it was difficult for me to tell what was in her mind. She took her seat behind me. I bet she didn't know it was me because she was facing down all this while. I decided it was my turn to make a jest of her. "Hello, Marietta. How do you do?" I said turning around to face her.
I could see the annoyance in her facial expression as soon as she saw me. She quickly hid her annoyance with a smile "Hello Marcus." It's either she is innocent or she is a good actor because her calm demeanor didn't suggest anything fishy.
"I heard about your encounter with the bandits yesterday, it's good to see you are still breathing" she sneered
"You forgot I am alpha prince Marcus, I cannot be gotten rid of so easily," I said boastfully trying to annoy her.
"I see" she scoffed. "Oh and your little girlfriend, I heard you finally found her. I bet she sees you as some hero now. Congratulations."
Seeing that she isn't moved, I decided to change the tone of conversation.
"I will accept this congratulation after I have unveiled the identity of the unfortunate soul who dared to kidnap my Alyssa." Her eyes flashed with guilt and she readjusted herself on her seat repeatedly. "You seem uncomfortable"I pushed on "Did I say something wrong? My apologies princess" I smirked.
"I know the culprit is in this room and before the hearing is over, he/she will be exposed. I will make sure of it" I said with a serious tone.
She sat still, guilt evident on her face and I smiled feeling accomplished. This has proven to me beyond doubt that she is the mastermind behind Alyssa's kidnap pay I will make her pay for it.
"What happened Marietta? You didn't wish me luck this time"She still didn't utter a word. Satisfied, I turned around to face the judge who just came into the courtroom. Everyone who mattered was now present in the room and the hearing was due to start.
Alyssa was called upon to narrate what happened. She walked to the front of the room. She looked nervous.
As she narrates the story of what transpired, memories of when we first met replayed in my head. It was in the territory of the Dark Moon pack. We had gone on the invitation of their alpha with my father and pack members to sign a peace treaty. That night, a campfire night party was organized to commemorate the beginning of a friendship between the Dark Moon pack and our pack. I sat by the fire watching as my friends danced to the drum beats when I saw her. A rare beauty, tall and slim, with a heart-shaped face that held two sparkling blue eyes. Those eyes could make any man go wild.
When she was done narrating her story Ethan was called upon to narrate his side of the story.
He narrated how he was struck with a blow and how by the time he woke up Alyssa was nowhere to be found. He explained how he together with some members of his pack have been searching for her ever since. He intended to request Marietta's father to help in the search fortunately that was the same night I came back with her.
Tommy was the next person summoned to speak. He was still weak and was having a hard time walking but looked a lot better than yesterday. He introduced himself as a servant of Luna Jessica. He narrated how he was captured five months ago on his way back from where one had gone to deliver a message to his mistress. He described the guys who took, him hostage as best as he could.
I was the next person summoned to speak. I told them everything I knew. There was an uproar in the courtroom after I told them Thomas was the leader of the gang of kidnappers. A search party was sent to look for Thomas and his men.
Lordson Al accepted Thomas was his servant but he claimed he wasn't aware of any kidnap. I had expected that.
The judge ordered the hearing to be extended till the search party returns with Thomas or at least more solid evidence to unveil the culprit's identity.
Marietta looked at me and smiled. I watched as she walked out of the courtroom together with Mata. She seemed relieved.
Ethan on the other end was angry. It was showing all over him. I knew who the culprit is all I need to do is to get solid evidence and that I was going to do. No matter what it took.