Chapter 102 Kaden's POV
"We are not trying to anger you," Vera said, her tone more diplomatic.
"We are trying to prevent a larger problem. Selena has been in detention long enough to make a point. Now it's time to resolve this properly."
"The proper resolution is exile permanent removal from pack lands."
"That seems extreme," Marcus said.
"Especially considering everything Selena did for the celebration, the event was flawless. Every Alpha commented on how well-organized it was and how professional. How it demonstrated Blue Moon Pack's strength and capability."
"She organized a party that doesn't excuse attempted assault."
"Doesn't it earn her some consideration though?" Rowan pressed.
"She's been a loyal pack member for years. One moment of anger shouldn't erase all of that."
I looked at them, understanding what was happening with political pressure. They wanted Selena released because she had powerful connections. Because her father was influential because keeping her detained made those connections uncomfortable.
"What are you suggesting?" I asked.
"Release her," Marcus said.
"With restrictions she can't go near Elara. She can't hold any official positions. But she remains a pack member. Free to live her life without constant imprisonment."
"Absolutely not."
"Kaden, be reasonable-"
"I said no she stays in detention until I decide otherwise."
The three elders exchanged glances. Then Marcus spoke, his voice hardening.
"Then we're calling for a formal council vote. On whether Selena should be released."
"You don't have the authority-”
"We do in cases where the Alpha's judgment is compromised by personal feelings. Pack law, article twelve, section seven.”
He was right. I would read that section a hundred times. In cases where the Alpha was personally involved, the council could overrule on administrative matters.
Not on major decisions, not on pack security. But on things like detention and punishment? They had authority if they could prove bias.
And they could absolutely prove I was biased when it came to protecting Elara.
"Fine," I said. "Call your vote."
They did right there in my office all three voted to release Selena with restrictions.
I was outvoted overruled in my own pack.
"She'll be released this afternoon," Marcus said.
"The restrictions will be documented and enforced. But she's free to return to her residence."
They left before I could argue further.
I sat at my desk, rage simmering. They would back me into a corner. Used pack law against me. Forced me to release someone who'd tried to hurt my mate.
But they'd made a mistake.
They thought that releasing Selena solved the problem. They were wrong. I would have released her publicly following pack law. Done everything properly.
But that didn't mean she was safe from consequences.
‘We'll handle her ourselves,’ my wolf growled. ‘Quietly, where the elders can't interfere.’
"Yes," I agreed silently. "We will."
Selena would pay for what she had done. But it would be on my terms. In my way. When she least expected it.
The elders wanted to play political games? Fine I would play but I would win.
I was reviewing security protocols for Elara's return when Ethan burst into my office again.
"We have a situation," he said.
"What kind of situation?"
"The servants panic in their quarters. They're saying there's a ghost."
I looked at him. "A ghost."
"A female ghost multiple servants have reported seeing her. Always in the same area. Always at night. She appears and disappears. Doesn't speak, just watches."
My blood ran cold. "Where exactly?"
"The eastern wing near the old servant quarters where Elara used to stay when she worked here."
"Describe the ghost."
"They say she's young dark hair, and is wearing white. She appears for a few seconds then vanishes."
I was already moving toward the door. "Show me."
Ethan led me through the pack house to the servant quarters. A group of terrified servants stood huddled in the hallway, all talking at once.
"She was right there!"
"Just standing. Staring at us!"
"Then she disappeared like smoke!"
"Quiet," I commanded. They fell silent immediately. "One at a time who saw this ghost?"
A young maid stepped forward. "I did, Alpha. About an hour ago. I was cleaning the hallway and I looked up and she was just there. At the end of the corridor. Staring at me."
"What did she look like?"
"Young, maybe twenty dark hairs down to her shoulders. Wearing a white dress or gown. Her skin was pale, almost transparent."
"What did she do?"
"Nothing just stood there. I blinked and she was gone."
I questioned the others and they all described the same thing. A female figure. Always in white. Always in the same area. Appearing and disappearing without sound.
"Has anyone tried to approach the ghost?" I asked.
"Sarah did," one servant said. "Earlier today. She walked toward it and it just vanished. Like it had never been there."
I walked down the hallway to where the servants had reported seeing the figure. The air felt different here, colder and heavier.
I closed my eyes and reached out with my senses. Feeling for magic for traces of spells or supernatural presence.