Chapter 39 Free at last?
Seraphina's expression softened as she got up. Then she turned to look at me.
"I know I was wrong for accusing you. Whatever happened was only between you and me. You don't have to involve Kael in your revenge plan. I'm so sorry if you feel he's wrong as well. Please tell the alpha to forgive him." Wait, what's she up to? Trying to play the victim even at this point.
"What? Why are you trying to make it look like it's my fault? If I heard correctly, the alpha punished him not because of me but because he went against him by doubling the punishment. So how is it my fault?" I asked. Things are already working out in my favor; I can't stand to miss such an opportunity.
"She's right, Lady Seraphina. The alpha didn't punish the prince because of her. The alpha passed his verdict; are you going against him by questioning Miss Lyra?" Elias questioned her, and that made her keep silent.
"You're punishing the prince today; are you aware he'd want to deal with her after he leaves here? Lady Seraphina would also want to harm her after this. I think the lady deserves to be compensated for getting punished unjustly," another man from the council said. Now I'm beginning to think their support isn't just because they want to support me; there's more to it.
The alpha paused, looking around as if he were scared of someone or scared of doing what the old man just asked him to do.
Kael, on the other hand, kept glaring at him like he didn't want his father to do it.
After some time, he coughed before he started.
"There's no amount of compensation that can make her feel good about the unnecessary punishment we made her go through. So I've decided. From today, she will no longer walk as a maid in the castle. From today henceforth, she will be living with the Luna in the castle, not as a maid but as someone whom the alpha has granted mercy," the alpha said, and that alone made Kael angry.
I watched as his expression darkened, but he did not say a word. He knew his father was doing it to bring me closer to my mom. Now he will regret messing with me in the first place. The fact that I will be living with him in the same castle angered him even more. But there is nothing he can do. He has to obey the alpha.
"What! I know I messed up, but you shouldn't punish me this way. I'm willing to accept the punishment you gave, but having her live in the same castle with the prince is something I cannot accept!" Seraphina blurted, balling her fists.
I knew she would go to any length to challenge the alpha. And that made me happy because I knew so well that the alpha wouldn't want her around after what she had done.
"How dare you challenge the alpha! Everything that happened was your fault. If you hadn't lied that she stole your clothes and jewelry, then she wouldn't have been punished, and none of this would have happened. As if that's not enough, you still dare to challenge the alpha. Are you sure you're fit to be the future Luna?" the old man I met earlier in the library, whom I believe is the elder, said.
"Yes, the fact that the alpha allowed her to stay made her forget her place. Now you still dare to question the alpha after everything you've done? The only one who should be blamed is the prince. If he had discovered his mate like the rest of the pups, then he wouldn't keep an insolent lady like yourself. You're not fit to be the Luna," another added.
While they said all this, Kael didn't say a word or try to defend her. I mean, why would he? When he already has a whole lot on his plate. I know for sure that the alpha will query him after the elders leave. The fact that they doubted the alpha's ability angered him, though he didn't show it.
"That's enough. Take them to the dungeon and carry out the punishment."
The guards didn't hesitate before they dragged the alpha, prince, and Lady Seraphina out.
They got exactly what they deserved. I was happy Seraphina wouldn't be coming to the castle after receiving this; the alpha had ordered that they send her back to her parents' house, meaning she wouldn't be coming back here anytime soon.
Elias, who had been standing afar from me all along, walked closer and helped me stand on my feet.
"Thank you... I don't know what would have happened if not for you," I muttered, and he smiled.
With his aid, I walked out of the hall, and that was when I saw the person I least expected to see waiting. Just when I thought it was over, she's here to make it worse.