Chapter 63

"You are trying to frame me now!" Silvia yelled, her voice filled with desperation.

"Excuse me!" My eyes flashed red with anger. I released Rome's hand and stood up. With every step I took, I felt like the floor was shaking from my weight and the intensity of my emotions.

I watched Silvia flinch, even though she tried to hide it. "Wait for your turn," I commanded, my voice low but filled with authority.

I walked back to my seat, and Rome immediately took my hand, grounding me. "Silvia, come forward and explain what you want to say," Rome said, his tone firm but calm.

Silvia hesitated before stepping forward, her hands trembling slightly. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen," she began, her voice wavering. "I was just following orders. I had no idea it would lead to Zendaya's abduction. Please, you have to believe me!"

Rome's gaze was unwavering. "Who gave you these orders, Silvia? You need to be completely honest."

Silvia swallowed hard, looking around the room as if searching for a way out. "It was Essie," she finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "She said if I didn't help, there would be consequences for me and my family."

A murmur of shock and disbelief spread through the crowd. Essie had always been seen as a loyal and trusted member of the pack. Her betrayal was a harsh blow to everyone present. Even though most people in the Silver Pack didn't know her, they didn't expect such betrayal from someone of the Golden pack.

"Someone bring Essie here, since I don't see her amongst us," Rome ordered, his voice echoing through the room.

Come to think of it, I hadn't seen Essie much since we came here. I thought she had a lot to do, so I didn't bother to check. Besides, we were never close. The room buzzed with curiosity and tension as pack members exchanged glances and whispered among themselves.

A few minutes later, Essie was brought into the room by two guards. She looked startled and a bit disheveled, as if she had been pulled away from something important. Her eyes darted around, finally landing on Rome and then on me.

"Essie, step forward," Rome commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Essie took a hesitant step forward, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Where have you been, Essie?" Rome asked, his gaze piercing. "We need to understand everyone's whereabouts and actions over the past few days."

"I've been... busy," she replied vaguely, avoiding eye contact. "I've had a lot of work to do."

"Busy with what exactly?" I interjected, my curiosity piqued.

Essie hesitated, her eyes darting to the floor. "I've been dealing with some personal issues. I didn't think it was necessary to inform anyone."

Rome's gaze hardened. "Essie, this is not a time for secrets. We are dealing with a serious situation. If there's something you know, you need to tell us."

Essie looked around nervously, then took a deep breath. "Alright, I'll tell you everything. But you have to promise to protect me."

"You have our word," Rome assured her.

Essie nodded, her shoulders slumping as if a great weight had been lifted off them. "I overheard a conversation between Silvia and another pack member. They were talking about a plan to get rid of Zendaya. I didn't know what to do, so I tried to stay out of it. I didn't think they'd actually go through with it."

The room fell silent as her words sank in. Rome's face was a mask of controlled fury. "Why didn't you come forward sooner, Essie? You could have prevented all of this."

"I was scared," she admitted, tears welling up in her eyes. "I didn't want to be their next target. I'm so sorry."

I felt a mix of emotions—anger, frustration, but also a strange sense of relief. We were finally getting some answers.

"We will protect you, Essie," I said softly. "But you need to tell us everything you know. Every detail could be crucial."

Essie nodded, wiping away her tears. "I will. I'll tell you everything."

Rome squeezed my hand, a silent promise that we would see this through together. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together, and with each revelation, we were closer to finding the truth and ensuring justice was served.

"So, you are saying Silvia was talking to someone about how they would get rid of me?" I asked, as if I hadn't heard the entire conversation.

If she knew about it, why didn't she raise her concerns to the Alpha King? He would have done something about it. Why keep her mouth shut? This was not the Essie I knew. Something was off.

"I was scared for my life. This is not my pack. I have to be cautious. I don't have anyone to protect me unlike you," she shouted.

"Unlike me?" My brows furrowed in confusion. If I was so well-protected, how did I end up being kidnapped? She was definitely hiding something. The Essie I knew was never submissive; she would never let anyone toy with her.

"You said you were dealing with personal issues. What are they?" I demanded, expecting some clarification.

She glanced around, making herself appear small, but I knew better. Essie was anything but small. She was playing to the crowd, and they were eating out of her hand. I noticed the other pack members' gazes softening, shifting from judgmental to sympathetic. She was winning them over with her innocent act. But I knew better, I knew the devil behind that facade.

I released Rome's hand and walked towards her, stopping right in front of her. She avoided my gaze, looking everywhere but at me. She knew I was aware of her dirty little secret.

I scoffed before grabbing her hand. She gave me a small smirk, and that's when I lost it. I twisted her hand, and she started hitting me with her other one, but I didn't let go.