51

The sky was overcast, the atmosphere heavy with moisture that made it difficult to breathe.

Savannah took another breath to calm herself, ignoring the questioning look Justin gave her.

If he thought coming here was easy for her, that she was ready to watch as her mate faced the Council for his crimes, then her Beta really didn't know her that well.

She'd barely slept all week. Zion had been wrong when he'd said their bond would weaken given time apart. If he really wanted to sever all ties with her, he should have just rejected her himself, instead of insisting she keep away and hope for the mark to fade.

Nothing was fading between them.

In fact, as the day of his trial drew closer, her heart ached even more for him, for them to be close, to see him and touch him. To wrap her arms around him and bury her face against his chest. For him to whisper sweet words in her ear that everything would be alright. That they would be okay. That together, they'd get through this and begin their life on the other side as a strong and steady couple.

Instead, he'd pushed her away again, demanding that she stop caring about him. If he really didn't want to be with her, why hadn't he rejected her?

This question festered from the back of her mind, like a seed of hope that wriggled and squirmed, searching for water and light so it could sprout and bloom.

His words had hurt momentarily, but she'd promptly brushed them off once she'd had time to think it over and recognise the pain in his voice. Her heart thudded with the possibility that Zion, deep down somewhere in the shattered heart of his, actually didn't want to give up on her just yet either. Maybe he really did believe in a future together, or at least hadn't dismissed the idea entirely. Maybe they really could accept each other as mates, live as one, and begin a family.

But none of that was possible while he remained imprisoned under highest security. Her mate, the notorious Silver Rogue, was now on trial for his violent and brutal crimes against multiple packs, including her own. His fate lay in the hands of the Council, but, if she presented her case right, she just might be given full rights to his sentencing.

And she'd be the most merciful, forgiving Alpha there had ever been.

"Just remember, don't let it get personal," her mother, Alpha Chesca, cautioned as she walked by her side into the courtroom.

The Supreme Courts were positioned in Villawood Pack, territory to the Head of Council. It was especially important to hold Zion's trial here since he was the one who had murdered Lord Alistair. The Alpha's eldest son, Finley, would be presiding over the Council, and Savannah was afraid he would show about as much leniency as a stone fortress. The young Alpha had more than enough reason to order Zion's instant execution.

"But this is personal," she whispered back to her mum, trying to keep the tremble from her voice as she sat near the front of the courtroom. She would get the chance to testify for Zion's defence, but only at the end of the proceedings. The prosecution had a long list of crimes against him to get through.

"You know the council isn't swayed by emotion."

"Then Finley should have no trouble understanding my point of view. Based on facts, Zion had every right to defend himself against Alistair. The lord's death was perfectly justified given his illegal and treasonous activities."

"Not everyone will comprehend how rotten he really was. Remember, most of the Council were his close friends."

Savannah fought the urge to scoff. "Friends, indeed. Isn't their motto to never trust anyone, especially allies? A close friend is someone with the most opportunity to stab you in the back."

Tilting her head, she watched the Council members file into the room and sit at the front, on the raised platform that ran parallel to the rows of chairs that stretched to the back of the large auditorium. Most were well beyond their prime, yet still held strength and respect that no one questioned. The Council members were each almost a century old with more wisdom and understanding than Savannah ever hoped to attain.

But with years didn't always come good judgment; bitterness was another cruel trait that tainted those long lived. Councillor Percival, the most dominant of the councillors, had borne scars of treason on his face ever since his younger brother tried killing his parents and then him, all for the title of Alpha.

Percival had survived the savagery of his brother, abdicated the position of leadership to their cousin, then lived in seclusion for a few decades until returning to defend his pack against invaders. His courage had earned him the rank of Elder, then later Councillor. Now, he judged criminals with an unrelenting finality that everyone feared more than their own Alphas. The sentences passed down by Councillor Percival were known to be brutally fair.

If Finley didn't order Zion's death, then Percival assuredly would.

Then there was Tamira, the grandmother of Alpha Asa. She'd fought alongside her mate against rogues who slipped insidiously into their territory under cover of a vicious summer cyclone. Tamira had fought for her pack even as her mate lay dying with silver arrows in his back and a spear in his chest. Going on to lead them as Alpha and raise her children alone was the hardest thing she'd done, and even after retiring to live a quiet life in the country, the people had sought her wisdom and guidance.

It wasn't long before she found herself as one of the Councillors, ruling to rid the continent of rogues and anyone wanting to destroy lives. Her vendetta against those who had taken so much from her was rivalled only by Percival's.

The rest of the council had similar stories of surviving tragedy and rising to triumph against darkness and loss. Fate had forged them into strong yet cynical leaders who could not be persuaded—bribed or otherwise—from their harsh opinions.

Savannah's heart lost a little of the hope she'd found as each Council member took their seats and faced the growing audience. Many wolves from multiple packs had turned up to see justice handed down to the barbaric Silver Rogue, and Savannah knew they'd be more than angry if that failed to happen.

When Zion was led into the auditorium, his ankles and wrists bound with two guards on either side holding the chains that wrapped around his torso, the low murmurings of the gathered crowd rose into a high pitch of disgruntled and vengeful mutterings. The guards leading him to the front had to shove men back as angry fists were shaken and insults hurled his direction.

Savannah's heart thudded with fear as Zion was pushed to his knees before the Council's platform, his chains locked to rings in the floor.

With his shoulders rounded and his head hanging low, it was clear he was dejected and resigned to whatever fate the Council deemed him worthy of. Determination grew fierce in Savannah's chest, and the overwhelming desire to defend her mate rose inside her entire being. His crimes against these people might be unpardonable, but hadn't men been forgiven numerous times in the past?

An elder from Villawood Pack hurried around the side of the courtroom and whispered fervently to Percival at the front. Then, the Councillor stood with a grave look on his face. Savannah felt dread harden in her bones.

"Unfortunately, young Finley won't be presiding over court today. Therefore, I take his position as Head of Council, and will make the final decision regarding the accused."

A murmur of whispers went up from the crowd. What had happened to the young Alpha that would prevent him from attending his first important event as the new leader of this pack? A shiver of worry ran through Savannah, and she shared a look with her Beta. Finley had been in a pretty depressed state of mind when she'd last seen him, but she had little time to think on it more since the proceedings began soon after Percival's announcement.

As the Alphas leading the prosecution stood up one by one, orating the numerous crimes committed against them by the Silver Rogue, Savannah's spirit wilted. Even just a few of these crimes was enough to see him behind bars for life, so the extent of his sentence was going to be large indeed. How was she supposed to fight against the horrible facts presented before them?

Alpha Bastien's mate, Faria, related in a halting and tearful voice the way her son had found Zion in his father's office, then was killed by the rogue criminal. Her heartache from losing her mate was compounded by the murder of her eldest son, and she vowed that not even a hundred death sentences would avenge the murders of her soulmate and firstborn.

Zion winced at her broken words, his shoulders shrinking even further as if weighed down by the burden of the sins he'd committed. At the sight of his hopelessness, Savannah felt like standing on her chair and proclaiming all the injustices done against him—about Bastien's hand in killing Zion's mate; about the way his father had been exiled from society for saving the Queen; about the desperation that had fallen on the deaf ears of Alphas refusing to help Zion and his family.

She knew Councillor Percival was aware of her plan to appeal Zion's sentence. Throughout the proceedings, she caught him watching her often. When their eyes met, he'd lift an eyebrow as if to ask, Do you really want to set free such a monster?

The answer in her heart was always the same: Zion was not a monster. The crimes of others in this room, of lies, greed, fraud and violence were no better than anything Zion had done. Why should one man pay the ultimate price for his sins, and not everyone else? If a man truly regretted what he'd done, why not pardon him and give him a second chance?

At the end of the testimonies to his crimes, Zion solemnly admitted his guilt to all charges against him. He was willing to face whatever punishment the Council decided.

Savannah nearly broke down in tears from the finality of it all. The next day, when it came her turn to speak, she didn't know where to begin. Her emotions were everywhere, raging and crashing like ocean waves on a harsh coastline of rocks. Somewhere amongst all the white foam was a seed of hope, and like a life preserver, she clung to it and looked directly at Zion. This all depended on him. It was his choice to accept the mercy she prayed the Council would approve of.

"I stand before the Council today, and choose to take responsibility for Zion and his men," she declared boldly, looking at Percival before meeting each gaze of the Councillors. "I know many of you are hurting from what his gang have done, but have we not done the same? Have we not ripped families apart in the name of protecting our own? Would you not also avenge the death of your mate, and search across the continent until you enacted justice for those responsible?

"I'm not condoning his methods. I'm not advocating violence for violence. I would just like each of you to think, in your heart, what you would do in his place?" Her voice caught in her throat as emotions threatened to overwhelm her. The Council members were watching her closely, most frowning, and Savannah had no way of knowing if her words were making an impression.

Taking a deep breath, she continued, this time including the audience in her questions. "Are we really going to keep going on like this and take a life for a life? If any further life must be taken, then take mine. Becausing living in a world where my mate is taken from me would be dark indeed. I've already sought him out. I followed him into his darkness and gave him my heart. I can give him more. I can give him a future; a life that is marked by redemption and recompense. No more law-breaking or taking justice into his own hands.

"I believe the man before you has changed from the dangerous and destructive enigma we call the Silver Rogue. Let us prove it. It is up to you, the Council, to give us that chance. You have to give Zion the chance to be the man he was made to be. My mate. Given to me by God. Brought to me finally after years of a broken and sorrowful journey. I accept him with everything in me. Will you consider that death is not the only sentence for what he's done? That there is another way to atone for his sins?"

Percival shifted in his seat, giving Savannah a dark look when she refused to break eye contact. She held her head high and met his unrelenting gaze with her own. The atmosphere around them crackled with tension, and Savannah felt the hairs on her neck bristle with uncertainty. Her wolf wanted out. She wanted to run, tear her mate from his chains, and carry him to safety.

Percival narrowed his eyes. "You want us to give him a second chance? What makes you think he'll take it and use it wisely? Once a rogue, always a rogue."

"You can't honestly believe that. I know you've been burned by those you loved, but not everyone is a monster like your brother was."

Some in the crowd gasped at her bold words against the councillor's traitorous brother, but they needed to be reminded that his opinion was formed by personal hurts.

She added, "Zion is a good man, and I firmly believe he would never hurt me."

"No, Savannah," Zion protested, his rough voice piercing her like an arrow. "Don't give me any more chances. I will only fail you. Again. Time and time again I have only failed, hurting those I love instead of protecting them. I deserve to die. That is best for everyone."

"You think I need your protection? Is that it?" Savannah took a step towards him, regardless of the guards moving to hold her back. "You think you caused my injuries and are responsible for what happened to me?" Her hand rested over the new scar on her stomach. "I chose to come after you, Zion. Everything that happened to me was because of my own decisions.

I am an Alpha. I don't need your protection, or for you to save me from your own dangerous past. My future is unknown, but I do know this—I want you to be by my side, no matter what happens next. So don't think I need you or that you're letting me down. I want you, Zion. I chose you to become a part of my pack. To join my family. To be my mate."

"This is all rather sentimental," Percival suddenly interrupted, frowning down upon them from his elevated seat.

"But the intentions are pure," Councillor Truett, former Elder of DoubleEdge Pack, spoke firmly. "If Alpha Savannah is taking responsibility for his actions, past and future, then who are we to stop her? The only question which remains is this— is the rogue willing to surrender to her? Will he submit to her authority, or continue his violent and rebellious path of destruction?"

Savannah turned from Truett and looked at Zion. She hoped her eyes poured forth everything she wanted to say in this moment. Did he understand her love and commitment to him? Did he recognise how much she wanted him to be spared, and live a good life as part of her pack? Had he finally realised how far she was willing to go to save him from his own demons?

It was Tamira who broke the heavy silence.

"I for one believe we shouldn't be breaking a mate bond like this. What they have is sacred and ordained from before they were born. What God has joined together, let no man separate," the elderly woman said gently, yet firmly. "Yes, he is a rogue. But what is our definition of rogue? A wolf who is alone; belonging to no pack. Yet Zion may join Alpha Savannah's pack, and be confined to her territory for a decade, as per the conditions she brought before us." Shuffling some papers on the desk before her, she read them again briefly as if to confirm. Looking at Percival and her fellow council members, she continued, "Do his crimes against all of us seem unforgivable? Yes, but don't we forgive our own criminals on a daily basis? We make them serve their sentences, then we let them live. Why should this man, who is clearly remorseful for the pain he has caused, be any different? I say we leave his future in Alpha Savannah's hands. That is where it rightfully belongs."

For a tense moment, no one spoke. It was like the very room itself was holding its breath, awaiting the Lord of Council's decision.

Eventually, Percival opened his mouth to speak. "Then we put it to a vote," he declared, clenching his jaw grimly as he stared down at Zion. It was clear the Councillor wanted to rip Zion's throat out right there in the courtroom. "Those in favour of granting him redemption with Alpha Savannah, raise your hand."

Nine out of the twelve Councillors lifted their right hand.

At the sight, Savannah gripped her mother's arm in a motion that was more for support than to express excitement and relief. The weight of the moment had her nearly bending over and emptying the contents of her stomach onto the floor.

"Well, it's not unanimous, but the majority wins the vote," Percival announced, lifting his head and sneering at Zion. Then he turned to Savannah with arrogance and disgust in his eyes. "Alpha, we now hand over the Silver Rogue to you. He might prefer death to living as a prisoner on your territory. Don't blame me if he slits your throat in your sleep." With those cynical and ominous words, the Councillor turned and marched from the courtroom, leaving Savannah to give her full attention to Zion.

He remained silent, kneeling chained to the floor with his head hanging low in complete submission.

Savannah took a fortifying breath and hesitated to step forward. All she could do was offer him love and forgiveness. Whether or not Zion accepted her was entirely up to him.

"Zion," she began, watching the way his breath hitched at the sound of her voice. Stepping closer, she placed her fingers under his chin and lifted his face. His eyes had nowhere to look but at hers. "I don't care what you've done, or who you were. Murderer, rogue, lawbreaker. It makes no difference now. You're free. Forgiven. Pardoned of all your crimes. You are my mate and nothing is going to change that."

Those surrounding them in the courtroom seemed to fade as her entire focus was on him—on the way his vein pulsed in his neck; the way he breathed slowly and in time with her; the way his pupils expanded and darkened his eyes until she was staring at her own glassy reflection. "All you have to do is accept my claim on your neck. You are mine, so please... Please, just be mine." Her whispered words echoed like a gathering storm around them, buffeting like a strengthening wind and carrying all the emotion of her tumultuous heart.

Zion blinked, his jaw clenching as he fought back emotion. Then, he straightened his spine, adjusting his arms that were chained behind his back so his shoulders broadened.

Taking a deep breath, he lifted a knee and braced his leg before pushing up. The rings that connected his chains to the floor stretched, the elizenthium and cabrium metals warping and twisting until they snapped. The grating sounds echoed in the auditorium, ricocheting off the walls and bouncing back to ring in Savannah's ears.

Zion rose to his full height until he was towering over the Alpha.

Savannah gazed up at him, never once taking her eyes from his as his feelings remained masked behind a wall of self-control. Would he accept her love? Or would he once again push her away and shatter her heart for good?

"Savannah, I..." he began, his hands coming to rest on her waist. A torrent of expressions washed over his face like a hurricane changing direction.

Her heart, afraid it might burst from the uncertainty, seemed to stop beating as it waited for his decision.

~~~~🖤🖤~~~~

The magnificent, ornately carved wooden door to Lord Alistair's residence opened after the tenth knock.

If he were an impatient man, he'd be very irritated by the tardiness with which Luna Estelle moved.

But Alpha Lucas prided himself on being patient in every aspect of his life. He'd been waiting this long already, what was another minute? Another hour? Another year? It made little difference when he had more time than most people ever dreamed of having.

"Alpha Lucas!" Luna Estelle greeted as she opened the door, a thin smile on her usually radiant face. Her bottle blond hair was hastily brushed, loose wisps framing her slender face. She reached up to tuck a tendril behind her ear before smoothing her hand down her shirt, removing imaginary wrinkles. Her movements were jerky, nervous. "Forgive me," she quickly said, ducking her head in respect after recovering from her surprise. "If I'd known you were coming, I would have keenly anticipated your arrival."

Alpha Lucas waved aside her obeisances. "Say no more, Estelle. I have come merely to inquire after the health of your son."

"My son?" Estelle widened her eyes, again shocked by the unexpectedness of this visit. Alpha Lucas of Black Halo was renowned for his aloof and distant manners, the way he rarely attended social gatherings and instead managing all his affairs extremely privately.

Estelle couldn't even tell you if the man had a mate, a mistress, or both. Rumours were vicious, but she liked to only believe facts. Being mated to the cunning Lord Alistair had taught her to be both cautious and shrewd in regards to hearsay.

"Finley. I have something I'd like to speak to him about. May I?"

At Lucas' request that was more of an order, Estelle stepped back and opened the door for the Alpha, his Beta, and the few guards standing with him on the grand porch entrance to her mansion.

"I'm sorry," she stammered, hurrying to show them into her lounge. It was bad manners to leave them standing for so long on the doorstep already. "Finley... isn't here," she told them, hands wringing together as she watched the men in her house. She was fidgeting, on edge as they silently observed everything around them with discreet yet keen eyes. What were they here for? What did they want?

"Not here?" Lucas turned stormy eyes towards her. The depths of the blackness in his pupils ate up the irises, becoming endless pools of intimidation and dominance. This man was her superior, no matter that she was the mate of the former Lord of Council. No matter how straight she held herself and how rigidly she pushed her shoulders back, or that they stood in her house on her territory, this Alpha would always command everyone in his vicinity.

"He left home a short while ago." And it had broken her heart. Finley had always been a fragile soul, living in the shadow of his overbearing father. There was so much expectation to be just like Alistair, that Finley had finally cracked under the weight of it. With only a short note and a simple dianthus flower—her favourite—he had left the territory and entered distant lands unknown. God only knew where her boy was, and what dangers he now faced alone.

"Well, isn't that marvellous," Alpha Lucas eventually said, his lips curling up in a smile that sent shivers down her spine. "Excellent, in fact. The most interesting news I've heard all day."

He abruptly strode from the living room and headed straight for the staircase that led to the bedrooms, meeting hall, and her mate's private office.