AKIRA’s POV.
I sat on the edge of Kael’s bed, my mind reeling with thoughts. How did things go so wrong? One moment, I was defending myself against Kaida’s harsh words and accusations, and the next, I was accused of murdering her. I knew I was innocent, but no one seemed to believe me.
I massaged my temples, trying to get rid of the headache that was coming. I had been in a trance-like state, and when I finally woke up, I was accused of being a murderer.
I didn’t even step out of my room that day, then how can I possibly kill her?
The last time we met, we argued about the wrongs she and Keiran were doing but I did not kill her!
“Akira, you need to eat,” Kael said, his voice soft and gentle. He placed a tray of food in front of me, but I pushed it away.
“I’m not hungry,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Kael sighed and sat down beside me. “You need to keep your strength up. You don’t know what’s going to happen next. The council has some dumbasses that are after your head… they might be scared of me but Kieran is a very daring wolf.”
I looked at him, tears welling up in my eyes: “What’s going to happen to me, Kael? I don’t understand why everyone thinks I did it. I didn’t do anything… you know that right? I will never kill her.”
Kael took my hand in his and gave me a gentle squeeze. “We’ll figure it out, Akira. I promise. But for now, you need to eat and rest.”
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Kael got up to answer it, revealing one of the pack’s breeders, Elara.
“I’ll give you some space. I have to go back to some things..” Kael said and placed a kiss on my forehead before he left.
“Akira, I brought you some food,” Elara said, her voice low. “And I wanted to talk to you.”
I nodded, grateful for the distraction, at least someone still wanted to talk to me. Elara came in and sat down beside me, placing a bowl of steaming hot soup in front of me.
“Thank you, Elara,” I said, taking a spoonful of the soup. It was delicious, and I realized how hungry I was. The warm liquid blessed my stomach as I took spoonful after spoonful.
“Akira, I know you’re innocent,” Elara said, her voice low. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I believe you. You need to remember what happened that day, though. Anything could help clear your name.”
I shook my head. “I don’t remember anything, Elara. I keep telling everyone that, but no one believes me.”
Elara placed a hand on my shoulder. “I believe you, Akira. And I’ll do everything I can to help you.”
We sat in silence for a moment, while I ate my soup and thought of what had happened.
“Akira, can you think of anything that might help?” Elara asked, breaking the silence.
I thought hard, trying to remember anything. But my mind was blank.
“No, I don’t remember anything,” I said, feeling useless.
Elara nodded. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out. But in the meantime, be careful. Some people don’t believe you’re innocent, and they might try to hurt you.”
I nodded.
Just then, the door burst open, and a group of guards stormed in. “Akira, you’re coming with us,” one of them growled.
I stood up, my heart racing. “What’s going on this time? Do you have the alpha’s permission!”
“You’re going to face the council,” another guard said. “Some members believe you should own up to your actions and you have to stop hiding behind Alpha Kael.”
Just then, Kael walked back into the room.
“What is happening here?”
The guards hesitated, clearly intimidated by Kael’s presence. One of them took a step back, freeing my arm, his eyes darting to the side. “W-we were sent by the council,” he stuttered.
Kael’s eyes narrowed. “Who specifically?”
The guard swallowed hard before answering. “Keiran.”
Kael’s expression darkened. ” that asshole”
The guard nodded, taking another step back. “Yes. He said it’s time for Akira to face the council and answer for her crimes.”
Kael’s eyes blazed with anger. “You know better than to listen to Keiran,” he growled. “He has his reasons for doing this.”
The guard looked nervous. “I know, but he’s on the council now. And he says if Akira is so innocent, then you should stop being overly protective and let the council do their job.”
Kael chuckled. “You think I’m being overly protective? You have no idea what’s at stake here.”
As if on cue, Keiran stepped into the room, a smug smile on his face. “Oh, I think we do,” he said. “And we’re not going to let you hide her forever, Kael. It’s time for the truth to come out and the murderer gets what she deserves.”
I felt a chill run down my spine as Keiran’s eyes met mine. I knew he was determined to destroy me, and I wondered what he had planned.
“Take her away,” Keiran said, his eyes locked on Kael’s.
The guards hesitated, clearly scared of Kael. But Keiran’s presence seemed to strengthen them, and they stepped forward, reaching for my arm.
Kael growled, his hands balled into fists by his side. “You touch her, and you’ll regret it,” he warned.
“Brother, brother, brother.” Keiran sneered.
“You are only making it worse by being so overly protective, you believe in fairness and justice right? Why won’t you just let the council do their job if she is innocent as she claims then she has nothing to worry about.” Keiran said, his fingers moving in strange patterns.
“Fine… I know I am innocent and I will do anything to prove it. I am not scared as long as the council is fair in their dealings.” I said and stepped forward.
“But one question..”