Mireya’s words provoked various reactions. The courtroom erupted. The situation became uncontrollable, forcing the guards to intervene and restore order.
But it was not enough to quell the chaos. Some continued to speak out in defense of Garth, believing that he could not have betrayed Usher. Even if the man had seemed suspicious from the start, there was no concrete evidence that he was a criminal.
Everything that was happening was shrouded in mystery. They understood if Usher was cautious about any possibility of betrayal. But that didn’t mean that decisions could be made hastily.
One person who wouldn’t let that happen was Cora. She, who had chosen to remain silent, finally stepped forward in the hope of calming the chaos. Then she shouted, “Alpha! I believe this trial cannot be rushed. Therefore, I suggest that you order Storm to investigate this case further. Furthermore, if Beta Garth has indeed poisoned you, what if we ask Scott’s help to check your health, Alpha? If poison is found, then the accusation against Beta Garth is true; otherwise, if no poison is found, then all of this is just unfounded slander.”
Mireya narrowed her eyes. Her foot took a reflexive step forward. “You dare to accuse me of slandering Beta Garth, Cora?”
“I’m not accusing. I’m simply asking for real evidence. Besides, what are those photos to say?” Cora replied without fear. She raised her face to Mireya. “Is there any guarantee that the medicine Beta Garth gave was poison? Without lab test results, it’s just speculation. Besides, as far as I know, you have no expertise in the field of medicine.”
Mireya’s face turned crimson. “You’re out of line, Cora. You really-”
“Silence!”
For the second time, Usher ordered the same. The debate between Mireya and Cora came to a halt. They both stood still, glaring at each other.
Usher gasped for breath. The debate and the commotion made his body feel even more tired. His head was filled with reproaches, accusations, and objections. His heartbeat was present, causing his steps to falter, making it almost impossible for him to approach Garth.
His hand was raised, then Usher grabbed the railing. He held on as he looked at Garth, who bowed his head. “Garth.”
“Alpha.”
Usher’s breath grew faster as he asked, “Do you see this chaos? Are you happy with everything that’s happening now?”
Garth bowed his head even lower. His eyes closed as if unwilling to face the reality before him. “Forgive me, Alpha. I have wronged you.”
“Do you admit the accusation?”
Emotions stirred, making Garth’s body tremble. His wolf spirit roared as Usher voiced his doubts again. “I met the man, Alpha, but I never betrayed you. Please, believe me.”
Usher growled. His heartbeat increased, making his head feel suddenly heavy. He tried to suppress the sudden pain that surged through him, gripping the railing as tightly as he could until his fingertips turned white.
“No matter what happens, I will always be by your side. I will always be your fifth claw, Alpha.”
Usher’s growl intensified. The words Garth had once spoken to him suddenly echoed in his mind. The throbbing in his head became uncontrollable, and it felt as if a heavy weight had fallen on him.
Suddenly, the railing shattered in Usher’s grip. Everyone was shocked and Mireya rushed over to him. She held Usher’s body and stared at him without blinking.
“I know, Alpha. You must be hurt by Beta Garth’s betrayal. So, it is only fitting that Beta Garth be severely punished, even if it includes the death penalty,” Mireya said.
Everyone was stunned. Jemma shook her head. “No, Alpha. You can’t possibly punish Beta Garth that severely.”
“Storm and I will investigate this case, Alpha,” Cora added quickly. Her face grew pale and her lips trembled. “Give us time, Alpha. We will find the truth.”
Usher remained still, seemingly deaf to her words, as Mireya continued to stare at him before speaking again.
“Do not let them underestimate you, Usher. Show them that you are an Alpha with full power. No one should betray you.”
Veins bulged in his forehead. Heat radiated from Usher’s body, intensifying. He looked fierce with sharp eyes, as if he wanted to tear Garth apart.
Garth was stunned. Never in his life had he seen Usher look at him with such fury. Usher’s eyes blazed and it seemed as if flames were flickering in them. Usher’s piercing gaze penetrated deep into his soul, causing a painful emptiness.
At that moment, Garth realized it was all over. His defense meant nothing, and worse, Usher doubted his loyalty. There was nothing left for him as a werewolf.
The harsh reality hit Garth. His werewolf spirit was suffering. He was wounded, and all he could do was ask, “Do you want me dead, Alpha?”
Usher remained silent, letting Garth’s question hang in the air for a moment. His stern face now showed no expression. Garth’s question seemed meaningless to him.
A bitter smile appeared on Garth’s face. He inhaled, trying to stay strong, but his lungs felt like they were being pierced by thousands of needles. “Very well, Alpha. If that is your wish, I will not refuse. Please, punish me. I have dedicated my entire life to serving you. Even if you wish my death, I will give it to you.”
The last thing Garth saw was Usher’s face. Then he closed his eyes. Darkness enveloped him, and the only light he saw was the shadow of Usher in his mind. Forever Usher would be his Alpha. Forever, Usher would be the owner of his loyalty. So when Usher doubted him, his life was shattered. His pride and loyalty were ripped apart.
Garth would never be able to face the world again. Worse, his world was truly over. There was no reason for him to live. Everything was over and he made sure of it by clawing at his neck.
Blood vessels burst. Garth’s blood spilled everywhere. Screams and cries erupted. Cora was hysterical.
“Garth!”
Usher froze. He saw Garth’s body crumple to the ground, his face covered in Garth’s blood.
*