Walter’s apology was an undeniable answer, a confirmation of all suspicions. Vione closed her eyes. There was warmth there, but she held on as tightly as she could to keep her tears from spilling.
“Forgive me, Luna. I had no idea it would come to this,” Walter said as he moved closer to Vione. He clung to her legs, his body shaking. “Forgive me.”
“Forgive you, Walter?” Vione scoffed cynically. Now there was deep hatred in her eyes. “Tell me, Walter. What did the Nimbria Pack offer you?”
Walter shook his head. He continued to kneel at Vione’s feet. “Forgive me, Luna.”
“Were you offered a luxury yacht? Great wealth? A large company?” Vione asked, her emotions overflowing. She was breathless as she shouted, “Tell me, what did they give you to make you betray us?!”
“Luna.” Walter trembled even more at Vione’s anger. He knew she was truly angry, and he would do anything to win her forgiveness. “I am guilty. I admit it, but please forgive me. Forgive me.”
Vione remained unmoved. Her face hardened, a clear sign that she was not at all moved by Walter’s pleas, and she cried, “Garth! Cora!”
Garth and Cora entered, immediately assuming a vigilant posture, ready to receive Vione’s orders.
“Garth, take Walter away. I never want to see him again!” Vione ordered, receiving a dutiful nod from Garth. Then she said to Cora, “You, Cora. Bring the whole Mendoza family here!”
Walter’s face grew even paler as he heard Vione’s order to Cora. He began to struggle, trying to free himself from Garth’s grip. But Garth wouldn’t let him go. Instead, he pulled Walter out of the tent.
“Luna! Forgive me! Please, forgive me, Luna!” Walter cried desperately, his mind filled with all sorts of terrible and frightening possibilities. He knew that Vione would punish his family without mercy. “I am guilty, Luna. I betrayed the Frostholm Pack. I admit it, Luna, but please don’t punish my family. I beg you, Luna.”
Vione’s mouth was tight. Her face was flushed and her body tensed with uncontrollable rage. “You destroyed my family, Walter,” she replied coldly. There was an unmistakable judgment in her voice that hinted at the merciless punishment that awaited Walter and the entire Mendoza family. “Now it’s your turn to feel the grief and loss that I feel.”
Walter froze. A chill ran through his body. Tears began to stream down his cheeks and he continued to shake his head. He kept trying to plead, but it was all in vain.
Garth was more determined this time. He really dragged Walter out, leaving Vione alone with tears she could no longer hold back.
Vione had never imagined that someone so close to her could commit treason. Walter hadn’t just lived with them for a year or two; he had been part of the pack for decades. She couldn’t believe that Walter could be so cruel as to betray them, and neither could the Mendoza family.
Walter’s wife, Lily Gibson, looked shocked at what was happening. Her heart seemed to stop as Vione explained Walter’s betrayal. “No way,” she said, shaking her head repeatedly, trying to deny reality. “He wouldn’t do that. He couldn’t betray the Frostholm Pack.”
Vione ignored Lily’s disbelief because there was something more important she wanted to know. So, she asked, “Did you feel anything strange about Walter?”
“Strange?” Lily dramatically closed her eyes, then sniffed disdainfully. “I thought he had a mistress, Luna. I assumed he was cheating. I never suspected he was working with the Nimbria Pack.”
Vione could only take a deep breath when she heard Lily’s explanation. She fell silent, which made Lily feel a deep sense of worry.
“Luna, I know there’s nothing I can do. Walter’s betrayal is immense, especially since the Frostholm Pack has been so good to us all this time,” Lily said sincerely. Her regret was palpable. “Our apologies won’t change anything, but I have to say it anyway.” She bowed her head. “I’m sorry for everything that happened, Luna. We are ready to accept any punishment.”
The most reasonable punishment for Vione would be the death penalty. There would be no forgiveness for a traitor, especially since Walter’s betrayal had caused a tragedy for the Frostholm Pack.
But Vione wasn’t that cruel. She took a deep breath. To Garth she said. “Strip the Mendoza family of all their privileges and assets.”
Garth nodded. “Understood, Luna.”
On the other side, Lily’s eyes widened. “Luna,” she whispered hopefully. “Does that mean…”
“Walter is the one at fault, so he is the one who will be punished,” Vione said after some thought, which included remembering the loyalty and service of the Mendoza family over the years. “As for the rest of you, you will live with regret. The relationship between the Mendoza family and the Frostholm Pack ends here.”
Lily quickly covered her mouth with both hands and stifled a sob that threatened to escape. A wave of relief washed over her, for she had feared that Vione would also sentence the entire Mendoza family to death. She was grateful to have been given a chance to live, though a deep sadness crept into her heart. The bond between the Mendoza family and the Frostholm pack had ended in a most painful way.
Tears streamed from Lily’s eyes. She couldn’t hold back her grief. “Thank you, Luna. I will never forget your kindness. I will remember you for the rest of my life.”
Vione said nothing more. She just looked at Garth and signaled him to take Lily away. The anger, hatred and emotional turmoil she had experienced all day had left her feeling completely exhausted. She longed for just a moment to catch her breath, even though she knew she wouldn’t get it now.
“Luna.”
Just as Garth and Lily were about to leave the tent, Cora rushed in with hurried steps. Her face showed panic, which made Vione sure that something bad had happened again.
Vione asked, “What is it?”
“Walter,” Cora said breathlessly, then handed Vione a piece of paper. “He committed suicide and left this note.”
Lily screamed hysterically. Vione quickly grabbed the letter and read it quickly.
In the letter, Walter expressed his deep remorse. He apologized and acknowledged that no punishment in the world could atone for his sins. In the end, he chose suicide as his way out.
*