Chapter 72
Chapter 72
Violet
Owen looked furious as the lead judge
Optinued to speak.
DUNNUS
“Lucas of Twining River is ordered to formally rotort Violet Donovan as his mate at temple,” the judge declared.” Furthermore, Darkmoon will be returned to her effective immediately. Any holdings or assets wrongfully
transferred to him or Twining River under their union will also be restored to their rightful owner. This includes monies, land, property, business enterprises…”
As he continued, the words blurred as a weight lifted from my shoulders. I gripped the edge of the table, grounding myself as the full reality of what was happening settled in.
Darkmoon was mine again.
Owen’s jaw was tight. His eyes narrowed, and there was a dangerous glint in them. He wasn’t happy with the decision–not one bit.
Before Owen could speak, Lucas stood abruptly, his voice sharp and unyielding.
“I refuse,” he declared, drawing the attention of everyone in the courtroom. “I will not go through with a formal rejection ceremony. I don’t accept this ruling.”
The murmurs of the gallery swelled into a low roar, and the panel of noble alphas exchanged looks of irritation and disbelief.
“You have a lot of nerve attempting to steal Darkmoon in the first place, leveraging what is the most sacred bond we have in our world for your own petty ambition,” one of the judges intoned, his tone thick with authority, “you are out of line. The ruling has been made, and if you continue to be belligerent, we as a panel will motion to have you formally challenged and there will be a line of alphas willing to meet you for it.”
He paled, stammering, then his jaw hardened. “She’s still my mate, whether this court likes it or not. I won’t make it easy for her. I have the right to reconciliation if I so choose!”
“Reconciliation has to be sought through the temple and the other party has to be willing,” another judge said. ” Your actions have branded her with the mark of the unwanted, you fool. There is no reconciliation to be had.”
He looked at me. “Violet, you-”
“Given the volatility and significance of the situation,” Owen cut in. “I will forestall this court’s decision for additional review in an effort to come to a more agreeable solution.”
My jaw tightened, but I kept my composure. My lead lawyer stood.
“With all due respect, Your Majesty, if their genders were reversed, there would not even be a peep of coming to an agreeable solution regarding treason, conspiracy, infidelity, and assault.” He narrowed his eyes. “I’d be curious to ask what value Lucas of Twining River offers to be given such consideration.”
He flushed. “I don’t appreciate your insinuation.”
“Twining River had no industry before Lucas married Alpha Violet.”
“This ruling is unprecedented,” Owen said, his tone clipped. “I would think that you as a lawyer would be interested in assuring that justice is served and we are not simply coddling a woman for making a poor decision.”
The judges turned to look at him with the most hateful glare, and he almost shrunk back from their glare. The woman on my legal team, slid a small sheet of paper in front of me. I scanned it and stood.
Chapter 72
+25 BONUS
“If I may?”
A murmur rippled through the gallery. My fingers curled into fists on the table.
“I’d like to request a conference with the priest on the judgment panel,” I said, sweeping my gaze. “I would prefer violence to be considered only after all other options are, and while I appreciate the panel’s swift and fair judgement, I am gracious enough to allow him to wallow in his own regrets for as long as he needs… I intend to move on with my life regardless of his choices.“.
The room stilled, and all eyes turned to me. Some of them were amused. Owen frowned, clearly displeased.
“As I have said, the matter will be-”
“The temple outranks even the alpha king,” one of the noble judges interjected, his tone clipped. “Alpha Violet’s request is entirely within her rights, and the temple’s guidance is paramount in such disputes as the legal system will not grant her freedom.”
Owen set hisn jaw, but he said nothing. I turned to look at the priest, seated among the panel in his ceremonial robes. He nclined his head toward me, his expression serene.
“I will hear you, Alpha Violet,” he said, his voice resonating with quiet authority. “The temple exists to guide and protect all wolves in matters of bond and faith. Let us confer privately after this session concludes.”
