I Left Before He Learned My Worth novel Chapter 112

**TITLE: I Left Before He Learned My Worth**
**Chapter 112**

**ARIA**

The tribunal room loomed before me, every bit as daunting as I had imagined it would be. The atmosphere was thick with tension, the air almost electric with anticipation.

The space had been meticulously arranged, its usual function as a general meeting area transformed into something that felt distinctly like a courtroom. A long, imposing table stretched across the front, where the pack elders sat in their ceremonial regalia—deep green robes adorned with intricate silver wolf insignias that glimmered in the morning light filtering through the tall, arched windows. Elder Morrison, the head of the panel, occupied the central position, his weathered face a mask of solemnity, revealing nothing of his thoughts. To his left was Elder Thorne, a formidable woman in her seventies, her sharp gaze piercing through the room, missing nothing. On his right sat Elder Cassius, the youngest of the trio at barely sixty, yet no less intimidating, his presence commanding respect.

And at a separate table, slightly apart yet undeniably integral to the proceedings, sat Kael.

My mate. My husband. The man who was supposed to be my unwavering ally, my rock in turbulent times.

But he wouldn’t look at me.

I stood in the center of the room, flanked by the guards who had escorted me from my chambers with an air of authority. Behind me, the members of Shadowmere filled every available inch, their faces a mix of curiosity and judgment, their whispers a constant hum that prickled at my skin even as the elders called for silence. I could feel their eyes boring into my back, could sense the weight of their scrutiny.

Nina stood off to one side, her posture rigid as she assumed her role as head of security, a leather folder clasped tightly under her arm—no doubt containing her findings on the investigation. Marcus was there too, looking out of place in formal attire that contrasted sharply with his usual warrior gear, shifting uncomfortably as if he felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him.

Near the back, I caught a glimpse of Jason, holding Lia close, the little girl’s face pressed tightly against her brother’s shoulder as if she could sense the palpable tension in the room and was attempting to shield herself from it.

“This tribunal is now in session,” Elder Morrison declared, his voice resonating clearly throughout the chamber. “We are gathered here to investigate the incident that transpired yesterday morning in the eastern forest, which resulted in the poisoning of Healer Ivory Ashwood. Luna Aria Blackwood stands accused of attempted murder.”

The words hung in the air like a dark cloud, suffocating and oppressive. Attempted murder. Not merely suspected of, not possibly involved in—accused of. It felt as though the verdict had already been cast in stone before I had even been given the chance to defend myself.

“The accused will step forward,” Morrison continued, his tone unwavering.

With a deep breath, I moved to position myself directly before the elders’ table, my hands clasped tightly in front of me, desperately trying to quell the tremors that threatened to betray my composure. I had chosen my attire with care that morning, donning one of my more formal gowns—a deep blue fabric that Celine had assured me exuded both dignity and humility. My hair was neatly braided, devoid of jewelry except for the Luna’s pendant that signified my status.

For all the good that status was doing me now.

“Luna Aria,” Morrison began, his tone formal but not entirely devoid of compassion. “Do you comprehend the charges that have been leveled against you?”

“I understand that I am being accused of something I did not do,” I replied, striving to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil within. “Yes.”

“We will commence with the facts as we understand them,” Morrison continued, opening a document before him with a deliberative motion. “Yesterday morning, you departed the pack house alone, stating you required time to reflect. You encountered Healer Ivory in the eastern forest. The two of you spoke—argued, according to your own account. Then, Healer Ivory was struck by a poisoned dart that nearly claimed her life. Is this assessment accurate thus far?”

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