I Left Before He Learned My Worth novel Chapter 56

**I Left Before He Learned My Worth**

**Chapter 56**

**ARIA**

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The council chamber loomed over us, its vastness somehow stifling rather than liberating. The towering ceilings, which should have evoked a sense of grandeur, instead felt like a heavy weight pressing down, amplifying the gravity of the moment. The five council members were seated in their elevated positions, their expressions a mix of stern disapproval and barely concealed intrigue. Behind them, the gallery thrummed with anticipation, packed with Alphas and esteemed pack members from various territories, all eager to witness the resolution of this unprecedented crisis.

Kael and I settled into our designated seats at the table reserved for Shadowmere’s delegation, the air thick with tension. Nina occupied the space beside Kael, her face a mask of neutrality, but I could see the exhaustion etched into her features, a silent battle against the fatigue that threatened to overwhelm her. Across the expanse of the room, Damon stood in what could only be described as a defendant’s stance, his hands ensnared in silver chains that glinted ominously in the overhead light.

He looked utterly wretched. The altercation with Kael had left him battered and bruised; his lip was split, and a darkening black eye was rapidly swelling shut. The way he held himself suggested cracked ribs, possibly from the force of the fight. His clothing was a testament to his state—torn, filthy, and stained with blood, remnants of the chaos from the previous night. It was clear that he had received little more than the bare minimum of medical care to keep him alive for this trial.

But it was his eyes that truly captured my attention. They were locked onto mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine, a tumultuous mix of desperation, hope, and a disconcerting glimmer of confidence. It was as if, even in this dire situation, he still believed that I would somehow come to his rescue, that I would save him from the repercussions of his reckless actions.

The head council member, Alpha Morrison of the Highland Pack—who had previously questioned my judgment with a pointed letter—brought the proceedings to order with three sharp strikes of his gavel, the sound echoing through the chamber.

“This emergency council session is convened to address the actions of Alpha Damon Cross of Blackwood Pack,” Morrison declared, his voice resonating with authority. “The charges against you are as follows: unlawful disruption of a sacred bonding ceremony, assault on a pack member of neutral territory, bringing armed wolves into another pack’s lands without permission, and issuing an unauthorized challenge during a protected ritual.” He paused, his gaze piercing into Damon. “How do you respond to these charges?”

Damon straightened as much as his injuries would allow, his voice emerging clear and steady despite the pain etched across his face. “I acknowledge that my timing was poor. I acknowledge that my methods were aggressive. But I do not acknowledge that my actions were unlawful. Ancient pack law grants any Alpha the right to challenge for an unmated omega during a bonding ceremony. I was merely exercising that right.”

“Ancient pack law requires formal notice and acceptance before such a challenge can proceed,” interjected Alpha Chen of Riverside Pack, his tone sharp and uncompromising. “You provided no such notice. You stormed into a ceremony with armed wolves and assaulted pack members. That is not a legitimate challenge; that is an act of aggression.”

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