Casaio stepped forward with a resolute expression. "This time, Alex was wrong. Gabriel did give him a chance. I humbly request that his life not be spared, not after what he’s done. The Red River Pack may face turmoil in his absence, but it will eventually find its footing again. However, attempting to kill a she-wolf carrying a pup, there is no redemption for that."
Though Gabriel’s interactions with their mother were often sharp and confrontational, Casaio had always spoken with gentleness and reason. He knew how to temper her wrath with calm logic.
"I agree, Mother," Dominick said, stepping closer. He rarely involved himself in matters concerning Gabriel, but today was different. He couldn’t stay silent in this matter. "Alex crossed a line. And further investigation revealed that Jodie assisted him in this treachery."
"It’s my fault," Katelyn admitted, guilt written all over her face. "I... I just wanted to take Amelie out for lunch with a friend. That friend was Jodie. I never imagined she could be capable of something like this. I shared a lot about Amelie, not knowing my words could put her in danger. Please, Mama, don’t blame Amelie. She was completely unaware of any of this."
Both Mabel and Raidan were taken aback. For the first time, their children stood united, not in rivalry or blame, but in defense of someone else. Their usual discord was replaced by a rare harmony.
’This girl...’ Mabel thought, her gaze lingering on Amelie. A small smile crept onto her lips, touched with pride and surprise.
"It seems our children have taken quite a liking to Amelie," Raidan whispered to his wife.
Just then, Samyra stepped aside as another figure came forward to speak.
"Your Majesty," the newcomer began, bowing respectfully, "I am Zander Trevisan, Alex’s beta." He stood beside Gabriel, eyes lowered in deference.
"What do you have to say?" Raidan inquired.
"Alex acted without honor," Zander confessed. "A beta is bound by loyalty to his alpha, but what Alex did last night crossed every line. As soon as I learned of it, I went to rescue Amelie’s parents. Her father sustained serious injuries, but I was able to save her mother. I acted as swiftly as I could."
Mabel raised an eyebrow. "Amelie, it appears you’ve attracted more protectors than I expected," she remarked with a chuckle. "Still, I believe this matter should be handled politically, with measured justice."
"The Queen is right," Raidan agreed.
Gabriel’s expression hardened. "I don’t agree. Alex’s crime deserves only one punishment and that’s death. If Their Majesties wish to take over this matter, I will allow it only if they support that sentence. Otherwise, I will not stand down."
Amelie gently placed her hand on Gabriel’s arm. He turned to her, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Let me speak," she said softly.
"They haven’t listened to me. What makes you think they’ll listen to you?" he whispered.
Mabel’s silence was her reply that she would attend this wedding. Only three days had left but all of the chaos happening around concerned Mabel. ’Will they both truly get married? That pup... It’s not even Gabriel’s,’ she thought.
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