Chapter 74: 74. Joint Forces It was about thirty minutes after Bernard and Beta Gilbert had left when a few guards arrived at the mansion to pick up Maria and Luna Victoria.
Maria had almost drifted off on the couch when the guards entered the living room, and she quickly shot to her feet.
Luna Victoria soon emerged from her room, already dressed and composed, a calmness in her steps as she descended.
Maria was just about to rush to her room when one of the guards called her back, handing her a small bag.
"This is for you," he said with a nod.
Opening the bag, Maria found a matching outfit identical to the guards’. Instantly, she remembered what Beta Gilbert had said about her needing to blend in to witness the trial at the packhouse. Without wasting a moment, she dashed to her room and dressed in the uniform. It took her about ten minutes, but when she stepped out, her tie hung loosely around her neck.
The same guard who’d handed her the bag approached again. "Let me help with that," he offered.
Maria stood still as he fixed the tie for her. Once he was done, the group moved out of the living room and climbed into a waiting car, driving swiftly into the evening.
Nervous energy gripped Maria as they neared the packhouse. Her stomach fluttered with anticipation.
She didn’t know exactly what to expect, but she was determined to see it through—to see justice for her parents.
As the car pulled up to the packhouse, bright lights flooded the area. People filled the surroundings, security teams were stationed at every entrance, and the air buzzed with tension.
As soon as Maria stepped out of the vehicle, Mason, the head of Beta Gilbert’s security, approached her.
"Come with me," he said quietly, taking her hand and leading her down a back road that led into the rear entrance of the packhouse.
Once inside, Mason leaned close and whispered, "Avoid eye contact with anyone. No matter what happens, manage your emotions. You play a key role in this. Don’t forget that."
He handed her a wooden gun that looked convincingly real.
"Just keep this at your side," he instructed.
Maria nodded, her heart pounding. The situation felt surreal, but she reminded herself of her purpose. She had come this far. She couldn’t turn back now.
Soon, the trial proceedings began. One of the elders stepped onto the podium, addressing the silent crowd that filled the packhouse.
"Good evening, everyone. Let us not waste time," the elder announced. "We are gathered here tonight for the trial of Elijah Simons. He is accused of treason and betrayal of trust against the Alpha and the entire Blue Moon pack."
The crowd murmured. Whispers rose like wind through tall grass.
Then, guards marched Elijah Simons to the podium. His wrists and ankles were bound, his face expressionless as he stood before the people.
"This is Elijah Simons," the elder continued. "Before he speaks, we will invite the Alpha to present the charges."
Bernard stepped forward. His expression was serious, his voice strong.
"Good evening, my family of the Blue Moon pack," he began. "Elijah Simons and his men attacked me and my household without cause. Even worse, he shot at my chosen mate—Maria. She bled out and died in the forest before we could stop them. To this moment, her body has not been recovered for a proper burial."
Gasps and shocked exclamations rippled through the crowd.
"He should be executed right here!" someone shouted.
"Kill the traitor!" another voice echoed.
Bernard raised a hand. "I know some of you feel justice should be immediate, but I respect the laws and traditions of this pack. That is why we are here—to judge him fairly."
He stepped down from the podium.
The elder spoke again. "Elijah Simons, you may speak."
Elijah let out a harsh laugh. "You all expect me to deny it? I did it. I did it all. And I did it for the good of the pack. That power was mine to claim. Bernard was never fit to lead!"
His voice boomed with arrogance, and his laughter rang loud.
The elders didn’t wait any longer. They signaled for the guards to take him down from the podium.
Suddenly, a loud explosion erupted from the front entrance of the packhouse.
Gunfire cracked through the air. Chaos followed as guards returned fire. Maria immediately ducked behind a massive pillar, heart racing, trying to keep calm.
Then another blast—this one from the roof. It was even louder than the first.
Figures descended quickly using ropes tied around their waists. Their movements were swift—too swift for human eyes. Maria peeked from her hiding spot and saw them reach for Elijah.
Within seconds, they secured him and vanished back through the roof.
It was all over in less than ten minutes.
Silence followed the storm.
Bernard looked around frantically, fury overtaking him.