CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR - A GRAVE FILLED WITH REGRET

Lucas stood rigid, his eyes fixed on his father's lifeless form. The pain radiating through his body was almost unbearable, amplified by the rage coursing through his veins. He couldn't bring himself to look at Aria, the betrayal too fresh, too raw. "Lucas, please," Aria begged, her voice cracking with desperation. "You know me. You know I would never do this!" But Lucas remained silent, his jaw clenched tight as tears streamed down his face. The mate bond between them pulsed with anguish, a cacophony of conflicting emotions that threatened to tear them both apart. Christine's voice cut through the chaos, cold and authoritative. "Take her to the holding cells. We'll carry out the sentence at dawn." As the guards began to drag Aria away, Lilaya burst through the crowd, her small form radiating determination. "Wait! Stop! You can't do this!" Christine turned to the petite wolf, her eyes narrowing. "This doesn't concern you, Lilaya. Stand down." But Lilaya stood her ground, holding