Chapter 6 - An Unjust Trial

Kian's footsteps echoed softly across the marble floors as he moved through the palace's magnificent corridors. Every time he was inside these walls, the burden of responsibility seemed to fall more heavily on his shoulders. He was the eldest child and the future Alpha of Arcanis, and his father's demands became more pressing every day. In an attempt to loosen up, he stopped for a while by one of the several arched windows and looked out at the far-off mountains. Shortly after, he noticed his sister Aryana strolling around the castle courtyard. He was drawn to her elegant yet resolute gait and stepped forward to follow her. She had a calm look on her face, but Kian sensed there was more below it. No one had ever understood how sharp Aryana had always been, a force of will concealed beneath a princess's fragile exterior. “Kian” she smiled softly, “I was wondering when I'd run into you, brother” “I've been avoiding some of the more public places” Kian said and fell into step next to her. "Running away from something, dear brother?" Knowing where this was going, Kian sighed, "You know exactly what I’m running from” "Marriage?" she asked, giving him a gentle nudge, “Do you not think the Lady Shahan attractive enough? Or is there anything else about the thought of getting married that makes you uncomfortable?” He shook his head and laughed dryly, "No, she is stunning. That isn't the problem. I have more essential things to do than play the part of husband and engage in wooing. Furthermore, I'm definitely not prepared to become a father” “I'm definitely ready to become an aunt if you ask me” she chuckled. Aryana turned to him and stopped moving, “You are the eldest son, Kian. Ensuring the continuation of the royal bloodline is your responsibility” “You can't run away from this forever” Kian was about to reply when the distinct sound of women's cries interrupted their conversations. The guards were dragging two women across the palace floor, and their shouts of agony and terror filled the otherwise calm courtyard. Aryana quickly turned to look at what was going on, her eyes narrowing in seriousness. “What is the meaning of this madness?” she demanded, The guards hesitated for a while, Aryana walked towards the guards as she looked at the women. She spoke with authority, and the guards paused for a minute. Seeing a potential ally in Aryana, the two women hurried to her side, their labored breathing breaking the brief silence. But the guards, intent on carrying out their orders, swiftly snatched them back, “It’s the king’s orders, my lady” one of the guards explained, “That anyone found practicing magic must be brought for judgment” “And how do you know these women were practicing magic?" Aryana spoke in a scathing, suspicious tone. Another voice, brimming with arrogance, joined the discussion before the guard could reply, “Because I saw them” A tall, dark-haired guy emerged from the shadows as Aryana turned to face the source of the voice. She was irritated by his scornful smile. One of the women spat at the man, barely able to stand. Her voice was raspy with desperation as she said, "You lie!" Unfazed, the man gave her a hard backhand that sent her falling to the ground. Aryana felt rage flare up in her chest. The thud of her palm hitting the man's cheek reverberated across the courtyard as she rushed forward without hesitation and slapped him across the face, causing everyone witnessing to gasp. Kian intervened immediately, placing his hand on Aryana's arm, "Sister," he muttered, attempting to calm her. He then turned and smiled unnaturally at the man, “I apologize on my sister's behalf. She has the capacity to be... passionate” Clearly enjoying the confrontation, the man stroked his bruised cheek and returned the smile with a nasty one. He didn't try to cover off his evil glee, “No need for apologies, Prince Kian, the princess and I shall have plenty of time to learn about ourselves" he said, continuing to look at Aryana. Aryana turned to look at Kian and he turned his gaze away, and she slowly walked towards him “What does he mean Kian?” “It means he's your intended mate” Alpha Kaveh’s voice interrupted as he stood by the entrance of the manor, heads bowed in respect at his presence. “What?” Her body trembled with shock. Expecting some sort of denial, she glanced from Kaveh to Kian, but her brother simply sighed, seemingly accepting the reality. He was aware from the beginning. He had, of course, known. Aryana started to object, her rage growing with each breath, but before she could say anything, a terrible scream pierced the atmosphere. Just as she turned in fear, she saw the man, who was supposed to be her mate, had changed into his wolf form and had plunged his claws into the necks of the two women who were charged with magic. The once immaculate floor was stained by the blood that spilled across the courtyard. Aryana's whole body shook with anger as her hands balled into fists. All she wanted to do was tear this man to pieces and make him pay for what he had just done. However, she had learned control and discipline from years of training with the Moonveiled Claws. At this moment, she could not afford to lose her cool. She could never reveal her secret life. Even if every muscle in her body cried out for action, she calmed the storm within her by taking a deep breath. Even though her heart was racing with rage, keeping her head up and her back straight, She turned slowly and walked away.