Chapter 288

Olivia

In the wake of the attack, the town looked desolate—buildings were burned and shattered, the streets were littered with debris, and an air of uncertainty lingered. The once vibrant marketplace lay in ruins, a stark testament to Ryan’s destruction.

But amidst this desolation, I found a shimmer of hope.

Everywhere I looked, our pack members were hard at work, aiding the injured, clearing the rubble, and setting up temporary shelters. It was nothing short of awe-inspiring to witness their resilience.

From the youngest members to the eldest, everyone pitched in with an unwavering spirit.

“Miss Olivia!” called out a voice. Mrs. Simmons, an elderly member of our community, approached me. Her usual straight posture was slightly hunched, and her hair, normally tied up neatly, was slightly unkempt. But her eyes, those were as sharp as ever.

“I want to apologize,” she began, taking a deep breath. “I was among those who doubted you, especially when you refused to hand Elliot over. But seeing everything now, your strength and conviction, I realize I was wrong.”

I placed a gentle hand on her arm. “Mrs. Simmons, it’s okay. No need to apologize.”

“No,” she insisted. “It’s not just me. There are many of us. We should’ve trusted you. Elliot is one of us. We stand together. Always.”

Touched by her sentiment, I scanned the surroundings. As if on cue, a few of our pack members paused in their work to nod in my direction, their faces showing a mix of gratitude, respect, and apology.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “For standing by me.”

Watching our pack pull together was heartwarming. Children assisted with gathering supplies, women tended to the wounded, and the men worked tirelessly to repair the structures. Their determination to rebuild was palpable.

Amidst the bustling activity, my eyes naturally sought out Nathan. He was coordinating efforts, his authoritative voice echoing directives.

Even under the weight of leadership and the strain of recent events, he was a pillar of strength. The first rays of the morning sun glinted off his tousled hair, casting a golden hue that made him look almost ethereal.

As I approached him, I could see the toll the events had taken. Lines of fatigue were evident on his face, yet his eyes sparkled with undiminished resolve.

A group of youngsters was gathered around him, listening intently as he explained the importance of reinforcing the town’s perimeter. Even in such dire circumstances, he was teaching, ensuring the next generation was prepared.

“Olivia,” he greeted, a hint of weariness seeping through as he pulled me close for a brief moment. “How are you holding up?”

Looking around at our pack members, I smiled. “Seeing everyone come together like this... it’s humbling. I’ve never been prouder to be a part of this pack.”

He smiled in return, brushing a stray hair from my face. “We’re strong, Liv. Together, we can overcome anything.”

As the day wore on, I couldn’t help but marvel at Nathan’s tireless efforts. Despite the exhaustion, he was everywhere—offering words of encouragement, assisting with the heavier tasks, and always ensuring everyone had enough food and water.

Watching him, a deep sense of gratitude and love welled up within me. Here was a man who was not only my Alpha but also the love of my life.

And as the sun climbed higher, casting a warm glow over our battered town, I found myself daydreaming about our wedding someday. Despite the challenges we faced, I couldn’t wait to spend the rest of my life by his side.

But would he even still want to marry me if he knew about my deal with the witch?

…

The cold, sterile air of the holding cells seemed to amplify the gravity of our steps as Nathan and I made our way through the stone corridors. The faint echoes of distant howls and the clinking of chains resonated, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Olivia,” Nathan began, casting a glance my way as we approached the cell holding Ryan. “What do you want to do with him?”

I hesitated, the enormity of the situation pressing on my chest. “Isn’t that your call?” I asked, my voice tinged with uncertainty. “You’re the Alpha, Nathan. And after everything with the Elders... I feel I’ve already taken too much into my own hands.”

Nathan stopped, turning to face me fully. He gently held my hand, his touch warm and reassuring against the chill of the dungeon. “You’re not just the Ancient Wolf, Liv,” he murmured, his eyes searching mine. “You’re my Luna. We make decisions together.”

I took a shaky breath, appreciating his unwavering support. Yet as we continued down the corridor, the trepidation remained.

When we reached Ryan’s cell, his broken figure became clearly visible. Bruised and battered, he looked nothing like the once proud and defiant wolf who had challenged us. It had been two days now since he was placed in the holding cell, and it showed.

Hearing our approach, he slowly lifted his head, his eyes meeting mine, filled with a mix of resentment, desperation, and faint hope. “Have mercy,” he rasped, his voice barely more than a whisper. “All I wanted was my son. I can never produce another heir.”

I frowned, torn between my inherent sense of justice and the pitiable sight before me. “This,” I began, my voice firm, “was no way to reclaim your son. Demanding, threatening, and instigating conflict? You could have approached us with civility.”

Ryan’s gaze darted between Nathan and me, searching for any glimmer of leniency. “I was desperate,” he croaked out, the weight of his actions seemingly dawning on him.

Nathan, ever the composed leader, stepped forward.

“Perhaps,” he began thoughtfully, “we can show some mercy.” His eyes, however, betrayed no sympathy for Ryan. “While death might be a fitting punishment, I believe that letting him live might be more… instructive.”

Ryan’s eyes widened, a mix of hope and fear evident. “Wh-what do you mean?”

Nathan’s gaze hardened. “We’re handing you over to the authorities. You’ll face imprisonment for your actions. Whether you survive in there with your injuries is out of our hands.”

Ryan’s face turned ashen, the reality of a regular prison far more terrifying for a man of his stature.

I nodded slowly, weighing in. “I had considered confinement within the pack, but it’s a cruelty I don’t wish to inflict on anyone ever again. Even on you.”

The relief in Ryan’s eyes was short-lived, replaced by a rising sense of humiliation. As pack guards entered the cell to escort him out, the weight of his shackles seemed to mirror the burden of his choices.

His head hung low, and he was paraded past the other cells. The jeers and whispers of our pack members filled the air, serving as a chilling reminder of the price of betrayal.

“Look at the mighty Redclaw Alpha now,” one of the warriors snickered.

“Brought low by his own foolishness,” another chimed in.

As they led him out into the daylight, his figure bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun, the scene was almost poetic in its irony. Here was a man, who in his desperate quest for power and lineage, had lost everything. The last view I had was of him being handcuffed and shoved into a police vehicle, a stark contrast to the powerful, assertive wolf he once was.

I leaned into Nathan, seeking solace in his presence. “Did we do the right thing?” I asked, my voice quivering.

Nathan wrapped his arm around me, drawing me close. “Justice isn’t always about retribution, Liv. Sometimes, it’s about teaching a lesson.”

Watching the police vehicle fade into the distance, I hoped that Ryan would someday understand the cost of his actions. And that our pack, having borne witness to this grim episode, would rise stronger, united by our shared sense of justice and purpose.