Freya's POV
My hands tremble in my lap, fingers twisted together so tightly that my knuckles have turned bone white. The courtroom feels suffocating, every breath a struggle as I wait for the proceedings to begin.
Alpha Lara notices my distress and places her warm hand over mine, offering silent comfort.
"Alpha Gerry, step forward," Councilman Vance commands.
As Gerry passes by my seat, his burning glare scorches into me. I keep my eyes down, but the heat of his fury radiates off him like a physical force.
"Alpha Gerry, you face three serious charges today," the Councilman begins, his voice echoing through the chamber. "First, you possessed knowledge of another Alpha's embezzlement and concealed this information from the Council. You then exploited this knowledge to coerce an alliance bond with Alpha Sam, using his daughter as leverage. Alpha Lara was underage and legally unable to consent, rendering the agreement invalid.
