CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
KARA
I needed proof—hard, irrefutable proof. That was the only way anyone would believe me. My disappointment and anger toward Selina felt like a crushing weight. She was the reason Roxanne remained sick, yet I was the one locked up because of Selina's crime.
Why had Selina been poisoning Roxanne? I still couldn't wrap my head around it, but I was determined to find out. If I approached the Alpha without evidence, I could be branded a rogue and face severe consequences.
I poured the poisoned tea down the drain and prepared a fresh cup myself, which I took to Chantel.
“You're a bit late,” she said, a slight frown creasing her forehead.
I sighed, “I had to make another cup. I mistakenly poured the first. I'm sorry.”
She nodded at me and took the saucer and teacup
"Please, just let me see Roxanne," I begged her.
Chantel shook her head. "I can't do that, Kara. There are eyes everywhere.”
If there were eyes everywhere, then how did no one see Selina poisoning Roxanne? That didn't make sense, and my frustration grew.
That night, as I lay in bed, sleep escaped me. I stared up at the ceiling, deep in thought. I wanted to confront Selina, demand an explanation and an apology, but I knew I had to be patient. Selina would likely attempt to poison Roxanne's food again, and this time, I would be ready.
Were there other reasons for Selina's actions? I wondered, but no answers came to me.
***
RYKER
It was the day of Reckoning for Roxanne. The day the people would face the truth of their own actions. An eye for an eye, justice had to be served and it was my duty to finish what I had started although I was displeased with it.
I instructed my Beta to assemble the people into the courtyard again. The tension was thick but the crowd gathered, eager for another bloody show as they murmured in anticipation. As the Alpha, I took my place at the forefront, my gaze sweeping over the crowd. The time had come to reveal the truth about Roxanne's ordeal.
The people were expecting another show which to them, was ‘justice’ but I had other things I wanted to unfold.
“Today,” I began, my voice echoing across the courtyard. “We gather to confront the consequences of our actions. The events of past weeks have been marred by betrayal and injustice.” I held their rapt attention as I revealed the dark deeds of X, Four, and Pirate, the guards who had betrayed me.
“As we all know, in Red moon, Justice is the foundation of a fair society, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity. It's about holding ourselves and others accountable for our actions and making sure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Right?”
“Yes Alpha,” they responded.
I continued, “But injustice occurs when we allow fear, prejudice, or power to cloud our judgement. It can happen when we turn a blind eye to suffering or allow wrongdoing to go unchallenged.”
“Also true,” they said, nodding in agreement.
"X attempted to rape Roxanne, an unforgivable act," I continued, the crowd gasping in shock. "Four and Pirate conspired against me, stealing my staff while she was imprisoned. Roxanne overheard them, and when they realised their secret was exposed, they tried to kill her to keep her silent.”
The people's faces displayed disbelief, their whispered conversations rippling through the courtyard. "Roxanne defended herself and managed to survive their attack," I stated, “That is why she had those stab marks on her body.”
The crowd's expressions shifted from shock to guilt as they absorbed the truth. "We must acknowledge the wrongs we have committed," I declared, "and face the reality of our unjust treatment of Roxanne.”
As they mulled over my statement, I called for Roxanne to be brought out. When she emerged, the silence was palpable. She wore a light dress that exposed the scars marring her body, each one a proof of injustice.
I couldn't look her in the eyes nor could I stop the guilt that ate at me. It was obvious she wasn't healing and she had thinned. The only thing that looked perfect was her head but still, it appeared too heavy for her neck to hold. She winced in pain and shifted at the discomfort.
She must have adapted to humiliation for she didn't fight the stares. She just sighed and lowered her head.
“Tie her to the poles!” I instructed the guards.
Her frail frame trembled as the guards tied her to the poles. Her cries of pain pierced the air. My heart ached at the sight, but I maintained my resolve. "This may be the last time she faces punishment," I announced, my voice heavy with the gravity of the situation. "Her strength wanes, and she teeters on the edge of survival.”
Roxanne shut her eyes as she watched the guards hold up the lash. She couldn't endure any more I was certain.
But as the lash descended, the crowd protested. They didn't want to see her suffer any more. Their collective voice rang out, pleading for mercy. I turned to them, a mix of relief and disbelief washing over me.
"Why do you object?" I demanded, turning to face them. The crowd admitted their guilt, acknowledging that they had wronged Roxanne. She had been forced to fight for her life against those who attacked her first.
I ordered the guards to release Roxanne, and she stumbled as she was freed from her restraints. I rushed to her side, catching her before she could fall. The people watched in astonishment as I held her, offering support she desperately needed.
Before dismissing the crowd, I demanded they apologise to Roxanne. The first round of apologies was lacklustre, but a stern warning from me prompted them to try again. This time, their apologies held sincerity, and I felt Roxanne's body quivering against mine.
I gazed down at her and saw tears wet her cheek. She turned and buried her face in my chest. I was taken aback by her vulnerability and I was unsure how to console her.
I simply held her close and addressed the people. “We need to listen to each other. Regardless of being an outcast, she is one of us now. Let's commit to standing up for what's right, even when it's difficult. Together, we can create a community where fairness and compassion prevail, and everyone has the chance to succeed.”
The people agreed with me but the guilt lingered. I still saw it on their faces as their eyes glazed over Roxanne and I. I dispersed the crowd.
My plan had succeeded in revealing the truth and keeping Roxanne away from harm although I knew healing for her would be long and arduous but nonetheless, we were a step ahead.
***
The instant we got into Roxanne's room, she jumped out of my arms, almost hurting herself in the process. Her sudden withdrawal and fear puzzled me.
“Careful,” I cautioned, grabbing her before her head could make contact with the iron bed. I gingerly helped her onto the bed. I had offered to carry her in my arms because she was weak and could barely carry her own legs.
“Let go of me,” she said, her voice quivering as she recoiled as though my touch seared her skin. Tears shimmered in her eyes like pearls.
Confusion clouded my mind. What had transpired to evoke such terror? What was the reason for the sudden withdrawal?
Seated on the edge of her bed, she kept a wide distance from me while tears streamed down her face. I was perplexed.
“What do you want?” her voice trembled, as if each syllable carried a weight of its own.
What did I want? I was lost. I didn't even touch her so why was she crying? I yearned to soothe her but as I reached out, a gesture of comfort, she flinched and put out her hands in front of her as a guard, thinking I was going to strike her.
Her sudden action stabbed at my heart. “I wasn't going to hurt you,” I reassured, my own hurt seeping into the words.
“You've tried it before and you weren't careful with how you treated me.” she accused, her fear palpable in the room.
“How I treated you? You were getting violent and you needed to be put down,” I retorted, a sharp edge to my tone.
“That's how you put people down? Have them beat up, have them humiliated, that's what you call putting down?”
I sighed. That was the reason for the mistrust but I longed to bridge the chasm between us, to erase the fear etched into her every movement. But as I drew closer, she grabbed a fork from behind her pillow and held it out, threatening to stab me if I came any closer.
Beautiful.
Fury simmered within me as I knocked the fork out of her hands and scoured the room for any other weapon or objects. I had warned the staffs on duty to keep an eye on her and not leave any objects about ever since I knew Roxanne was suicidal.
But again, they had failed.
I didn't want Roxanne to be scared of me all the time. I didn't want her to always be on guard, I wanted her to feel safe but she wasn't giving me the chance to create that sort of environment.
Despite her protests, I urged her to eat but she remained adamant. "Do not test my patience," I warned, the edge of my frustration sharpening my tone. “Or I will have the guards hold you down and shove it down your throat.”
She looked me deep in the eyes and asked, “Why did you help me today?”
Never had I been more provoked. Why she questioned my motives was as a result of doubt I was sure.
I got on my feet, my anger resurfacing. “Live it while it lasts,” I said and stormed out.