Chapter 68
Sansa's Pov
I suffered as I gradually discovered my true identity. when I was experiencing strange half-werewolf symptoms. Why had my father and grandfather remained silent about my half-werewolf heritage?
Why have I remained hidden from my people for so long? Was it because they didn't want me to join a pack and live a human life or because they wanted to keep me hidden from Xavier?
"I'm sorry I couldn't save them. I am deeply sorry for your loss," Xavier's voice interrupted my thoughts.
The Oak Pack was standing in the graveyard at the funeral, which I had no idea existed. I realized there could be a lot of hidden things to discover.
Butterflies were flying around. Birds were sitting quietly in the trees, and there was sadness in the air.
Unseen faces were also present at the funeral. Where did they come from? What were their names? Which gate did they enter? I hadn't seen them enter from the same gate we did. Another gate surrounded the graveyard.
There were footsteps heard in the dead silence. Bella's arrival surprised everyone, and Maya was deeply disappointed. Bella walked confidently in high heels, her gleaming black hair dancing to the rhythm of the breeze.
They all tied buns beneath the white lace veil and headpieces when they arrived at the funeral. She was dressed for a party rather than a funeral in a long red gown. That color was forbidden at funerals in the Oak Pack.
Her dark red lipstick showed how indifferent she was to Kevin's death. Maya was bothered by the fact that she was celebrating her freedom rather than mourning it.
Looking at Bella left everyone speechless and uneasy. Her face was covered in makeup after everyone's tears had dried, and she had no regrets.
"They were the Oak Pack's bravest and strongest warriors; they refused to give up and fought until their last breath; rejoice for those who returned alive after finishing the mission." Xavier continued
Maya passed the parchment scroll, which appeared to be thousands of years old, to Xavier. He started reading in a foreign language.
"What exactly is he reading?" I spoke quietly to Amara, who was standing next to me.
"It's an oath; it must be read before making any decision or giving permission under the law in this situation," Amara said quietly to me.
Xavier turned to look at the brides who had lost their husbands. "You were all bound together by the law of the pronouncement of wonder. Because your husbands are no longer alive, you have the right to choose whether to stay or leave; no one will force you," Xavier stated
I was astounded at how simple it was to break free. Bella struck gold when five years of failure paid off so easily.
Kevin's death was a gift for her as it gave her freedom, so why wouldn't she be happy? I wish I had the same fate as her, so Xavier could die and I could go free without even struggling when I am terrorized by an attempt to kill Xavier, which was a hassle.
I began to consider various methods of killing Xavier, knowing that as soon as I killed him, I would be free. That was my new mission.
Xavier returned the parchment scroll to Maya and turned to face the brides.
"It's been a journey, we've lost, found, fought, and shared the best moments with the pack; you've all earned a place in our hearts, and we thank you for your contributions to the pack. I appreciate all of your efforts and coordination. Thank you for understanding and adhering to our customs and rules. You are all true Oakers. " Xavier stated
Maya appeared pumped up as if she were about to burst. She kept staring at Bella, which seemed to irritate her. Bella didn't seem to care about anything as she celebrated her liberties early.
"Before you make any decision, please know that you are still a member of the Oak Pack family and are always welcome, even if you choose to leave," Xavier said softly.
As some Oak members hugged the brides, they sobbed quietly. Bella stood silently in the corner, and no one sympathized with her because she didn't appear sad, which irritated Maya greatly.
Xavier couldn't stand for long, so he sat in the wheelchair with Adam's help.
"I used to despise being here because I was coerced into it. I was not aware of the law's pronouncement of wonder. I was taken in by the Arvin and lived my days. I never expected to be showered with such affection here." One of the brides expressed her emotions when she could not stop her tears
They were all silently crying as they watched her heartbreak over her great loss.
"My uncle sold me to my previous husband for money. He used to beat me, starve me for days, and use me for his benefit. I was lost, and my prayers were not answered. I lost hope of ever being free from hell because I had no family to return to." crying even more
Amara was crying quietly as she recalled her days, while Bella tried not to recall anything about the incident because she did not want to be a part of the emotional situation.
"But now that I'm here, I had a second chance at a better life. After coming here, I began to believe that I, too, deserved happiness, which Arvin provided so abundantly that I forgot my old wounds and began a new life with him. He was a true blessing to me. I don't want to leave." Fariya hugged her as she sobbed even more.
"Raise your hand if you want to leave," Edward asked.
Nobody raised their hands, indicating their unwillingness to leave.
"I.... "
Everyone's attention was drawn to Bella, and I couldn't help but wonder why some of them were disappointed by her decision.
"I'd like to leave," Bella said, grinning.