The Lycan Princess and the Temptation of Sin
20. Their Verdict

SKYLA.

Leo looks at Dad who nods.

"Seeing this memory does make me see that this is a necessity... It's time to make some changesand be prepared for the future.” Dad finishes.

The room is deadly quiet as everyone ponders on this. “And how were the memories so different?”Heather's mother says, but she seems calmer now.

“Because, for some reason, Apophis wants to create discord, and we have some theories.” Dad says.“And will you share these? Or keep them from us common folk?”

We all turn and Dad, Rayhan and Raihana frown at Ahren, who smiles innocently as if he hadn't justasked that question.

"Asking for a friend.” He adds, making some of the quints snicker.

Charlotte cocks a brow. “Boys.” She says with distaste.

I smirk, these kids.

“I do agree with the boy, though.” Magdalene says gravely. “Perhaps it's time for all of our kind toknow what we have been facing.”

Dad nods. “I believe so. I'll hold an official conference soon, but to answer that question, we have atheory by Alpha Leo himself here. Leo... care to give your insight.”

For the first time, Leo looks surprised. “That was just a hypothesis, based on myth and legend... I'mnot sure it's enough.” He says after a moment as he looks at Dad pointedly.

"Forget your statistics, baby, just tell us.” Azura says, winking at him.

Leo raises an eyebrow before he sits down again and threads his fingers together.

“There's no proof to back what I am about to say, it is pure assumptions. This beast belongs toApophis, our seers have confirmed that it is a servant of the snake god, also known as the God ofbeasts, I've been doing some research since the name was first revealed, and if it's true, then thisserpent is nothing in comparison to what else he may have under his control.” Leo begins.

The ominous air in the room continues to grow as we all listen to what he has to say."Apep/Apophis/Typhon or whatever the fuck you want to call him, was the enemy of the sun god,Ra/Helios. With the Solaris line now coming to light, also known as the Ardens-"

“Something that we kept private for a reason. How dare you share such information without myfather's knowledge.?” Aleric asks coldly.

I cock a brow. “Is there anything wrong with it? It seems to me you didn’t want this entire thingcleared up either.” I say.

He looks at me, and his eyes soften.

Cunt.

“I'm sorry, Skyla, that is not how I meant it. Just like you being a Lycan was kept private... ourheritage is also something we did not want to share,” He says.

“Too late I guess.” Dad says curtly.

Aleric frowns. I wonder what he's playing at as Leo continues.

“Putting that together, one would assume that whatever Apophis wants is to do with those blessedby Helios... The Solaris bloodline holders.”

“So then why would it try to blame the King's daughter- our Lycan Princess, who is of the Volkovline, not Solaris, correct?” Rivers says.

The fucker's looking at me with newfound awe, and I want to pummel him.

You were blaming me too, remember?

“I'm not sure...” Leo says, and the courtroom falls silent as the unanswered question lingers in theair.

Is it because I am Royce's chosen? Is this a way to get to Royce?

"With everything put before, I would like to ask the jury for their verdict in a case that clearlydisplays that we are fighting against something far bigger than us.”

“The decision is without a doubt obvious, but as we proclaim Skyla Silara Rossi, the Lycan Princess,not guilty, I would like to put forward that she risked her life to protect those who needed her. Justlike her father, she is fighting the immense rage that comes with being a Lycan. For that, I would liketo commend you, Princess.” Allen says, and he stands and begins to clap.

Ok... please don't.

I want to disappear as everyone not already standing stands up and begins clapping, but what reallymakes me feel fucking better is when Heather looks at me with regret and confusion and mouths anI'm sorry.’

I wink at her. It's all good... there's more at play and she was just another pawn in a bigger game.“We did it.” Dad says as he wraps his arms around me.

“Yeah, thanks to bringing in the wildcard at the right moment.” I say hugging him back.

Dad chuckles, “Actually, that was all Leo.” He says.

I look over to my cousin who has his arms around his woman, with his tongue down her throat,much to Grandad El's disapproval. Clearly not fucking bothered about the room full of people.“Thanks Charlotte.” I say.

She smiles. “My brother would have wanted me to do the right thing.” She says sombrely. I mask myemotions and nod and she winks at me.

Oh, she knows.

“Yeah.” I say quietly, just as Aleric comes over.

“Congratulations on winning the trial.” He says.

“Yeah.” I say, not wanting anything to do with him. He tried to kill Royce and if it was up to me, Iwouldn't just let him walk out of here right now. I would hold him accountable and maybe have hisfucking mind probed.

I clench my jaw, trying to remain calm.

He looks confused at my reaction before he motions to Charlotte. “Well... see you at school, Skyla.Come on, let's go home.”

She sighs and nods. “Ok.”

They walk toward the exit and everyone slowly begins to trickle out, I feel like a huge weight hasbeen lifted off my shoulders.

Soon, only the Westwoods and Rossis are left along with Janaina and Magdalene who are bothtalking to Raihana and Delsanra; we can't hear them, clearly having used a barrier to hide theirconversation.

"Well done. You fit in like you were fucking made for the part.” Dad says, slapping Leo on the backwhen he comes over, only to get a withering glare from him.

“You asked me to.” He says coldly,

"Aren“t you happy I'm free from the accusations?” I ask, cocking a brow at him

“I don't have any thoughts on the matter.” He replies arrogantly, only for Azura to smack his armbefore hugging me.

“Well, I'm happy and so are you. Stop acting cold.” She says. I hug her back as Dad looks at Leo.“Well, there's something I wanted to talk to you about, and soon. With the shit that's going on, Ithink it's high time to put some certain measures into place.” Dad says seriously.

Leo nods. I wonder if he even realises that Dad is probably going to name him his heir...

I don't bother with them as I hug my girls and text Royce that we're in the clear.

Now, all we need is for him to return and tell his parents that he's alive and so is their first-borndaughter...

“I think I need to hit a bar,” Azura says massaging her neck.

“I like the plan. Where to?" Ares asks as Ahren grins.

“Naughty...” He says before Renji grins at me.

"Congrats on your win, Lycan Princess.” He says teasingly.

“Please, don't call me that.” I groan, realising Aleric and Charlotte had left.

"Ah yeah, snake delicacy, right?” Jayce smirks.

I try to smack him, but he dodges.

“Ass. Urgh, for once I just want to go home and curl up with Malevolent and sleep.”

I glance at Leo. “Will Charlotte be ok?” I ask quietly.

He nods, “Oh, she fucking will.” He says with such confidence that I truly have no doubt. “Royce andI discussed calling her, and she was more than happy to help.”

“That was nice of her.” Mama says.

"Yeah, she, of course, wanted to meet a certain someone. The girl knows how to hustle for what shewants.” Leo smirks.

Winona. I'm certain that's who it was and when I look at Leo questioningly, the look in his eye andthat small nod confirm that I am correct.

“Well, I think instead of drinks, how about we all go have a well-deserved dinner at a restaurant?”Uncle Liam suggests making everyone quickly agree, save a few antisocial ones.

Usually, that would include me.

“I think I actually might enjoy that.” I say, surprising myself.

"Well, well, will you look at that, for once she doesn't want to get away from us.” Dad teases, makingme roll my eyes.

But you know what? He's right, I actually want to spend time with my family tonight.

“So let's go to a buffet.” I say.

"Oh, I love food!” Delsanra says as she walks over to us.

“Yes, an all-you-can-eat!” Kataleya says, making us all chuckle, and she blushes.

Dad pulls her into his arms and she takes cover against his chest.

Moments like these... they're actually just so precious...