Rise of the rogue queen-Chapter 12 - - The white council

Unlike other times, the strange beast didn't simply appear, have sex, and vanish when I awoke living scars of its presence.

This time, I couldn't leave the dream.

It was suffocating—like I was locked in a room with no air, trapped in a nightmare I was unable to wake from.

The monster loomed over me, its massive form shrouded in shifting darkness. Its presence alone sent tremors through the earth. Each step it took cracked the ground, sending jagged fractures in every direction.

Its eyes burned like molten gold, hollow yet piercing, filled with something far worse than lust. Hunger.

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It wasn't here to possess me.

It was here to devour me.

A razor-sharp claw slashed through the air. Pain erupted as blood splattered across the cold ground. I screamed, clutching my torn arm. The wound pulsed, the metallic scent of my blood thick in the air.

There was nowhere to run. The walls stretched high above me, no windows, no doors. The monster took another step, its mouth curling into a grotesque, jagged grin.

This was the end.

Finally, I'd get to join you, Mum. Dad.

The beast raised its claw for the final strike.

Suddenly, a blinding light exploded from the walls, shattering the stone like glass. The monster howled, staggering back, its form writhing in agony.

Something shot through the gaping hole, too fast to see.

Before I could react, strong arms wrapped around me, and I was lifted into the air. The monster roared, but as it lunged forward to chase after us, the light seared into its flesh. It let out a soul-piercing shriek, retreating into the shadows.

I tried to glimpse my savior, but my vision blurred, and then I blacked out

When I opened my eyes, I was in a cold, dimly lit cell.

A rough stone floor beneath me. Iron bars in front of me.

I exhaled sharply. Right. The White Council had taken me.

A groan pulled my attention to the side. An old woman lay sprawled on the floor, her breathing even despite the filth around her.

What crime had she committed to end up here?

"You're finally awake," she said, her voice raspy.

I stiffened. Her eyes were closed. How did she know?

"What have you done, child?" she asked. "It mustn't be a simple crime for them to bring you here."

I hesitated. "I have no idea. They told me nothing before dragging me in."

There was silence.

I studied the woman warily. "What about you? What was your crime?"

"Crime?" She chuckled, the sound dry and knowing. "I committed no crime."

My brows furrowed. "Then why are you here?"

Her lips curled into a cryptic smile. "Because I called upon those greater than the High Lords in authority. Superior to the White Council itself."

I frowned. There was no one greater than the High Lords. No one above the Council.

She must be senile.

"Haven't you heard of the Grims?" she asked.

I arched my brow. "No. What is that?"

"The gods who lived centuries ago." She sat up, an unexpected energy burning in her gaze. "I saw them myself—their glowing eyes, their majestic forms."

"Where are these gods now?"

Her expression turned somber. "They still live."

A shiver ran down my spine. The way she said it... It was as if she truly believed it.

The Council was right to imprison her. If people like her were allowed to roam the streets, spreading baseless rumors, who knew what chaos they'd cause?

"My child," she said softly, "you are destined for many things. Do not let their judgment stop you. They will try to control you, but they will not succeed."

"Find the book with a green cover," she continued. "A book with no title, but a letter G boldly drawn on the first page. It will give you the answers you seek."

I nodded, not because I intended to search for it, but to avoid seeming rude.

Two men in white cloaks entered. Their staff glowed, white rings of light forming around the woman.

She stood, turning to me with a final smile before being led away.

I watched her go, a strange feeling curling in my gut.

The cell door swung open again.

"Queen Zephyrine," a guard announced. "It's time for your trial."

Trial?

"What am I being charged with?"

The guard merely gestured for me to follow.

I was led through cold, winding halls until we reached a pair of towering doors. The guard pressed a button. The doors groaned open, revealing a massive chamber.

I stood at the center below, while the Council members sat high above. At the very middle sat the judge, flanked by five Alphas—representing both the western and eastern territories.

My gaze swept over them.

If there were five Alphas, then certainly he must be present too.

Then my breath hitched. Sitting to my left was him.

Alpha Bryan.

My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms. His presence makes my skin crawl, his sight disgusts me. All I could do was make sure to avoid eye contact with him.

The judge struck his gavel, drawing my attention.

"You have been charged with violating White Council law," he declared. "You killed an Alpha without permission. Worse, you executed him in a dishonorable way—stripping him naked, flogging him, and finally... beheading him."

The chamber buzzed with murmurs of disapproval.

The judge's eyes bore into me.

"Guilty or not guilty?"

"Not guilty," I said without hesitation.

Gasps and outrage filled the room.

Bryan remained silent, watching me intently.

The judge's expression darkened. "How do you plead not guilty despite the evidence?"

I smirked. "A lion, no matter how mighty, will be slaughtered if he walks into a pack of tigers alone."

The judge's brows furrowed.

"Killian and his men attacked my rogues," I continued. "He made a bet. I won. As for stripping him—he deserved it. He ruled his pack unjustly."

"And who are you to decide what is just?" the judge snapped.

I tilted my head. "Since the Council turned a blind eye, I made the judgment myself."

"You should have respected the law!"

I scoffed. "The law applies only to its members. I am not one of you."

The judge exhaled sharply. "Return to your cell. This matter will resume tomorrow."

As I was led out, my gaze locked with Bryan's.

Hatred burned in my veins.

Back in my cell, minutes passed before two men in white cloaks approached. They stepped inside, lowering their hoods.

I didn't recognize them.

One handed me a letter.

Then, without a word, they bowed and left.

I unfolded the parchment.

'I am Second Lord Zack of the Western Territory. I offer you an opportunity to free yourself—on one condition.

Pledge your allegiance to me before the court tomorrow.'