Moon of Misfortunes

2

I was ripped from the sleek vehicle and forced forward by the elders behind me, their grips unyielding. As I stumbled, I gasped at the sight before me. Looming ahead was a grand palace, its imposing structure a testament to centuries past. This was the High Council of Elders Palace, a formidable edifice that had stood since the early 1700s. The cool-toned stonework seemed to stare back at me with a cold, indifferent gaze.

Around the palace, the trees were adorned with leaves in brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, reflecting the change of season. The wind rustled through them, making the branches sway as if they were greeting me in solemn acknowledgment. Despite the architectural beauty and the autumnal splendor, I couldn't afford to lose myself in admiration. There were far more pressing matters demanding my attention.

The elders led me up the stone steps, their footsteps echoing ominously in the still air. The grand entrance loomed ahead, massive wooden doors intricately carved with ancient symbols and runes. They creaked open, revealing a vast, dimly lit hallway lined with tall, arched windows. The air inside was cool and carried a faint scent of aged parchment and polished wood.

I was prodded forward, my shoes clicking against the polished marble floor. As we moved deeper into the palace, the grandeur of the place became even more apparent. High ceilings adorned with elaborate frescoes depicted scenes of historical significance to the pack, while heavy, crimson drapes framed the windows, casting long shadows across the hall.

We arrived at a set of double doors guarded by two stern-looking sentinels in ceremonial attire. They opened the doors, and I was thrust into a large chamber. The High Council of Elders was already assembled, seated in a semicircle behind a long, imposing table. Their expressions were grave, their eyes piercing as they took in my appearance. I'm in some deep shit, I thought.

"Yes, we are," my wolf, Maiya, agreed, "they think we tried to assassinate the Queen"

I don't understand how they think I could do such a heinous thing, I thought, as it gnawed at my mind, each step toward the palace feeling heavier than the last.

We arrived at the steps of the High Council of Elders Palace, and the massive stone doors began to open slowly, their weighty creak echoing through the still air. I was prodded forward, the elders' firm grips leaving no room for hesitation. The grandeur of the palace struck me immediately—the soaring ceilings, the intricate stone carvings, and the polished marble floors all spoke of a place steeped in history and power.

The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of great battles and significant moments in the pack's history. Tall, arched windows let in beams of light that cast long shadows on the floor, adding to the palace's imposing atmosphere. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their crystals shimmering in the light, giving the space an almost otherworldly glow.

"We need to go to the courtroom, immediately," one of the elders commanded, their tone leaving no room for argument. "Once there, you will be tried and sentenced. Do you understand?"

"Yes," I spoke and firmly nodded. My throat too tight with fear and anger to speak further. My mind raced, trying to grasp the reality of my situation. I had gone from a joyous morning learning about my pregnancy to facing a trial for a crime I didn't commit, all within a matter of hours.

As we moved deeper into the palace, the corridors seemed to grow colder, the stone walls closing in around me. Finally, we reached a set of grand double doors, guarded by sentinels who opened them as we approached. Inside was the courtroom, a vast chamber dominated by a raised dais where the High Council sat.

The room was filled with onlookers—other elders, pack leaders, and advisors—all of them watching with expressions ranging from curiosity to outright condemnation. My heart pounded in my chest as I was led to the center of the room, facing the council.