Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56

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Raven’s POV

I stood there, frozen in place, as the guard held up the bracelet.

“We found it in her closet,” he announced, his voice echoing through the silent room like a slap.

“No,” I whispered, barely able to breathe. “No, this can’t be possible.”

Olivia stood across from me, her eyes alight with cruel satisfaction. “What did I tell you?” she sneered, stepping forward. “A thief can hide for a while, but she always returns to her old ways.”

“I didn’t steal anything!” I said louder, the heat in my chest building, spreading to my face. “I swear, I didn’t-”

“What made you take so long cleaning my room?” she cut me off, her voice a venom–laced mockery. “Oh, wait–were you admiring all the shiny things you could stuff in your pockets?”

“That’s not fair!” I turned to Alpha Ethan, whose cold expression hadn’t changed since I walked into the room. “I didn’t do this! I only cleaned–just like 1 always do! You know I wouldn’t-”

“Enough.” His voice silenced me instantly. His dark eyes met mine, unreadable. “This isn’t the first time, Raven.”

The words hit harder than any slap Olivia could have given me.

My knees weakened. “W–what?”

“The incident two moons ago,” he said. “The guest’s missing diamond ring–they were found in your room.”

“No–no, that was a mistake! I told you–I never even touched them!”

“And now this.” He looked away, jaw clenched.

“I didn’t do it!” My voice cracked as the desperation bled through. “Please–you have to believe me-‘

“You will face the council,” he said, turning toward the door.

The floor disappeared beneath me.

Face the council?

”

“No, please, Alpha, don’t do this–I didn’t take anything!” I tried to follow him, but the guards stepped in front of me.

“You’ll have your chance to speak,” Ethan said, not even turning to look at me.

Later That Night – The Council Hall

I stood in the center of the council hall, my wrists bound with silver–threaded cuffs–a cruel reminder that I didn’t belong. Around me, the council members sat in a wide semi–circle, their expressions stern, unmoved by my tears or my trembling hands.

Alpha Ethan stood at the far end, arms crossed over his chest, unreadable as ever. Olivia sat beside him, chin raised, like she was already celebrating my

execution.

Councilman Baret spoke first, his tone gruff and final.

“Raven, you stand before the council a second time on charges of theft–an act punishable by death in the laws of our kind.”

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Chapter 56

Gasps echoed around the hall—some in shock, others in satisfaction.

“No.” I whispered. “Please, I didn’t do anything.”

Baret raised a hand. “You will have one chance to speak before we pass judgment. Say what you must.”

I drew a breath, my chest tight with panic. My voice was shaking, but I forced the words out.

“I didn’t steal the bracelet. I’ve never stolen anything in my life. I only cleaned the Luna’s room like I was told. I–1 don’t know how it ended up in my closet. But someone put it there. You have to believe me.”

“Why would someone frame you?” another councilwoman asked, arching a brow.

I swallowed. “Because–because I’m not wanted here. Because some people see me as less. A maid.” I closed my mouth as I couldn’t say it out loud.

Olivia scoffed, loud enough for all to hear.

“You mean because you’re guilty,” she muttered under her breath.

“I’m not!” I turned toward Ethan again, eyes pleading. “Please, Alpha, you know me-‘

“No,” he cut me off.

He stared at me, unmoving, emotionless.

Councilman Baret stood. “We have heard enough. This is your second offense. We cannot ignore the pattern.”

“There is no pattern!” I cried.

“It is the law,” another councilman said.

A heavy silence fell as the oldest of the council members, Councilwoman Irena, slowly stood. Her silver hair shimmered under the hall’s torches.

“By the ancient laws,” she said solemnly, “a second offense of theft by a servant is punishable by death. Stoning.“,

A sharp gasp broke from my throat. The room swam. My knees buckled, and I collapsed to the floor.

“No…” I whispered.

Olivia smiled.

“Let it be done at first light,” Baret declared. “She will be taken to the clearing.”

Everything blurred. I could hear murmurs around me, people standing, the movement of guards. Hands grabbed my arms. I was being lifted.

And then a voice cut through the room like a blade.

“No.”

Everything stopped.

The room froze as Alpha Ethan stepped forward. His voice was low, but the power in it was unmistakable.

“I said no.”

The guards halted. Olivia turned sharply toward him.

“Alpha Ethan?” Baret asked, confused.

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Chapter 56

will not allow this execution,” he said, stepping fully into the center of the room. His aura poured out–thick, dominant, commanding silence.

She is my pack member. My responsibility. And I say she will not die.”

Alpha, you cannot override the council’s ruling–”

“I can, and I will,” he growled. “She has not confessed. There is no witness. No proof–only a bracelet in her closet.”

“It’s enough to convict,” Olivia snapped.

“Then perhaps the council should investigate how easily evidence can be planted,” Ethan barked back, eyes blazing.

“You doubt the guards?” Baret asked, rising to his feet.

“I doubt the motives of everyone involved,” Ethan said coldly. “Until I conduct my own investigation, no sentence will be carried out.”

“You’re allowing personal feelings to cloud your judgment-”

“I’m doing my job as Alpha,” he snapped. “You may speak for the laws, but I speak for this pack. And my word is final.”

Councilwoman Irena stared at him with sharp, knowing eyes. “You care deeply for this girl.”

Ethan didn’t blink. “That’s irrelevant.”

“It is not,” Olivia hissed. “You’re defending a thief–a liar–a maid.“.

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