The Battle 23.3

Standing not far from Usher and Vione, Ayla, the Sacred Elder who was always present at every trial, could hardly believe that the defendants that night were Mariah and Greisy. She was shaken. While she didn't know Greisy personally, Mariah was another story. They were close—so close that Ayla needed time to calm herself and clear her mind.

Ayla exhaled deeply. "I would never have thought that the woman who once cared for Alpha Usher with such tenderness could be someone so devoid of compassion."

Mariah scoffed, then smiled. "I'm sorry, Ayla. I guess I've let you down."

The pain was almost unbearable. For the first time in her life, Ayla felt the sting of betrayal. She couldn't stop the tears from welling up in her eyes.

"Oh! Would you like to know something interesting, Ayla?" Mariah asked without waiting for an answer. A second later she continued, "That war, when we came out of the secret passage and were captured by the warriors of the Nimbria Pack, it was all..."

Ayla shook her h