The Omega's Trial

Shaun

A loud bang shattered the silence of the cell, jolting Shaun from his fitful sleep. Rays of light pierced through the small window, casting ethereal patterns across the stone floor. With a heavy sigh, Shaun rose from his makeshift bed, his movements slow and deliberate as a guard stood at the cell gate. With a sigh, Shaun set his hand against the cold stone wall as he stood up. His spine popped a few times when he stretched as he prepared to face the day ahead. Stepping towards the guard, he asked, "Is it that time already?"

Without a word, the guard opened the gate and Shaun braced himself for the inevitable. The cold touch of iron shackles encircled his wrists, their weight a tangible reminder of his predicament. The guard yanked on the chain to urge him forward. With a resigned acceptance, he followed the guard's lead, his thoughts consumed by the events that had led him to this moment. Shaun couldn't resist; he killed a captain, he'll have to face the consequences. Skye whimpered in the back of his head, knowing they were in this predicament because of his actions. This is why I don't give you much control, Skye! You act without thinking!

The guard led Shaun up the stairs to the first floor of the castle. It was the first time Shaun had been inside the castle; the interior was decorated with dark wood and light blue tapestries. Blue and white carpets lined the walkways, lit up by small lanterns. Although Nightstar Pack was a relatively small pack, the castle was covered in lavish decorations. Shaun's journey through the labyrinthine corridors of the castle led him to the heart of the Alpha's domain—the council room. Twelve figures sat in solemn judgment, their eyes boring into him with a scrutiny that made his skin crawl. Alpha Thorne, a commanding presence seated upon his throne, regarded Shaun with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Meanwhile, a young man and woman stood to either side of the Alpha. Guards lined the walls, armed in case of a disturbance.

The guard directed Shaun to a seat at the foot of the stairs leading to the Alpha's throne. Looking up at the Alpha, Shaun realized he was older than most Alphas, meaning his son hadn't taken the role yet. The two people next to him must have been his children then, and Shaun looked them over. The boy looked to be about seventeen, which explained why he hadn't taken the alpha position, he still didn't have his wolf. The girl was probably eighteen, maybe nineteen; she stood with the dignity of a Luna, just as she was probably raised to be. His eyes stayed on her smaller physique for a few seconds. Despite her smaller stature, she had the curves any woman would be jealous of and any man would admire. He felt a pull towards her already after just lying eyes on her. Her gray eyes caught his and he saw a flash of surprise in them.

The Alpha cleared his throat, bringing Shaun's attention to him. He was about forty years old, and some gray hairs already starting to appear in his brown hair and beard. He was wearing basic training gear as if he had come straight from training for this trial. He looked at Shaun with a questioning look. "I don't recognize you, who are you?"

"No one of importance, Alpha. I'm just a tavern worker." Shaun replied, bowing his head in respect towards the alpha.

The alpha laughed. "You're telling me, a tavern worker put one of my warriors in the infirmary and murdered one of my best captains? So tell me the truth, who are you? What happened to cause you to kill Aaron?"

Shaun looked around the room. "He was harassing one of our hostesses and I had politely asked him to allow her to return to work. He refused to leave her alone and I intervened. He, along with two of your warriors, escalated it into a fight which I then directed outside. It was there that we fought; I incapacitated one warrior and my wolf lost control and killed Aaron."

The Alpha stared at Shaun, anger flooded his face. "Who are you? I'm unable to mind-link to you so I can't tell if you're telling the truth. You're not part of my pack!"

Immediately, panic encased Shaun as he realized he was in more trouble than he originally thought. Three guards came up and ripped off Shaun's shirt, revealing his bare chest and back. The council behind him gasped as they saw his right shoulder blade, bearing no pack mark. Shaun's head dropped, knowing what was going to happen to him now. They were going to execute him, whether it be for the murder or thinking he was a rogue or spy.

We can take them. Skye said.

No, we can't! Not with these chains! You've done enough, Skye! Shaun yelled at him mentally.

The guards turned him around so the Alpha could see his blank shoulder, revealing he didn't belong to a pack. The tension in the air spiked as the guards turned him around again. The Alpha stared at him. "A rogue? In my territory? Why didn't we find you sooner?"

Shaun shook his head. "Alpha, I am not a rogue. I have lived in your territory for four years, working in a tavern the entire time. I've never caused problems and have only worked for food and board."

A silence filled the air when he finished speaking, everyone heard the message behind his words. He had been here for years and nobody noticed him, which meant enemy packs could easily do the same. The Alpha paced back and forth in front of his seat, freezing when his daughter stepped forward. Shaun could see her black hair touched her elbow as she descended the stairs towards him. She wore a dark gray dress that complimented her hair and eyes, falling just below her knees. He was mesmerized by her as she approached him. She stopped a foot away from him, the top of her head reaching just below his shoulders. She regarded Shaun with a piercing gaze, her presence a beacon of hope in the chaos. In her eyes, Shaun saw a glimmer of understanding, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that bound them together. She placed a hand on his chest, causing a warm sensation to run through his body; he could feel Skye prancing around in his head. Her scent flooded his nose, a mix of caramel and vanilla, a sweet smell he loved since childhood. Their eyes met and the realization hit both of them. In that moment that seemed to defy explanation, they spoke in unison, their words echoing through the chamber with a resonance that left the council members stunned.

"Mate," they declared, their voices a testament to the undeniable connection that existed between them. The revelation sent shockwaves through the room, the Alpha's expression a mixture of disbelief and resignation. As the truth of their bond hung heavy in the air, Shaun felt united with her, their destinies intertwined in ways they could only begin to comprehend.