Chapter 3 - The Trial of Blood and Snow
Three days later, the gates of Blackwood Keep groaned open to admit a formal delegation from the Northern Alliance Council. Backed by fifty armed elite warriors, Alpha Morgran of Pine Hollow strode into the grand courtyard, his expression a mask of righteous indignation.
Alexander awaited them upon the raised dais in the great hall. Beside him stood Grace, draped in a magnificent silver-trimmed velvet gown provided by the royal wardrobe, her head held high. Resting at her feet were the five white wolf pups, now noticeably larger, their coats shining like fresh snow.
"Alpha King Alexander," Morgran barked, performing a shallow, disrespectful bow. "You harbor a fugitive and stolen property within these walls. Grace Miller is a registered omega of Pine Hollow. Under northern law, any property found or raised within our territory belongs to the pack."
Grace stepped forward, her voice ringing clear and steady through the cavernous hall. "I was never treated as a pack member, Morgran. I was starved, beaten, and left to freeze in the blizzard alongside these innocent lives while your council hoarded grain."
"Silence, worthless stray!" Morgran snarled, taking a threatening step forward. "You know nothing of pack law!"
Before Morgran could finish his sentence, Alexander moved. In a blur of motion, the Alpha King crossed the hall, pinning Morgran against the stone pillar by his throat with one armored hand. The entire room went dead silent. The pressure of Alexander’s alpha aura forced every Pine Hollow warrior to their knees, gasping for air.
"You will address the future Queen of the North with respect," Alexander growled, his voice echoing like thunder. "Or I will paint these courtyard stones with your treasonous blood."
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Morgran choked, his eyes bulging in terror. "The... the tribunal... the alliance demands a trial by blood to prove her claim!"
Alexander slowly released his grip, letting Morgran slump to the floor coughing. The king wiped his gauntlet with a handkerchief, a chilling smile touching his lips. "Name your trial, Morgran. We accept."
