Mira’s POV

The council of elders had summoned me that early morning. I was just waking up when I got a message that my presence was of utmost importance at the pack house. On arrival, I noticed the air was tense with suspicion. The wrinkled faces of the elders all grilled me. I met an accusation, and my heart broke into pieces. Who could have reasoned in such a manner? They were ready to pin it on me, but I objected firmly. I have hurt no one. Talk more of Liora who's my flesh. Elder Clatus was not having it. I understand he was battered that our pack was going down, but pinning it on anybody he comes across with in the name of investigation wasn't appropriate. They had adopted the theory of throwing the accusations against you, with some evidences, if you could not defend yourself, they would declare you guilty. They believed they could trace the culprit through this method. 'Mira, your inseparable closeness to Liora has been duly noted. Over the years, you've had undenied access to her than most members of this pack. Perhaps you got drowned in jealousy, giving it the better of you, and that made it easy to…" 'No, no, no!" I cut him off, my voice coming out much harsher than I expected. 'I would never trade the beautiful friendship I have with Liora for anything. I am incapable of hurting Liora. She's like my blood." I glanced at Jaxon and Liora, and I couldn't read their expressions. My heart was failing me. I can't believe this is happening. The accusations continued, getting scarier. Well detailed that I feared the probability that I would escape their web. Even minor conversations were recorded and twisted into dark plots. The exception was that I become a shadow of myself, and then confess to a crime I had no hand in. They didn't check the risk that it couldn't affect the mental health of those involved. Furthermore, they were just focused on finding a solution, but in the wrong direction. When Kelsey was declared a potential suspect, the room became strangely quiet. Elder Clatus, the orator for the day, carried out unnecessary emphasis on some encounters, which made the matter even worse. 'And perhaps Mira had a partner in crime, she didn't do it alone after all. Kelsey, you've formed the habit of frequenting Liora's home recently, and you also spoke with Alpha Rhys. What did you discuss with a rival pack leader? Did you, in your quest to win Liora over, plant, or initially the seed of this betrayal?" Kelsey was no longer having it. I could see him battling with the right answers to give so as not to hook himself. His goofy smile disappeared into thin air. The usual Kelsey was no way to be found. Panic was all over his eyes, screaming for help. 'I... I didn't initiate anything. I am innocent! I was only my bubbling self when I told Rhys about Jaxon's gifts. I had no bad intentions. I would hurt no one." I could guess well that it was the hardest moment of his life. The elders exchanged a knowing look, but kept murmuring within themselves. Suddenly, Liora stood up, and as she opened her mouth to speak, everywhere went dead silent. 'Mira is innocent. She's not a betrayal as someone wrongly tagged her." I looked at her in awe. I couldn't contain joy. Indeed, she's the sister I never had. She continued, pushing for my innocence. 'If anything, I need to let you all realize that Mira is an angel. She has been my support system, even when I intended to give up. She's not the type to backbite. I trust her, and I know what she can do." Elder Clatus was still not moved. He believed I am culpable until proven otherwise. Others seemed a bit convinced and will let go because of Liora. All attention was now on Kelsey. All wanted to hear what he had to say, but he had none. His inability to carry himself well only betrayed him the more. His nervousness only swayed the council that he was culpable. Indeed, I can't blame him, even though I have known him for a long time. But the Kelsey I know can't plan to hurt anyone, he's too kind to do. Not long, Jaxon nodded in affirmation of what Liora said. Maybe because Liora spoke up for me, perhaps he wanted Liora to see him. I kept wondering why he didn't do that for Kelsey. Was he angry that Kelsey had feelings for Liora all this while? 'Mira can never do that. I share the same opinion with Liora about this." The elders continued exchanging glances like their lives depended on it. My case was indeed unusual after they defended me. After some time, Elder Clatus cleared his throat and began. "Very well then, Mira. I would let you be because of Liora, and Jaxon, our Alpha. You may have proven yourself in diverse ways for them to defend you aggressively. Keep doing good. But this investigation is not over until the traitor is discovered. Moreover, you would be called upon, if this points at you With that, the meeting was adjourned, and I felt a big cross lifted off my tender shoulders. Liora came over to me and we hugged. "Thank you for trusting me." I whispered. 'You've been the best friend anyone could wish to have. Why should I turn my back on you when you need me most? We have passed through both the good and ugly together. Why should I back off now? I am not doing you a favor, I'm just being us," Liora said softly. So we left the council meeting, headed home to figure out the next action. I hoped I didn't get called again. I wouldn't want to face the council, in which there's every possibility that they're guilty. But at least, I have been vindicated. Liora came through for me. She didn't allow me to be humiliated and paraded in his pack as a betrayal. I am forever grateful to her. Our friendship would remain unharmed. Liora's POV The darkness hovering around my pack, Silver Moon Pack doesn't look like it would subsidize any moment from now. It became a routine, waking up every morning to heartbreaking reports of more pack members dying tragically, the force saps off strength from them, leaving them weak and vulnerable. Even warriors couldn't withstand the dangerous effect coming from it. The hired healers ended up being caught in the web. They could do no nothing to break off the curse of the land. Despite the efforts the elders in council had put, despite all those wronged during the suspicious moment, in an attempt to find the real traitor, everything still felt like we had done nothing. Whoever had volunteered to destroy this pack by working with Morgath had motives behind that. It must have connections to personal interest, and that's what we are yet to find out. But as that was still to be revealed, the dark magic continued growing stronger. I stood by my window watching the pack's territory, the forest was right before me. I stared past the pack's territory into the woods. I saw something strange, even the trees looked lifeless. The magic also affected them. This was the first of its kind since the history of this pack. Never had I heard or seen that the trees in the forest started dying from a plague in the pack. How I wish I could remedy this situation. But in all, I know I will soon get to the root of the problem. I noticed someone enter my room from the back door, and on checking, I saw Mira sneaking in on me. She can't seem to amaze less. Here I was investigating to figure out the right thing to do, but she still had the strength to play. It wasn't long that someone wrongly accused her, but she still came out strong. Her approach to life needed to be studied. I know she meant well. She was just trying to distract me from my surroundings, but that won't be possible, as I can't rest until I do something. 'I see the curse from the magic is spreading faster than it's a usual practice this past few days, but you need to get a grip of yourself." she advised calmly. 'The elders are not relaxing either. They have been working tirelessly to fish out the culprit. I understand that in their desperation, they wronged many, including me, but I hold no grudge against anyone as they were working to restore back our pack. They also increased the security around the borders to restrict movements, especially those entering the pack, they might disguise themselves and enter pack members to cause more harm." She was right. I shouldn't kill myself because of the pack. Something would be figured out soon. The moon goddess and our ancestors won't allow us to be wiped out. Jaxon's POV Everyone in the pack was no more comfortable with the situation in the pack, I was more concerned than anyone. It was only a matter of time and the members of Silver Moon Pack spoke up. We were dropping wolves every day. Some had stayed alive after shifting from their human form to their wolf form, but the problem was the changing. Many don't survive it when they attempt to shift. We were losing more than we have, a sign of a fallen pack. I distanced myself from Kelsey, I hate to admit it, but I had to discover where the potholes were coming from. His usual bubbling spirit dropped drastically, and he became a shadow of himself. I perceive it won't be long, and I restore him back to service as I perceive he's incapable of doing that, but I had to obey the investigation procedures. It also troubled me when I learned he has feelings for Liora. It was an ample reason not to stand up for him. It was still a suitable reason to give him a long rope. How could he be in love with the same woman as me, and to think that he followed me to watch over her, go to the library to get gifts for her? No wonder he kept selecting and appointing gifts by himself, he suggested choosing gifts that he preferred giving her. I have to do something. The pack would soon divide if nothing is done.