At last, I could only make a guarantee.
âDad, I promise in the name of Alpha that Brian did not deliberately try to kill me.
He went berserk and was irrational at that time.
â
But my father responded with a subtle squint, his eyes narrowing in contemplation.
Sensing an undercurrent, he questioned skeptically, âCaleb, did you hide something from us? If not, why not present the evidence?â
I paused, choosing silence.
My father, picking up on the unsaid, abruptly stood and paced beside me.
He scrutinized me with intense vigilance, suddenly questioning, âWhy are you so anxious about Brian? Why not gather evidence to demonstrate his innocence? The assassination is tied to Alphaâs dignity.
What purpose does offering a mere guarantee serve in this situation?â
My response remained silent.
It was linked to Debra, a subject too delicate to broach.
I possessed a keen understanding that, despite my fatherâs frequent support, he remained a traditionalist at heart.
Aligned with the older generation, he harbored a disdain for witches.
Should my father discover Debraâs affiliation as a witch, heâd adamantly go after her.
I couldnât risk Debraâs safety.
As time passed, the once scorching sun dimmed, replaced by a cool breeze.
The newspaper on the table tumbled, and branches outside the window swirled away from their original positions.
The study, now devoid of light, accentuated my fatherâs scowling countenance.
After a prolonged silence, he slammed the table abruptly.
âCaleb, Iâm so disappointed in you!â His eyes grew darker as he spoke with evident anger.
âRegardless, Alphaâs dignity must not be trampled upon.
Itâs only fair for the Barton family to face severe consequences, and your friend is no exception.
â
âDad.
â I attempted to sway him, but he interrupted me with an impassive demeanor.
He declared, âIn the upcoming proceedings, I will rigorously adhere to the Thorn Edge Packâs laws in handling Brian.
If evidence is not presented, he faces the sentence of death.
â
My temples pulsed, the fury threatening to consume my sanity.
I erupted in protest, vehemently challenging his decision.
âYou canât do this! This is unreasonable!â
My father remained indifferent to my objection.
In a frigid tone unfamiliar to me, he continued, âBrian has agreed to this sentence.
Even though I donât know what youâre hiding, Brian is willing to pay with his life to prove his loyalty to you.
Thatâs enough, and I wonât pursue this matter any longer.
â
I clenched my fists, engulfed in a mixture of sadness and indignation.
Why?
Everything was going smoothly before.
Why did it all unravel in just one day?
Why would Brian accept such an unjust sentence?
I attempted to release my frustration, but it proved futile.