Chapter 0435 +25 BONUS

“I would like to submit this DNA test along with this recording of my half-brother’s confession,” he said. “It proves conclusively that Scott, not Drake, is Adam’s biological father.”

A collective gasp swept through the room as Noah played the audio tape of Scott’s confession, alongside the DNA test results, confirming Scott’s truthfulness.

For the first time since the trial began, I saw her composure crack. A sliver of the monster beneath the surface emerged as a curled lip.

“Combined with my half-brother’s confession about their plot, and Zoe’s words at our wedding—about killing Hannah—I believe the truth is clear,” Noah stated. “Zoe planned to install Adam as my heir, get rid of me, and ultimately use Adam’s birthright as Scott’s biological son to claim Nightcrest. This was a long-term plan to overthrow me and seize control of my pack.”

The room fell silent. I was practically on the edge of my seat, my knuckles white as I watched Zoe’s perfect mask fracture further.

The Council members then retreated to deliberate, leaving the rest of us in tense silence. Hours passed. The courtroom grew restless; people murmured, paced, and some even left. I remained frozen, my gaze shifting between Noah and Zoe. Zoe stayed stiff, impassive, yet I could almost smell her fear.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the Council members returned. An Alpha stood, rapping a gavel to quiet the murmuring crowd.

“After careful consideration of all evidence presented,” the Alpha announced, “we find Zoe guilty of treason against an Alpha. She is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment, with no possibility of parole.”

The room erupted into chaos, but I barely registered it. All I saw was Zoe’s trembling, beet-red face, her mask of perfection shattering under the weight of reality.

As Zoe was led away in handcuffs, silent and seething with barely contained rage, I went to Noah. He opened his arms, and I fell into them, feeling my tension melt away.

“It’s over,” I whispered, my voice muffled against his chest. “They’re really gone. All of them.”

Noah held me tightly, his chin resting on my head. “Yes, they are. We can finally move forward.”

As we stood there, embraced, I knew he was right. But I also knew many obstacles lay ahead. And one significant one needed addressing soon.

I glanced at Viona, her jaw set hard. I could feel her annoyance radiating as she turned to leave.

Once alone, I pulled back, realizing my hands were shaking.

“You alright?” Noah asked, noticing my distress.

I took a deep breath, bracing myself. “Noah, there’s something I need to tell you. Something I should have told you the truth about a long time ago.”

His face fell, breaking my heart. “What is it?” he whispered.

I closed my eyes, gathering my courage. When I opened them, it wasn’t easy, but I met his gaze. “Remember that night we went out for dinner, and I told you I’d died and come back to life?”

Noah nodded slowly, realization dawning. “Yes…”

I swallowed hard. “I wasn’t joking, Noah,” I said softly. “What I said that night is true… A year and some change ago, I died and came back to life. And I can’t go another day without telling you my story.”