Chapter 8

OLIVIA’S POV Dominic was silent for a long time, his brow furrowed as he deliberated. Everyone was waiting for his order, each and every stilled on him. Each second that passed felt like a blade carving deeper into my chest. I wanted to scream at him, to make him see the truth—that I wasn’t a liar, that I wasn’t a murderer, that I had never betrayed him. I was always right beside him. I was not the person she claimed me to be. But did that even matter? What was I hoping for? That Dominic would suddenly see the truth? That he would stand by my side and tell everyone that Evelyn was lying? That, for once, I wouldn’t be the villain in his eyes? But hadn’t he already proven where his loyalty lay? Hadn’t he always believed Evelyn over me? I was nothing more than a shadow in his life, a placeholder for someone he truly cared about. Even breathing in Evelyn’s direction had always meant punishment for me. So, when he finally spoke, a short-lived relief washed over me. "No! Execution is not the answer to this situation," Dominic announced. A murmur rippled through the crowd, a mix of surprise and curiosity. Evelyn’s expression darkened, but she quickly masked it with a pitiful look, as if she were the victim here. I swallowed hard, trying to suppress the shudder running down my spine. Could it be? Could he finally be realizing the truth? Could he be… choosing me? But just as that foolish hope sparked in my chest, his next words extinguished it with cruel finality. "She is carrying my pup. Her punishment will not be death, but that doesn’t mean I will let her actions slide." I felt my body stiffen, the weight of his words crashing down on me. Not because I was innocent. Not because he doubted Evelyn’s lies. But because of the life growing inside me. My life meant nothing. My truth meant nothing. Only the child I carried mattered. I clenched my fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms as I struggled to keep my composure. A bitter laugh bubbled up inside me, but I swallowed it down. Of course. Of course, it had never been about me. Dominic’s voice rang out again, louder this time, as if justifying his decision. "The pup is innocent. Execution would kill them both, and that is against our principles." Someone in the crowd scoffed. Another muttered under their breath. Evelyn’s lips trembled, and she quickly wiped a nonexistent tear from her cheek. "But Alpha, after everything she has done—" "Enough!" Dominic’s voice cut through the murmurs like a blade. He turned his gaze to the gathered pack members, his jaw tight, his eyes steely. "I will not spill the blood of my own child, no matter what you believe of its mother. Our laws do not allow for the execution of an unborn pup. That is a line I will not cross." I could see the reluctance in his eyes, the way he almost seemed disgusted by his own decision, as if sparing me was a burden rather than a choice he wanted to make. "She will face punishment," he added coldly, his gaze flicking to me as if I were nothing more than a nuisance. "Her crimes will not be ignored. But death? That is not justice." I flinched. Justice? He spoke of justice, yet he never once sought the truth. I wanted to scream, to demand why he could not see me. But the words stuck in my throat. Because I already knew the answer. I had never been his to believe in. I had never been his to protect. I was only the vessel carrying his pup. Nothing more. A bitter smile tugged at my lips, my throat tightening painfully. At least… at least my child’s life would be safe for now. But I wasn’t. Before I could even process what was happening, I was dragged back to the dungeon. The damp, suffocating air clung to my skin, mixing with the sting of my wounds. Every part of me ached, but the pain in my body was nothing compared to the gaping wound Dominic had left in my heart. Moments later, the cell door creaked open, and heavy footsteps echoed through the darkness. Gamma Clayton stepped inside, holding a silver whip in his hands. My blood ran cold. "This is the Alpha’s order," he said. For a second, I couldn’t breathe. So this was his mercy? He wouldn’t execute me, but he would let them break me? That he would torture me until I beg for death myself? Was this what I was worth to him? The first lash landed across my back, searing through my skin. Pain exploded through me, white-hot and merciless. I clenched my teeth, refusing to cry out. I wouldn’t give them that satisfaction. Another lash. Then another. And another. Each strike sent fire through my veins, but still, I didn’t scream. My body curled protectively around my belly, my instincts screaming at me to shield my child, no matter the cost. Then, through the haze of agony, I saw her. Evelyn. She stood in the shadows, watching. Not with pity. Not with regret. With satisfaction. My breath came in ragged gasps, my mind swimming between pain and disbelief. Was Dominic doing this for her? Had I ever meant anything to him at all? My heart shattered into a million pieces, but I had no energy left to grieve. Another lash. The world spun. Darkness crept in at the edges of my vision. And then, I was gone.