Oh My Beta!의 모든 챕터: 챕터 121 - 챕터 127

Aria’s POV Two Weeks After Claire’s Execution The cottage Riven had found was perfect in its imperfection. Small, with a thatched roof that leaked when it rained heavily. A garden that was more weeds than vegetables. Windows that didn’t quite close properly, letting in drafts on cold nights. It was also the first place I’d ever lived that felt like home. “The market vendor asked if we were newly mated,” Riven said, unpacking the supplies he’d brought back. “I didn’t correct her.” “Why would you? We practically are.” I was attempting to cook—attempting being the operative word. The stew I’d started was either going to be edible or poisonous. The odds were even. “Practically isn’t the same as officially.” He came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “Do you want it to be official?” I turned in his arms. “Are you asking me to mate with you?” “I’m asking if you’d want that. Eventually. When we’re ready.” His expression was careful, like he was trying not to push. “No

Aria’s POVThe second letter arrived the next morning.I knew what it was before opening it. Knew by the way Riven’s face went carefully blank when he took it from the messenger.“It’s from Kade,” he said, handing it to me. “Marked urgent. Again.”I broke the seal and read:Aria and Riven,The situation has escalated faster than anticipated.Dominic Thorne isn’t just here for a diplomatic meeting. He’s demanding recompense for Claire’s execution—financial compensation, formal acknowledgment that we violated protocol, and a binding alliance between our packs.The alliance would be formalized through arranged mating bonds between Blood Fang and Shadowmere families.If we refuse, he’s threatened to take this to the High Council. They would investigate not just Claire’s execution, but the mate bond fraud, everything. I could lose my position as Alpha. The pack could lose standing with the other territories.The Elders are trying to negotiate, but Dominic holds all the leverage.I’m not as

Aria’s POVThe formal meeting was held in the great hall, arranged like a tribunal.The five Elders sat at the high table. Kade stood to one side, flanked by his remaining advisors. Dominic Thorne sat opposite with his own contingent—not just warriors, but what looked like legal counsel and witnesses of his own.This wasn’t a diplomatic discussion.This was a trial.Riven and I were positioned to the side, not quite participants, not quite observers. Witnesses waiting to be called.“This session is convened,” Elder Cassius announced, “to address the grievances brought by Alpha Dominic Thorne of the Shadowmere Pack regarding the execution of Claire Blackwell and alleged violations of inter-pack protocol.”Dominic stood, commanding attention effortlessly.“Honored Elders, I appreciate your willingness to hear my concerns. This matter is grave—not just for our two packs, but for the integrity of inter-pack law itself.”He spoke for twenty minutes. Eloquent, measured, building his case pi

Aria’s POV - Five Days LaterThe High Council investigators arrived with less fanfare than expected.Three wolves. Two men, one woman. All wearing the neutral gray of High Council officials. All carrying the weight of authority that came with their position.They weren’t here to take sides. They were here to find truth.That should have been comforting.It wasn’t.“Former Luna Aria Wynter,” the lead investigator—a stern woman named Magistrate Verin—gestured to the seat across from her. “Please sit.”We were in a private chamber. Just me, the three investigators, and a scribe recording everything.No Kade. No Elders. No Riven.Just me and my testimony.“You understand you’re under oath?” Verin asked.“Yes.”“And you understand that providing false testimony to a High Council investigation carries severe penalties?”“Yes.”“Then let’s begin.” She opened a folder. “Tell me, in your own words, about your relationship with Claire Blackwell.”I took a breath and started from the beginning.