Chapter 2 Declan had always adored his sister , Helena , as if she were the only one who mattered . Because of her , he'd despised me for years . So , when his hand closed around my throat , he didn't hold back . His grip was iron , crushing the air from my lungs until dizziness swallowed me whole . My parents stood by , their faces cold as stone , not lifting a finger to stop him . When I was thrown to the ground , blood spilling from my wounds , my mother's expression only twisted into deeper disgust . " Don't blame your brother , " she snapped . " If you weren't to the core , he wouldn't have to do this . " Her words only stoked Declan's fury . He jabbed a finger at me , his voice booming with accusation . " Blame me ? What right do you have to blame me ? Tell me , Hazel - what have we ever done to wrong you ? " He didn't wait for an answer . " The day you came back to the Blackberry Pack , the whole pack welcomed you . Helena baked you a cake . I even gave up the room I'd lived in for years to make space for you . And what did you do ? You trashed it like some feral animal - ruined the brand - new rug I'd just hauled back from Dubai . " " Destroying the room was bad enough , " he snarled , " but why the hell did you lay a hand on Helena ? You're nothing but a rogue from the omega slums , dragging your filth into our pack . " Declan's fury burned hotter with every word . " And that other time - Dad was so drunk he was puking blood . Mom and I weren't at the pack house , and you couldn't even be bothered to check on him . Thank the Moon Goddess for Helena . She made him ginger soda , gave him medicine , and stayed up all night nursing him through it . He only pulled through because of her . " His glare cut into me like knives . " But you ? You were passed out in your room , dead to the world , not even glancing his way . " No. It wasn't like that . I wanted to scream the truth at Declan , to make him hear me . But just like every other time , he didn't care to listen . His grip tightened on my battered face , blood seeping from torn wounds as he pinned me down . Grinding his teeth , he stared into my eyes with pure venom . " I'll ask you one last time : do you admit to hurting Helena ? If you confess right now , I'll give you a million dollars , cut ties , and ship you back to that omega shelter you crawled out of . We'll call it done . " " Hazel , " he growled , " answer carefully . This is your last chance . " Send me back ? " No ! " I blurted , my voice raw , my body trembling uncontrollably . " I'm not going back ! " The omega shelter was a nightmare I'd clawed my way out of . I'd rather be erased than return to that hell . Declan's lips curled into a mocking sneer , as if he'd been waiting for my refusal . I knew it . You came back to leech off the Blackberry Pack's wealth , to steal our Alpha title , our pack . For money and power , you'd even abandon the foster parents who raised you . Scum like you deserve to be wiped out on the spot . " I shook my head frantically . " No , that's not why I- " " Shut up ! " Declan roared , cutting me off . " No more excuses . " Chapter 2 R ReelShort 4.6 FREE Google Play INSTALL Click now and start streaming 20.00 % " We're done showing you mercy , " he spat . " Alpha King , let the trial begin . " I looked at my family , their faces twisted with disgust , and let out a bitter laugh . Then I clamped my mouth shut . Of course . How could I forget ? They'd never once let me get a word in . The Alpha King's commanding voice echoed through the pack hall . " Plaintiffs Alpha Patrick , Luna Juliet , and Alpha Declan , and defendant Hazel Woods , are you prepared for the trial to commence ? " Declan didn't hesitate . " Ready , " he declared , his voice ringing with confidence . Maybe pain numbs you when it cuts deep enough . Standing in the trial court , I felt no fear - just a hollow ache . I closed my eyes , a faint , broken smile tugging at my lips . " I'm ready too , " I said softly . What did it matter ? No one would believe me anyway . Let the trial deliver whatever justice it could . " The trial begins , " the Alpha King announced . " This trial will be based on three statements provided by the plaintiffs . The Moon Mirror will serve as the truth extractor , revealing the full reality to determine whether the defendant , Hazel Woods , truly bullied Helena . " He paused , his gaze sweeping the room . " The plaintiffs may now present their first statement . " As soon as the Alpha King finished , Declan launched into his account , his words sharp and eager . On the massive screen behind him , images flickered to life , replaying the moments he described . Chapter 2