---- Chapter 18 No.18 Aria POV: The word "rogues" fell like a death sentence. To be cast out, to be packless, was the worst possible fate for a werewolf. It meant a life of solitude, danger, and being hunted by established packs. "Alpha, please!" one of the warriors cried out, falling to his knees. "Give us another chance! We will prove our loyalty!" My father's expression remained unforgiving. "Your one and only duty was to love and protect my daughter. You were to be her honor guard, her council, her family. Instead, you stood by while she was mocked and betrayed. You chose a liar over your Luna. There are no second chances for that." The warriors bowed their heads in shame. They knew he was right. Ronan, his face a mask of grim acceptance, pushed himself to his feet. He faced my father and slammed a fist over his heart, then dropped to his knees, bowing his head to the floor three times in a gesture of ultimate respect and farewell. "Thank you, Alpha Alistair," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "for the home you gave me. | am shamed to have failed you." ---- He knew there was no appeal. He stood, turned to me, and dropped to one knee, performing the salute of a warrior to his Luna. His eyes, red-rimmed and filled with regret, met mine. "Aria," he said, his voice cracking. "| am sorry. | let a viper's poison cloud my judgment. | wronged you, and | will spend the rest of my life atoning for it." He paused, taking a ragged breath. "If you ever need a sword, a shield, or a life to be thrown away in your service, you have only to call my name. | will hear you, and | will come." With a final, deep bow, Ronan turned and walked out of the ballroom. He didn't look back. He simply vanished into the night, a newly made rogue, alone. His departure broke the dam. One by one, the other four warriors followed his example. They knelt before my father, thanking him for his charity. They knelt before me, pledging their future lives to my service as penance. Then, they too walked out into the darkness to begin their lonely exile. Soon, only two remained standing before the dais amidst the wreckage of the party. Silas and Kaelen.