“Aria,” he said hoarsely, “I swear on the Moon Goddess and on our parents’ graves—I didn’t do that. She’s lying. I would never do something like that. Please believe me.”
Caleb looked ready to attack him again.
But Aria spoke first.
“I believe you.”
The words stunned everyone.
Aria did feel terrible for Clara—if the accusation were true.
But she knew her brother better than anyone.
Marcus loved Sophia with all his heart. He had never even looked at another woman.
Not even during the rowdiest full-moon celebrations.
“Aria, have you lost your mind?” Caleb shouted. “Look at Clara! Her body is covered in bruises! You’re a woman too—are you saying she’s lying?”
“I never said that,” Aria replied calmly, though her voice trembled slightly. “But I won’t condemn my brother without proof.”
She drew a slow breath.
“This is a serious accusation, Caleb. The council of elders should investigate. If Marcus is guilty, he will face the pack’s judgment. But if he isn’t—”
“Then my daughter will be branded a liar!” Caleb’s mother snapped. “I will not allow that.”
Her gaze turned icy.
“There is only one solution. Marcus will take Clara as his mate. That way our families avoid disgrace.”
Marcus’s eyes blazed with fury.
“I would never claim her as my mate!” he shouted. “I didn’t even touch her! She’s framing me! I love Sophia—only Sophia!”
Caleb punched him again.
Aria shoved Caleb away instantly.
“Marcus!”
“Aria, I’m telling the truth,” Marcus pleaded. “She’s setting me up.”
He turned toward Sophia.
“Sophia… I swear to you. I would never betray you.”
Sophia nodded firmly and wrapped her arms around him protectively.
“Enough, Caleb,” Aria said coldly. “I will not tolerate you striking my brother again. Until his guilt is proven, he is innocent.”
Caleb glared at her.
“Fine,” he said darkly. “Then we’ll bring this before the Alpha Council tomorrow. And when the truth comes out, you’ll regret siding with him.”
Clara trembled beside him while Caleb’s mother suddenly looked uneasy.
“Caleb… perhaps bringing this before the council isn’t wise,” she murmured. “What will the pack think?”
“I don’t care what the pack thinks,” Caleb snapped. “My sister deserves justice.”
Then he turned toward Aria.
“Choose, Aria.”
His voice dropped dangerously low.
“Your brother… or me.”
For a moment, his eyes softened slightly.
Silently begging her to choose him.
But Aria already knew her answer.