Chapter 6: Stella's Last Defense

Stella stumbled backward.

"Alpha, please listen to me. I can explain."

The Ironclaw Alpha stared at her, his fists clenched so tightly that his claws pierced his palms.

"Then explain it."

"Why did you administer that dose?"

Stella's lips trembled.

"I was trying to save her."

"The Luna's condition was deteriorating. The standard antidote wasn't working, so I had no choice."

The Enforcer immediately interrupted.

"That is false."

He held up another report.

"The Luna's wolfsbane levels were already dropping before you administered the stimulant."

"Her vital signs were stabilizing."

A stunned silence filled the hallway.

I looked at Stella.

She had always been proud of her medical knowledge.

Now, every excuse she made was collapsing under the evidence.

"You knew the Luna was recovering," I said quietly.

Stella's eyes snapped toward me.

"Shut up, Cora!"

Her sudden outburst made everyone freeze.

I watched her carefully.

"Why are you so afraid of me speaking?"

Her breathing became heavier.

"Because you always think you're better than me!"

"You took everything from me!"

Her words echoed through the hallway.

The Enforcer's gaze sharpened.

"Everything?"

Stella realized her mistake.

She immediately lowered her head.

"I didn't mean it like that."

But it was too late.

The Enforcer stepped closer.

"Stella Harrison, you're being detained pending a full investigation into the Luna's death."

Two Enforcers moved toward her.

Stella suddenly looked toward her father.

"Dad!"

Head Elder Harrison had been standing at the back of the crowd the entire time.

His face was grim.

For several seconds, he said nothing.

Then he finally stepped forward.

"Don't touch my daughter."

The lead Enforcer's expression hardened.

"Head Elder, your position does not place you above Sanctuary law."

"If Stella is innocent, the investigation will prove it."

Harrison's eyes shifted toward me.

There was something cold in his gaze.

I understood immediately.

Stella wasn't acting alone.

If her father had helped cover this up, the evidence against her could be only the beginning.

Then the red words appeared again.

【CAUTION. THE REAL CONSPIRACY HAS NOT BEEN EXPOSED YET.】

My heart tightened.

I stared at the message.

【STELLA WAS THE HAND. SOMEONE ELSE GAVE THE ORDER.】

A chill traveled down my spine.

I slowly looked at Head Elder Harrison.

He was already looking at me.

And for the first time, I saw fear in his eyes.