The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven Chapter 657: Justice, Served

Draven’s countenance grew stern as he fixed his gaze upon Reginald once more.

"Since you have arrived with demands for justice, you shall hear the unvarnished truth first." His tone plummeted in temperature. "Your daughter attempted a theft against the royal bloodline."

The declaration struck Reginald with the force of a heavy sledgehammer, causing his eyes to widen in shock. "What—?"

"She infiltrated a restricted chamber," Draven continued, "and manipulated what was held within... with the clear objective of carrying a child connected to the throne."

A ripple of astonishment moved through the assembly, although the council had been previously briefed. Regardless, the gravity of these transgressions weighed heavily upon them.

Reginald’s lips shook uncontrollably. "No... that—that is entirely impossible—"

Draven, however, was not finished. "Furthermore, she engaged in a degenerate affair... with her very own brother," he added, his voice dropping to a dangerous, low register.

Levi’s composure shattered instantly. His heart beat rhythmically against his ribs while his panicked mind spiraled.

Reginald, meanwhile, remained completely paralyzed. For a long moment, he ceased to breathe, finally shaking his head in feeble denial. "No... no, this is a fabrication..."

Unable to support his own weight, he remained collapsed on his knees, crushed by the intensity of the accusations.

"There exists proof of her primary crime," Meredith remarked with cool detachment. "Security footage clearly captured her entering that restricted room."

She shifted her focus to Reginald. "Regarding the second matter... I heard it personally." She went on, "I overheard both siblings discussing it within the palace chambers last night."

Instantly, the color drained from Reginald’s face. Levi’s pupils expanded as the memory rushed back to him with brutal clarity.

A chill swept through his body, and his knees threatened to buckle beneath him.

Meredith’s voice cut through the air again. "If you doubt my word, question your son," she commanded Reginald. "And should he offer a denial... we shall bring in a priest so he may swear his oath before the Moon Goddess."

Her ultimatum offered no path for escape.

Reginald raised a quivering hand to his chest, then slowly turned toward Levi, asking in a fractured whisper, "Is this... the truth?"

He drew a labored breath before adding, "Did you lie with your sister?"

The inquiry hung in the air for several agonizing seconds. Suddenly, Levi snapped. He surged to his feet, lunging forward, but the guards intercepted him immediately, pinning him in place.

"Stand down!"

After a brief, futile struggle, Levi went limp, keeping his eyes locked onto Meredith. "Why?" he demanded, his voice tremulous. "Was it truly necessary to do this?"

Draven’s aura flared with sudden hostility as he witnessed Levi’s outburst. "You dare charge the throne?" he asked coldly. "Were you attempting to strike the Queen?"

Levi turned to him, his expression marred by bitter resentment. "Since she overheard our conversation," he spat, his voice strained, "then she must know I had already terminated that relationship!"

Clenching his fists, he cried out, "Why expose me?!" His frustration was palpable.

Outrage rippled through the gathered assembly almost instantly.

"Shameless!" one Elder snapped.

"You still attempt to lie?" another shouted.

"Disgraceful!"

A chorus of voices rose, saturated with fury and contempt.

Reginald continued to stare at Levi. All preoccupation with Wanda had faded; only one reality remained. The truth was etched clearly across his son’s features.

"Silence." Draven’s voice silenced the entire hall instantly, allowing him to cast a commanding look across the crowd.

"You have heard the details of their crimes. Attempting to corrupt the royal bloodline. Committing abhorrent acts that violate every natural law."

His gaze then fixed on Reginald. "And you—failing to govern your children, letting such rot fester beneath your name."

His face twisted from disdain into pure wrath.

"Then, in your profound ignorance, you march into my palace... and insult the Queen before the leaders of Stormveil."

Draven’s tone turned cold and absolute. "For these sins, you are sentenced to execution by public hanging."

Reginald whipped his head up in protest. "No!" he roared. "That is too excessive! At most, exile would be appropriate—"

"How dare you?" an Elder interjected sharply. "Do you imagine you have the right to dictate your own judgment after nearly bringing shame upon this entire kingdom?!"

Draven did not bother to look at him. "Strike him should he dare to speak out of turn again," he commanded with icy composure.

A guard stepped toward Reginald, instantly restoring a heavy silence.

Draven then turned his attention to Levi. "Your wife and child shall remain unharmed," he stated, his voice turning rigid. "But you will face death by poison."

Levi’s body stiffened in terror. The Elders nodded in agreement, satisfied that justice was being served, but Draven pivoted back to face Reginald.

"I have revised your sentence."

Low murmurs rippled through the room. Reginald looked up, a spark of hope surfacing, only to be extinguished immediately.

"You will not be hanged. You shall be stoned to death by the very citizens you sought to deceive, for word of your treachery has already reached my ears."

Draven’s eyes were devoid of mercy as his words struck home.

An immediate sense of satisfaction rippled through the hall. Meredith’s composure remained intact, though her hidden approval was evident.

She believed Reginald deserved a agonizing end to close this chapter.

Draven proceeded to dictate the fates of the remaining Fellowes family members.

"The males of the Fellowes line shall be sold into permanent servitude. Those identified as corrupt will be put to death. The women and children will survive... but as the lowest commoners shackled to hard labor."

His voice resounded with finality. "Should any of them deviate from their path hereafter, their deaths shall be swift and without trial."

No one dared to object. In truth, no one had the courage.

"Prior to their execution, Reginald, Levi, and all culpable members will be paraded through the city for one week," Draven added. "Let the subjects witness this. Let them never forget."

The hall erupted in cheers from the council members, the Royal Alphas, and the high-ranking officials.

"His Majesty is remarkably wise!"

"Justice has finally been delivered!"

"Long live the King!"

Acclamations of satisfaction filled the air. Reginald, however, completely unraveled.

"You tyrant—!" he hissed.

The strike was sudden. A guard’s hand connected with his face, silencing his outburst instantly. He collapsed to the side, dazed.

"Remove them!" Draven commanded.

The guards moved without delay, seizing both Reginald and Levi. Levi offered no resistance this time; his expression was hollow and deathly pale.

Every ounce of his dignity had been stripped away.

Reginald struggled feebly, his fury curdling into desperate madness. It was to no avail.

"Draven! You will suffer for this! You will rue this day for the rest of your life!"

Reginald and Levi were dragged from the hall. As their fading cries vanished, the heavy doors slammed shut behind them.