Saving Tragedy Chapter 51

*****Ashton’s POV*****

“Who are you going to allow in?” I question my guards, as they look to one another - judging who would answer my question first.

“Just the pack officials and the higher up ranks sir… did you want anyone else?” The taller of the two responds, as I grumble.

“Find me twenty random pack members to sit through the trial too. I want it to be mixed.” I instruct, as they both bow their heads and move off to do as I ask.

The pack assembly hall, a place usually reserved for joyful celebrations and gatherings, had been transformed into a makeshift courtroom for today's trial. As Alpha, it was my duty to oversee this solemn event and ensure that justice was served for the heinous crimes committed by Nathan, Karl, Warren, Luke, and their mother, Isabelle.

I stood at the front of the hall, gazing out at the rows of empty wooden benches that would soon be filled with our pack members. The air was thick with anticipation and unease, as we had never held a trial of this magnitude before - forcing all five of their cases in to the one day.

I had hoped that the outcome would bring closure and healing, not only to Lydia but to our entire pack and perhaps it would encourage other sufferers to come forward to me as their Alpha in future if they face any similar hardships during their time living here...

Rose was due to arrive with Lydia any moment now - accompanied by Sawyer and Hunt who had been placed In charge of their care today.

“Yo Ashton, the evidence has all been documented, do you plan to show this to everyone today?” I turn to find Oliver approaching - someone I had trusted to photograph and examine the wounds when I had first discovered what had happened to Lydia.

Oliver was smart, and was currently training to become a pack doctor - so I felt he was the best bet for such a role… someone I can trust.

“With Lydia’s permission yes.” I confirm, as he nods and reveals the small hard drive.

“Cool… I’ll set everything up so that it’s ready to go if you do want to use it. I’ll connect the laptop to those screens.” Oliver explained, pointing to the four large TV screens mounted on the walls around the large room.

As he moved to the far corner of the room - tweaking the technical shit for me - the main doors opened to reveal Sawyer first before he was followed in by Rose.

“Where’s the other two?” I question, as they approached me steadily.

“Lydia asked Hunt if she could use the bathroom first and I thought I would come here ahead of her just to let you know that she’s struggling with all of this today…” Rose explains, coming to my side and keeping her voice low.

“I see… does she still want to go ahead?” I question, as Rose nods once before inhaling a slow breath.

“She knows it’s right and that they need to face the consequences of their actions… I think it’s more the idea of seeing Nathan again… she hasn’t saw him since any of it happened.” Rose attempts to explain her friends worries, as I follow along.

“I can fix that…” I trail off, as Rose tilts her head oddly at me.

We turn again at the sound of the doors to see Hunt and Lydia entering - as I immediately take in Lydia’s haunted expression.

The poor thing was chalk white as though she had just seen a ghost…

“Lydia, how are you feeling?” I ask, as she all but shrugs - moving to stand by her friend as Rose instinctively wraps an arm around her.

“You don’t have to be in here at all today you know? I can help make this process as comfortable as I can for you. Why don’t you stay back in the other room - just you and Rose - and you can watch the whole thing through the screens rather than sitting in here?” I suggest, gesturing for them to follow me through to the other room.

“That sounds better…” I barely pick up on Lydia’s soft tone, however hear it nonetheless.

“Great let’s do that then… Hunt will guard the door so nobody can get in too…” I add for further comfort, opening the door to show them the small space which held a TV, table and a couple of sofas.

“I’ll leave you to get comfortable whilst I get everyone else in… then I’ll be back before we start ok?” I explain, as the girls enter the room and nod at the plan, before I exit and leave them behind - with Sawyer and Hunt at my back.

“She’s pretty shook up today…” Hunt states the obvious, as I sigh.

None of this process will be easy for her…

“You’ll guard the door. Don’t let anybody in and don’t let them out either. It’s for their own good.” I instruct Hunt as he agrees.

We enter the main hall - as I find the two guards from before as they stand at the doors again.

“We got them Alpha, everyone is outside ready to be seated.” The guard states, as I nod and sigh - taking a final glance at the surroundings.

We best get started then…

“Have them seated then.” I nod, as they move to unlock the doors - allowing for the familiar faces of my pack to flood in.

Now, we just await the criminals themselves and the trial will commence.

A quiet hush fell over the room as the pack members began to filter in, taking their seats. The tension was palpable, and I could feel their eyes on me, looking to their Alpha for guidance and reassurance on what was going on.

The task of delivering justice weighed heavily on my shoulders, and I knew that I had to remain composed and impartial to my feelings… at least for as long as I could stand being in their presence…

The atmosphere in the pack assembly hall had suddenly became charged with tension as pack members filled the wooden benches. I couldn't help but notice the mixture of expressions on their faces – curiosity, anxiety, and anger, all directed toward the empty space where Nathan, Karl, Warren, Luke, and their mother, Isabelle, would soon be sitting, facing the consequences of their actions.

People had heard whisperings of the crimes, however awaited anxiously to hear the final word from me - their Alpha.

I approached Oliver, who had been in charge of documenting the evidence, including Lydia's injuries. "Oliver, are we ready to present the evidence to the pack members if needed?" I question, needing a short distraction from the gazing eyes.

Oliver nodded and gestured toward the large TV screens mounted on the walls. "I've set up the laptop and the screens. Everything is ready to go whenever you decide to use it just let me know when.” He states with confidence as I nod.

Before I could respond any further, the doors to the assembly hall creaked open once more, before complaints and detests were heard - revealing the five criminals in question to the room for the first time without warning.

Two of the men remained quiet, whilst Nathan and his other cousin fought against the guards tight hold in protest…

Isabelle seemed to be playing the whole sob act… sniffling, crying and falling over on her way towards the bench.

I eyed them steadily, as many guards piled themselves in - spreading around the hall as extra protection. Each of them were chained to a panel - keeping them in place - as the pack members whispered and eyed them with caution.

I best go check on Lydia before we start…

With that thought, I head back to the room she was in, meeting Hunt outside the door. He steps aside, allowing me to enter, as I find Rose and Lydia huddled together on the sofa - facing the TV screen displaying a view of the room.

Lydia had started crying, as Rose hushed her and eyed me with concern as I stood in the doorway.

“Lydia… do I have your permission to present the evidence of the abuse to the room?” I bend down to meet her eye level, as she blinks back tears and sniffles in to her tissue.

“Y-Yes…” Lydia all but manages to agree, as I sigh at the sight of her broken demeanour.

“Is there anything else that you want to voice before we start? I know that this is a hard day Lydia, but we will help you through it.” I state firmly, as Rose stays quiet - rubbing comforting circles on Lydia’s arm.

“Just do what you see fit Alpha…” Lydia’s words surprise me, as allows them to form a thick silence between us.

“If things get too much, just switch it off and don’t watch. I’ll handle it.” I finish, standing up again to my full height, before heading back for the door.

None of them respond, and I accept things for what they are - seeing myself out and preparing for the final showdown.

Hunt gives me an understanding nod, followed by a strong pat on the shoulder as I pass by - a silent way of saying he had my back.

Let’s just get this shit wrapped up… once and for all…

With the pack members settled and the atmosphere in the assembly hall heavy with anticipation, I took my place at the front of the room. The trial was about to begin, and I couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment.

The large TV screens Oliver had set up were ready to display evidence, and I hoped it would help convey the extent of the crimes committed by Nathan, Karl, Warren, Luke, and possibly even Isabelle.

My primary concern was providing justice for Lydia and holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions.

The main doors to the hall were now closed - informing me that everyone was now present and ready.

As I stood at the front, I addressed the pack with a strong, clear voice. "My fellow pack members, we gather here today to ensure that justice is served. You will hear the accounts and evidence of the crimes committed by Nathan, Karl, Warren, Luke, and their mother, Isabelle. It is our duty to evaluate this evidence, determine their guilt, and decide on appropriate consequences as a pack." I state, as everyone remained silent.

As I spoke, I could see the seriousness etched on the faces of our pack members. The crimes committed had shaken us all, and the anticipation of the trial weighed heavily in the room…

"Now that we are all present, we shall begin," I announced, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "Nathan, Karl, Warren, Luke, and Isabelle, you are here to face the charges stacked against you. The evidence we will present today is extensive and irrefutable." I continue - eyeing each of them carefully as they glare back - their eyes and hearts filled fully with hate.

I gestured toward the TV screens, where the evidence and accounts would be displayed. "We will start by hearing from Lydia, the victim of the crimes. She will recount her experiences, and the evidence shown afterwards will help support her statement. Due to the nature of the crimes… I will read her statement for her today." I clear my throat, before I gather up the documents of her written account.

Lydia had agreed to provide her testimony in a pre-recorded paper statement, as it was simply too emotionally difficult for her to speak in person on it - especially so soon.

I began to read her heartbreaking statement, before quickly being interrupted by the rat himself - “Lies! That bitch is a fucking liar!” Nathan roared in protest, before a guard swiftly moved to gag him in to silence.

I continued on, earning gasps and whispers from some of the audience - as most would occasionally glare at the men.

I recounted what Lydia had told us about the abuse, and about how the cousins would regularly partake as well…

After the statement concluded, leaving many people dabbing their wet eyes with tissues, the screens came to life - displaying photographs of Lydia's most recent injuries, which had been documented and verified by our pack's medical team. The pack members gasped at the visible proof of the abuse she had endured, as my own insides would twist in remembrance of just how bad she had looked the first day we had seen her…

I could see the anger and outrage on the faces of our pack members. Their empathy for Lydia beginning to shine through. As Alpha, I had a duty to ensure the trial was conducted fairly and impartially, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that justice would be guaranteed to be served.

“Now, I shall read two verified testimonies from two of Lydia’s colleagues at work in the local salon. They were aware of the abuse, however neglected to pass it on sooner as Lydia had begged them not to in fear that Nathan would retaliate…” I state, as Nathan thrashed and groaned against the restraints in fury.

“Lydia would regularly come to work beat up… sometimes more than once in the same week… we would beg to help her, but she was terrified of anyone finding out. One time, Nathan had even appeared at the salon with his cousin Karl, and was infuriated to find that Lydia was in working with a male client. We later discovered that he did in fact beat her for this, with the help of his three cousins - Karl, Warren and Luke. After that, we tried to tackle the abuse in more ways than one but again, Lydia feared that she would be stopped by Nathan on coming to work - which at that time was the only escape she had.”

I conclude the first staff members statement, glancing up to find the female in question sitting amongst the crowd…

“I won’t scar you all with the masses of evidence we have out with what we have shown you today… but trust me when I say that there is video proof of the abuse amongst hospital documents showing a variety of intense injuries which are now believed to have been caused by the men seated before us today…” I speak out, seeing two of the cousins with their heads hung low - whilst Nathan and the third cousin glared daggers my way.

The evidence was mounting against the accused, and it was clear to everyone in the room that they had committed these heinous acts. Our pack members were becoming more resolute in their determination to hold the perpetrators accountable...

I could sense it.