The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 270

Thorne's POV

The courtroom was silent as I took my place at the center of the Moon Crescent Court. Three days had passed since the revelations that had shaken our pack to its core. Today, I would deliver the final judgment—a judgment that would forever alter the course of many lives, including my own.

"This court is now in session," I announced, my voice carrying across the chamber.

The defendants stood before me: Kaelin Brooks, her father Edward, and my own father, Alexander Grey. The once-proud Brooks family now appeared diminished, their usual confidence replaced by the defeated posture of those who know their fate is sealed. My father alone maintained his dignity, standing tall despite the disgrace he now faced.

I met Freya's gaze across the courtroom where she sat beside her brother Ethan. Her expression was composed, but I could sense her tension—the slight stiffness in her shoulders, the careful way she held her injured hand against her chest. I allowed myself one brief moment to admire her strength before focusing on the task at hand.

"After careful consideration of all evidence presented in this case, I am prepared to deliver judgment," I began. "The crimes committed against the Riley family and against this pack represent a fundamental betrayal of our most sacred values. Justice demands a response equal to the severity of these offenses."

I turned my attention first to Kaelin and Edward Brooks. The woman who had once been my intended mate now trembled visibly, her eyes wide with fear.

"Kaelin Brooks and Edward Brooks, you are found guilty of conspiracy against the pack, false testimony, torture, and collaboration with hunters. The evidence of your treachery is irrefutable."

I paused, feeling the weight of what I was about to decree.

"The sentence is lifelong exile to the Forgotten Wilds. You will bear the silver mark upon your heads, limiting your shifting abilities. You will never again set foot in Moon Bay or any civilized wolf territory."

Gasps echoed through the courtroom. Lifelong exile was our harshest punishment, reserved for only the most egregious betrayals. Kaelin collapsed into sobs, while Edward's face darkened with rage.

"This is outrageous!" Edward shouted. "The Rileys were nothing—we did what was necessary to protect this pack!"

"Silence," I commanded, my Alpha voice reverberating through the chamber. Edward immediately fell quiet, though his eyes burned with hatred.

I then turned to my father. This was perhaps the most difficult judgment of all.

"Alexander Grey, former Alpha of Grey Moon Pack. You betrayed the trust placed in you by our ancestors and our pack. You conspired to destroy an innocent family for political advantage."

My father met my gaze steadily, his expression unreadable.

"You are hereby stripped of all pack duties and positions. You are forbidden from participating in any pack affairs or decisions. However, in recognition of your thirty years of service as Alpha, you will be permitted to remain in Moon Bay under strict supervision."

I could sense the mixture of relief and disappointment from the pack members present. Some had clearly expected me to exile my own father. Perhaps I should have. But I couldn't bring myself to send him to the same fate as the Brooks family, despite his betrayal.

"The remaining members of the Brooks family will face strict monitoring, and fifty percent of family assets will be frozen to provide restitution to the Riley family."

With the judgments delivered, I moved to the next matter at hand.

"I now declare, formally and publicly, that the Riley family has been grievously wronged. Their loyalty to this pack was never in question. Their exile was based on lies and manipulation."

I looked directly at Freya as I continued.

"All properties, assets, and status formerly belonging to the Riley family are to be restored immediately. The family name is cleared of all dishonor. This is the judgment of the Moon Crescent Court and the decree of your Alpha."

Relief washed over Freya's face, though I could see that this vindication, however sweet, came far too late to heal all wounds.

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Freya's POV

Three years. Three years of my life spent in exile, pain, and silver poisoning—all because of a lie. As I sat in the courtroom and heard Thorne deliver his judgment, I felt strangely empty. Vindication should have felt sweeter than this.

Kaelin's sobs echoed in the chamber as guards led her and her father away. They would experience what I had endured, though their silver marks would be intentional rather than the result of torture. I should have felt triumph, perhaps even satisfaction, but all I felt was a hollow exhaustion.

What did capture my attention was Alexander Grey's face as his son pronounced judgment upon him. The old Alpha showed no emotion, but his scent betrayed his shock. He had never expected his son to publicly denounce him.

After the court adjourned, Ethan squeezed my hand. "It's over, Freya. It's finally over."

But was it? The judgment couldn't give me back the years I'd lost, couldn't heal the scars—both physical and emotional—that I would carry forever.

My phone buzzed with messages of support. Emma from Stone Group sent her congratulations, along with a promise that my design job was still waiting for me whenever I was ready. Even Jasper had sent a brief but sincere message acknowledging that justice had been served, though I suspected his interest in me would cool now that I was no longer a useful political tool against Thorne.

As we left the courthouse, I was surprised to find myself facing a crowd of pack members. Many were Betas who had never spoken to me before, who had believed the lies about my family. Now they looked at me with respect, even admiration. It felt strange and uncomfortable.

"Miss Riley," one elderly Beta approached me, her eyes downcast. "My husband and I... we believed what they said about your family. We were wrong. Please accept our deepest apologies."

One by one, they came forward—pack members offering apologies, expressing shame for their quick judgment, praising my resilience. I nodded and accepted their words, but inside I felt detached from it all.