My whole villagers were scattered in confusion and the ones who lost either their properties or their loved ones, cried in pain and agony.
I was about to ignore it all and look for a solution until I saw a little child crying and begging her father to come back to life, the man was one of the soldiers protecting the gates.
He was brutally killed and there was no way he could survive. I felt so broken seeing that little child cry because she reminds me of myself.
I ordered my guards to bring the little girl to my house and make sure her father gets buried well.
It was a torture to my heart and ears hearing my own people cry and roar, I was so pained but I tried to hide it from the public.
Tears streamed down my eyes the moment I walked into my chambers, I couldn't help but break down in front of him, Brian held me down.
Stroking my hair gently, you have to be strong for Ava, go ahead and take a shower. It will calm your nerves down, he said while still stroking my head.
Reluctantly I went into the bathroom and started to shower. I let the warm water pour all over my body while washing away the tension and the ash of what had happened.
I stood under the water letting the steam fill the atmosphere of the small room. The feeling of the water touching my skin was a comfort, a small bit of relief. It helped calm me down just as he said it would.
Finally, with a deep and shaky breath, I turned off the water. Droplets trailed down my body as I reached for a towel, wrapping it tightly around myself like an armor.
My reflection in the fogged-up mirror looked unfamiliar. My eyes were red and my lips were pale, and my face was looking weary.
I forced myself to move one piece at a time, I slipped into my clothes: Just as I tied the last strap on my boots, Brian opened the door.
Brian strode in, his face was showing how urgent the case was, "Ava," he said with a low voice that was filled with determination. "We caught someone. A hostage."
I froze, my hands stilling on my boots. His dark eyes met mine. He claims to know everything about the attack, what happened that night, who ordered it, and why."
But he has refused to talk, we have tortured him in every way possible but it doesn't seem to make him voice out Brian said with a hint of worry in his voice.
My breath became shaky, a spark of both fear and hope busted in my chest. The answers I have been craving for are finally here.
Brian took a step closer to me, this could be the right information to everything, Ava. But we have to be fast before someone silences him."
Also there's one more thing to say Ava, this is not about strength or pain anymore.
Some people are trained to withstand pain and If we push too far, he might die before we get the truth out of him.
I closed my eyes for a brief moment while taking a deep breath and then like a whisper from the past I remembered.
My father's voice, hush but clear: Pain doesn't always loosen tongues my daughter, Fear does. True, inborn fear. If you are able to control their mind, their body must follow.
He taught this skill when he was still alive and young, it was a dark one so he made me promise never to use it unless it was a matter of life and death. A technique that attacked the mind rather than the flesh.
My eyes snapped open. I think I have another way, I replied with a low voice. It was almost like I was talking to myself.
Brian frowned showing that he doesn't trust my ways, Ava what are you talking about?
"Just… trust me." I didn't wait to hear his reply. My boots echoed against the floor as I marched into the room.
The man was in chains, his body filled with bruises, but his gaze was defiant and mocking. He spat blood onto the floor when he saw me.
"You think you can break me? I've endured worse," he sneered, so bring it on.
A cruel smile tugged at my lips. "Oh, I'm not here to break your body," I said softly, crouching to meet his eye level. "I'm here to break your soul."
His smirk faltered.
I drew in a steady breath, my father's teachings guiding me. Slowly, deliberately, I began the mental torture technique.
It wasn't just about words it was about manipulating every sense: touch, sound, even silence.
I whispered truths he didn't know
Minutes stretched into an eternity his voice weren't loud; they were choked, desperate, the kind that clawed at the walls of sanity.
Brian stood at the doorway, frozen, as if he didn't even recognize me anymore.
Finally, the man cracked. Tears streamed down his bloodstained face as he gasped, "Please stop! I'll tell you everything!"
I leaned closer to him with a cold voice, Who ordered the attack? Who wanted to destroy the pack?
"It… it was your uncle!" he sobbed. "Your own uncle! He sent us… he's been behind everything the ambush, he wants your crown for himself!
The room went silent, for a moment, all I could hear was my own heartbeat pounding in my ears, my uncle. The man who had sworn loyalty to my father.
Brian's face darkened that bastard is at it again, he said.
I rose slowly, my body trembling not from fear, but from rage. Prepare warriors to summon my uncle and his family to my chambers.
I ordered without staring at any one of them before I dashed into my chambers.
The heavy doors of my chambers cracked open, and the cold night air swept in. My uncle entered first, his face wearing a mask of calm arrogance.
Behind him was his wife, pale and trembling, and his two sons, both keeping their heads lowered.
I sat on the throne, my crown glinting beneath the golden glow of the chandeliers. Brian stood to my right with his arms crossed.
The room was filled with my warriors with their swords drawn, their presence a silent reminder of who held power.
"Uncle," I said with a cold voice that echoed off the walls like a death knell. He gave a mocking bow. "My queen."
The title on his lips sounded like poison. Do you know why you've been summoned? I asked, leaning forward.
His brow furrowed in confusion. I assumed it was to discuss the attack on the pack. Whoever planned it must pay dearly.
My jaw tightened. "Indeed, they will." I rose slowly to my feet, letting the silence stretch, the tension thick enough to choke.
Because the one who orchestrated it stands before me now. Gasps rippled through the room. His smirk faltered.
What nonsense is this, Ava? How dare you accuse your own blood without proof?
"Proof?" I descended the steps with deliberate grace, my boots striking the marble like drumbeats of war.
One of your hired assassins confessed to me he revealed everything about how you've been plotting to seize the throne since before my father's death.
You wanted to test my defenses, to see if I was strong enough to rule.
He snarled, but I saw the flicker of fear in his eyes. "Lies! They're trying to divide us! You'd believe the word of a filthy traitor over me, your own uncle?
I stopped inches from him, my gaze like ice. You betrayed me the moment you betrayed my father's legacy. Do not dare to speak of loyalty.
His sons dropped to their knees, begging. Please, Your Majesty, we had no part in this! We swear it!
I raised a hand, silencing them. You deserve death, I said, my voice ringing through the chamber. For treason, for attacking your queen and your pack.
Then do it, kill me, Ava spill your own blood and show everyone what kind of queen you truly are."
The room held its breath.
I studied him for a long moment, then stepped back. "No," I said, my tone sharp as a blade.
Death would be a mercy you and your family are hereby banished. You will leave this land tonight and never return.
And if any of you step foot within my territory again, you will be executed without trial.
His wife let out a sob while her sons clung to her, weeping profusely
My uncle's face twisted with rage. You think banishing me will end this? You'll regret this, Ava! You're weak, just like your father.
Take them! away I commanded. Two warriors seized him, dragging him toward the door.
His screams echoed through the hall, filled with hate and promises of vengeance. His wife and children were ushered out, their cries fading into the distance.
When the doors finally slammed shut, Brian stepped forward, his voice low. You showed mercy tonight and strength. Your father would be so proud of you.
I didn't answer. My gaze lingered on the empty doorway, knowing this was not the end. Banishing my uncle was a warning to all who might challenge me.
But deep down, I knew men like him never vanished quietly.