*Melian POV*
I couldn't believe I was sitting there talking to the actual Royal Council, and they were on my side. Both of my mates sat on the bed with me, and Rebecca sat in the chair beside me. She offered to leave, but I insisted she stay with me. I needed all the support I could get, and I wish Jason were here too. All of us sat and got acquainted with each other, and Loki asked Iris when they wanted to get started with the investigation. "I see he doesn't have much patience does he?" She laughed.
Liam shook his head and told her she had no idea, which made us all laugh harder, even Loki. She patted my leg and continued, "Well, I have already started, and I do apologize for not making that clear. You see, when I first came into the room and introduced myself to Melian, I shook her hand, and then touched her leg. I had already started the investigation at that point. I have the power of insight, which means by touching a person's skin, I can read their thoughts and memories. I'm sorry if I upset you by doing this, but I needed to be clear you weren't holding back because of fear."
I gasped and and shook my head no. "I'm not upset or offended, I promise. I want them to pay, and I wouldn't hold anything back if it meant getting justice." I explained. She flashed a big smile, and asked if there was anyone with evidence that wasn't in the room. I told her my brother Jason, and she asked if we could get him here.
Rebecca spoke up and explained that he was searching for the Alpha of Mystic Shadows and their oldest brother, Thomas. Iris clicked her tongue, and said, "Well, OK then. Mrs. Carter, Rebecca, would you be willing to take his place as a witness to what is about to happen? Furthermore, did you ever witness any of the abuse?" Rebecca closed her eyes and said, "I would be honored to witness, and I only saw it happen physically once. I have seen the aftermath, and heard them verbally abuse her. However, Elder Becker, I will tell you that my husband unwillingly participated many times in her abuse growing up. Their father, David, brainwashed and threatened the boys when they were kids to start abusing Mel. The other boys enjoyed it, Jason did not. If he refused, he himself would be beaten." I spoke up and agreed with Rebecca, and Iris assured me that they weren't looking in to punishing Jason.
They were aware that he had saved and rescued me. I spoke up and asked Iris how this was going to work, and she explained, "Well, first you will be put under the twilight of anesthesia. Not fully under, but enough to relax your brain. Also, where I have the gift of insight, Declan has the gift of projection. That means as I am touching you, and reading your memories, Declan will be touching me and projecting what he sees into the air so that everyone can see as well. So, it's kinda like a weird night at the movies." I nodded and I understood, but felt hesitant after she explained how Declan would make it to where everyone could see them.
The last thing I wanted was for my mates to see all the atrocities that had happened to me over the years, but as Alpha's of the current pack we were in, they had to be there. I asked to speak with my mates alone, and everyone stepped out of the room.
"I feel like I need to do this, but can't if you are both going to fly off the handle, or judge Jason or me. What you are going to see is going to be harsh and cruel. Take what you think you know and time it by 100. Its that bad." I told them both. Liam and Loki both promised to be on their best behavior, and that they would have to be with the council there. Liam told me that Jasper was going to have to record the projection for evidence, and wanted to know how I felt about it. I told him that I didn't care, because I had nothing to hide. After they both affectionately reassured me, Liam called them back in.
He explained to Iris my hesitations and she gave me comfort by telling me that there would be guards outside the door to keep everyone out. She asked permission to have Dr. Flores and Aunt Roxy in the room in the case of something happening, and I agreed. Jasper went to get the doctor, and I finished my juice that Loki had just poured. Once everyone was present, I laid back against my pillows and Dr. Flores administered the medication to put me under. Rebecca and Roxy made the twins sit on the couch at the other side of the room and sat with them to keep them under control. I gave them a smile as I started counting backwards with the doctor. I got to 8 before I was out fully.
*Liam POV*
Being forced to sit away from Mel was pissing me off. I understood why, but I truly felt one of us needed to be with her. I wanted that someone to be me. Mel had turned her head to face us before she fell asleep, and gave us a sweet smile. Once she was out, Iris held hers and Jasper's hands. Within seconds, Jasper's eyes opened and his eyes were solid white.
Images started to project into the air, and the first one was an image of her and her mother. Her mother was beautiful, just like she is. Jason also resembled his mom. The next memory was her at her mother's memorial, and she was made to sit on the ground during the service. She was sobbing as her dad pushed her down and told her the seats were for her brothers, and she didn't deserve to sit with them. The longer it played on, the more angry I got. I could feel Loki's anger rising as well. Rebecca looked at us both and only said the words 'Calm', and 'You promised'.
We couldn't argue with that and did the best we could to stay as calm as possible. All of a sudden, Loki grabs my leg. I looked up to see what he was looking at, and the images were now of David, Todd and Eric's last attack on her. His grip on my leg got tighter as it played out in front of us. Tears were now flowing down both of our faces, and Loki was begging them to stop.
Jasper told him that they couldn't until the last memory Melian had was displayed. Rebecca crawled on the couch behind us and wrapped her arms around us, and Roxy sat on the table in front of us, begging the two of us to focus on her face. Once all the memories were displayed, Iris came out of her trance. Tears were streaming down her face as well. Declan was also physically distraught. "How? Who the hell are these monsters?" Declan muttered. Iris became stone-faced and stood up to move over to Loki and I. "Alpha's Liam and Loki Young, I, Iris Becker, Head Elder of the Royal Council, do hear by grant you permission to execute David Carter, Michael Carter, Todd Carter, Eric Carter, Thomas Carter, Alpha Scott Thomas of Mystic Shadows pack, Lisa Montana, as well as any other member or warrior of Mystic Shadows that shall stand against you.
I will leave it up to Melian on the punishment of your Aunt Nadine Young. I also find no reason to charge or punish Jason Young for his part in the torturous life this poor girl has lived. It was obvious he was forced, and that she forgave him. There is no trial or further investigation needed regarding her abuse. We will be leaving tomorrow morning for Mystic Shadows. It will be disbanded and members who do not support the actions of their Alpha will be welcome to be placed in other packs, others will either be imprisoned or banished as rogues. Would you be willing to house any of them?" I was in shock, but super happy about her decision.
"We would like to talk to Melian first if that is OK with you," I said. She agreed and the council took their leave. Now to wait for Melian to wake up.