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A younger man walked to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Mother, it's enough."

She twisted her wrist. "It will never be enough."

The younger man knelt beside her. "No. It won't. But if you don't stop now, you will never forgive yourself later. Remember what Father always said. 'People deserve justice, but we are defined by the mercy we show them anyway.'"

A sob racked the older woman as her son lifted her to her feet and ushered her away.

A moment passed with Titan on the floor, covered in blood, before he pissed himself. The smell hit River's nose, and her stomach roiled, the room spinning.

She breathed slowly through her mouth, trying to keep from vomiting, fainting, or both.

"Are you all right?" Apollo whispered.

"I… I think I need some soda water," she managed.

"Why don't we take a break?" offered Ares. "We can get everyone something to eat."

"Please," said one of the Alphas. "Let us be done with this."

River's wolf lent her strength. Need to see. Need to witness.

Her wolf was right. She was High Luna. She needed to set an example.

"He's right," said River. "Let's finish this."

"Very well," Ares announced. "Let justice continue."

The remaining wolves came forward one by one, each leaving their mark on Titan's increasingly broken body.

A Beta from a Southern territory drove his boot into Titan's ribs with such force that several audible cracks echoed through the room.

A female whose mate had died in the attack gouged deep furrows across Titan's back, her grief transforming to rage.

With each new wound, Titan's defiance wavered, and his body convulsed. His breathing became labored, each inhale a wet, rattling sound that spoke of internal damage. Still, he refused to beg, his one remaining eye glaring with hatred even as consciousness slipped from him.

The final Alpha approached. Elkan, who had lost five wolves between the attack at the ceremony and the taking of Titan's compound.

Without ceremony, he lifted Titan by his hair and delivered a series of brutal punches to his face until blood sprayed across the marble floor.

When he finally released him, Titan collapsed in a heap, his body twitching once before going still.

River watched it all, her face a mask of composure despite the storm of emotions raging within her. This was justice, she told herself. Necessary. Yet the sight of such brutal vengeance, even against the wolf who had caused so much suffering, left her hollow.

Ares rose, surveying the bloodied form on the floor and the assembled wolves who stood around him, their faces flushed with both satisfaction and lingering rage.

"It is finished," he declared. "Titan Longtooth has faced the judgment of those he has wronged."

Apollo joined his brother, his posture regal despite the tension visible in his shoulders. "Titan's execution will be at dawn tomorrow. His crimes against the Crown, our mate, and our people demand nothing less than the ultimate punishment."

"Let this serve as a reminder that no wolf, regardless of bloodline or position, stands above our laws."

Apollo's gaze hardened as he addressed the Alphas directly. “Beginning next week, each territory will undergo a thorough audit of pack records and practices. Any Alpha found to have exiled wolves without just cause will be removed from their position and relocated."

Murmurs rippled through the assembly, some indignant, others nervous.

"The only exception," Ares added, "will be if the newly appointed Alpha and the rest of the pack unanimously agree that the former Alpha may remain as a regular pack member."

"This is outrageous." Alpha Larken jumped up. "You cannot-"

"We cannot what?" Apollo roared. "What is it we, the kings of the wolf world, can not do?"

Larken's mouth closed, and he lowered his eyes.

"We can and we will," Apollo continued, his voice like steel. "The days of unchecked Alpha power are over."

The room erupted in protests, several Alphas rising to their feet.

"This is an overreach!" shouted one.

"You can't dictate how we run our packs!" yelled another.

Ares slammed his fist down, cracking the wooden arm of his throne.

"ENOUGH!" The word vibrated with power, silencing the room instantly.

"This is not a negotiation. This is a royal decree.

And this, right here, is why this is happening.

How many of you would have dared to challenge our father?

Or even speak back to him? In his absence, we have not done enough, and that ends now. "

Apollo's eyes flashed. "For too long, we've allowed territories to operate unchecked, and look where it has led us.

To rebellion. To death. To innocent wolves cast out, falling prey to those who would use them.

No more. We are going back to the way things were before.

We, the kings and our High Luna, will decide justice from now on with the counsel from the elders. "

"The White Tail Pack will serve as a transition point for rogues," River added. "But it's a temporary solution to a permanent problem. The real change must come from within each territory. And we are all ready to make sure this kind of thing never happens again."

"Those who oppose this decree," Ares growled, "are welcome to challenge us now or leave our society for good." His eyes swept the room, lingering on each Alpha who had voiced a protest. "Any takers?"

The silence that followed was absolute.

"Good," Apollo said coldly. "Then this is the last time we will ever allow arrogance or challenges by anyone again.

We will chalk this up to what everyone is enduring due to the loss of loved ones.

But, next time one of you dares to call out either of us or our mate, the High Luna, it will be an automatic challenge for the throne.

There will be no more warnings. No more asking if you want to challenge.

It will be an implied challenge to be answered immediately. "

"Council sessions will begin in two weeks.

Each Alpha will present its territory records for review.

There will be no exceptions," said River.

"Prepare your packs as well. Let them know what is coming.

If you try to change records or intimidate pack members so they don't talk, or so they lie, we will find out and the punishment will be swift and final. "

Ares looked over the group. "The trial of Titan Longtooth is now concluded."

Duncan and Zeke hauled Titan's broken body from the floor. Despite his injuries, he managed to lift his head one final time, his gaze fixing on River with such hatred that she instinctively reached for Ares and Apollo.

"This isn't over," he rasped as they dragged him toward the door, leaving a trail of blood across the marble floor. "She'll always be mine."

Apollo's growl vibrated through the chamber as he took a step forward.

"He's not worth it," River whispered. "He'll be dead soon anyway."

Her legs wobbled, but she forced herself to remain upright, her wolf strengthening her. Even so, she clutched Ares' hand.

The doors closed behind Titan with a finality that seemed to release something in the room. The tension that had held everyone began to dissipate.

"You are dismissed," Ares announced.

The wolves filed out, many casting glances at the royal family. Some nodded in reluctant acceptance, others held resentment.

When the last of them had exited, River's composure broke. Her legs gave way beneath her. Apollo caught her.

"I've got you," he murmured, his lips brushing her temple. "It's over."

Ares’ broad palm stroked her back as emotions she'd been holding in for an hour burst free. Her body shook with silent sobs, the emotional weight of everything- the trial, the revelations, the brutal justice- crashed down on her at once.

"I thought I could handle it," she said between ragged breaths. "I thought I was strong enough."

"You were perfect," Ares assured her, his voice a soothing rumble. "More than perfect."

Apollo lifted her, carrying her to a small antechamber adjacent to the ballroom. He settled on a plush sofa with River in his lap, while Ares knelt before them, taking her hands.

"What you did today," Apollo said, "was incredible. You showed more mercy than anyone expected."

"And more strength," Ares added. "You faced him without flinching. Even when he threatened you again."

River's hands trembled. "He'll never stop. Even in death, he'll haunt me."

"No," Apollo said. "After tomorrow, he'll be nothing but ash and a fading memory. He has no power over you anymore."

The door opened, and Cherry appeared, her eyes immediately finding her daughter. Without a word, she crossed the room.

"You did good," she said. "I'm so proud of you. Of all of you. Not taking shit from any of those Alphas and Betas. You did good. Your parents would be proud."

Strider's tall frame darkened the doorway before he joined them. "We'll keep our ears open for rumors in the packs. I know shifters all over. I'll start making calls."

Apollo nodded. "Thank you."

Strider looked at her. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"

River managed a watery smile. "I will be."

Zeke and Bianca slipped in behind Strider. Bianca carried a tray with drinks and soda into the room. She gave a tight smile and walked to a nearby table.

"I thought everyone might need something to drink." She handed a drink to Ares and Apollo and then a glass of bubbly water to River.

"Thanks, B."

Bianca smiled at her.

Zeke stood by the door, his vigilant eyes softening when they landed on River or Bianca. "The building is secure," he reported. "Titan has been moved to the holding cell. Heavily guarded. Everyone else is off the premises."

River sipped the water, soothing some of the agitation in her stomach. She looked around the small gathering, feeling the weight of her exhaustion lift. These were her people- her family. They'd been through hell, yet somehow, they'd all survived.

"I couldn't have done this without every one of you," she said.

Cherry looked at her. "You've always been stronger than you realized. Even when you were little."

"Your mom's right," Strider added. "You faced the devil and didn't blink."

River leaned against Apollo, drawing comfort from his steady heartbeat. "I was terrified the whole time. I kept thinking he'd somehow break free, that he'd-"

"But he didn't," Ares interrupted. "And he never will again."

Bianca knelt in front of River, her features softened with concern. "How are you feeling physically? The babies?"

River grabbed Bianca's hand and moved it to her stomach. "They're okay."

Bianca smiled as a flutter stirred in River's belly.

"They know their mother is a badass," Zeke commented from his position by the door.

"I'm your auntie B-," Bianca said to River's belly.

"I'm going to get you the poshest baby clothes and the most expensive toys, and we're gonna play together and watch kid shows and eat junk food and then you are good and hyper, I'm gonna give you back to your dads to take care of you while your mom and I go have girl time. "

Everyone laughed, the sound breaking the last of the tension that gripped them. For a moment, they were just a family sharing a quiet moment of relief and connection.

Ares kissed River's temple. "Our children are going to have the most incredible mother. And the most overprotective uncles, aunts, and grandparents." He chuckled, glancing at Strider and Cherry.

Tears sprang to River's eyes, but this time they were born of gratitude rather than fear or exhaustion. "I love you all so much."

For several minutes, they simply sat together, sharing stories and memories, allowing the horrors of the day to recede.

Bianca told a story about Zeke accidentally walking into a women's restroom on their first date.

Strider recounted childhood adventures between River and Bianca.

Apollo told everyone how Ares had ruined his favorite game out of jealousy.

Ares countered that Apollo had stolen his favorite blanket.

Everyone laughed as the two bickered about who had hurt who first.

Eventually, Bianca stood, stretching her back. "Well, I think it's time we let you three have some peace. It's been a long day."

"And the days won't be getting any shorter for quite a while," said Ares.

"Thank you," River said, looking at each of them in turn. "For everything."

They departed with warm embraces all around.

"I don't want to go tomorrow," River said. "I don't want to see it."

"You've seen enough, kitten," said Apollo.

"I'll go," said Cherry.

"I will too," said Strider.

Ares nodded. "We'll meet at five thirty at the front door."

"Where is the execution going to be held?" River asked.

"At the chapel where we met with the council."

River nodded, glad it wouldn't be at the estate.

"Then we will see you before dawn," said Cherry.

Apollo nodded, and then they were alone. Just Ares, Apollo, River, and their unborn children.

They sat quietly for several minutes before Ares said, "Let's get to bed and order some takeout."

Apollo looked at River. "Burgers and fries?"

River was about to say yes when her body said otherwise. "Actually," she replied. "Do you know a good Chinese place? I am dying for some Szechuan beef, and some garlic bread, and fried chicken."

Apollo and Ares looked at each other.

"I don't think there's a Chinese place that has all that, but we for sure can get it all from different places."

River kissed Apollo's cheek. "Thank you. Oh, and a strawberry shake. I haven't had one of those since I was twelve."

Ares snorted and laughed. "I think we'd better have Lachlan get menus from all the places within a twenty-mile radius. At this rate, we will need to know them all by heart by the time the babies arrive."

River smacked him. "You're so funny."

Ares shrugged. "I aim to please."

"Then get my food, and I'll be more than pleased. I might even reward you for being a good boy if you have it here in the next thirty minutes." River winked at him.

"Hey," said Apollo. "What about me?"

River smiled and kissed Apollo. "Who do you think is going to entertain me while I wait for my food?"

Apollo stood with River in his arms and walked toward the door. He stopped as he turned the knob and looked over his shoulder. "Ares, don't feel the need to rush the food."

Ares shook his head. "The hell I won't. She makes the rules, not you. And she told me to have it here before then. And when it comes to our mate, I always do as my Luna tells me."