Chapter 119
Juno’s POV
We were led to an interrogation room with four chairs. One was welded to the table–clearly for the prisoner. I sat in one of the empty chairs while Augustin paced restlessly.
The ice water arrived quickly. It was blessedly cold, and after a few sips, I felt slightly better.
A few minutes later, Theron was brought in. He kept his head down, refusing to look at either of us.
“Look at me,” I commanded, but he kept his gaze fixed on the floor.
“When my Luna gives you an order, you obey,” Augustin said. “Look at her.”
Theron slowly raised his eyes to meet mine. “I’m sorry, Luna,” he whispered.
“Tell me exactly how Evanth gave you your orders,” Augustin demanded, standing behind me with his hands on my shoulders. “I want every detail, from the moment you were contacted to when you left.”
“He called me to the manor,” Theron said hesitantly, fidgeting with his hands. “He gave me the documents and told me to collect the development tax from Forestvale. He said if they refused, I could use force. That I should make an example of them.”
“How specific were his instructions?” I pressed. “Did he tell you which pack to target first? How much force to use?”
“He… he said to start with Matthew’s pack since they’re the strongest. Break them, and the others would fall in line.”
“And Dawnshere?” I asked, watching his eyes carefully for any sign of deception.
“That… that order came from the elders,” he admitted, his gaze shifting nervously. “They said it was time to increase revenue from all territories.”
Augustin leaned forward. “Tell me precisely how my brother contacted you. What time? What day did you go to the manor? Was it by phone or email? Did he call you personally or did someone else reach out on his behalf?”
“It was five days ago,” Theron said, swallowing hard. “He called me in the evening, around 8 PM, from his personal number. He told me it was urgent and to come to the manor immediately. I arrived about an hour later. I met him in his office.”
“And no one else was present during this meeting?” Augustin pressed.
“No, sir. Just Evanth and me. He was very clear about keeping it confidential.”
He’s lying, you’re right. Augustin linked to me.
I nodded slightly, knowing he could feel my agreement. Too many details suddenly. He’s prepared this story.
Nfound it interesting that Augustin was handling this himself. Normally, an interrogation like this would be conducted by one of his Detla. The fact that he was here personally showed how much he cared about his brother.
But Augustin’s judgment that Theron was lying wouldn’t be enough to free Evanth. The elders would still demand a trial, and they would likely find him guilty. We needed more than suspicion; we needed proof.
1/2
Chapter 119
“Let me make sure I understand,” I said, “You claim that five days ago, in the evening, you went to the manor and received orders directly from Evanth
Theron nodded, shifting uncomfortably.
*If you were summoned officially, someone must have seen you pass through the gates and enter the building,” I said reasonably. “The security logs would show your entry. The cameras would have captured you. Security is quite thorough at the Levenston manor, especially after recent events. You have an excellent memory, don’t you, Theron? You remember exactly which guards were on duty that night?”
“I–I think it was Micah and Darius at the gate,” he stammered,
“And they logged your entry as official business with Evanth?”
He looked down again, avoiding my gaze, his hands trembling slightly.
“The guards in the hallway–the new ones who were stationed there–did they see you meeting with Evanth?” I asked, referring to guards that didn’t actually exist. “You know, the ones with the special silver–trimmed uniforms that Augustin just implemented last week?”
“I… I think I saw them,” Theron ventured cautiously. “By the east corridor.”
“And did they escort you to Evanth’s office as per the new protocol?”
“I… I don’t remember exactly what time it was,” Theron stammered, sweat now visibly forming on his brow. “Everything happened quickly. It was a blur.”
“That’s all right,” I said, my voice softening. “We just need to know if anyone can confirm these things happened. The Levenston family is known for justice, but also for mercy when the truth is told. And Theron, right now, we need that truth more than anything.”
I leaned closer, keeping my voice gentle but firm. “We know you went to the manor, Theron, but you never spoke to Evanth. Who told you to say you did? Why did you agree?”
Theron’s breathing quickened, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead. Finally, he cracked.
“My wife,” he whispered. “Daisy is seven months pregnant. I got a note saying they would hurt her if I didn’t do as they
asked.”
“Tell us everything,” Augustin commanded.
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