Chapter 68: Framed


    The scattered rays of the sun were not enough to illuminate the darkened depths of the dungeon.


    Though Can had lit the mboyantmp on the outside, his weak self was not capable to hold onto it


    much longer. He kept staring at the fragile figure behind the steel bars who was indifferent to his visitor


    and kept munching the food eagerly. Can was satisfied when he looked at the man feeding himself


    but his thoughts were unstable.


    "It doesn''t make sense."


    "Why..? Because he killed someone for saving his own mate." The middle aged man snorted and


    stashed another chunk of meat to his mouth.


    "He killed his own father! The man who he loved so dearly."


    The prisnory aside the empty tray and took two steps towards the man "You are filled with sorrow."


    he looked at the sad eyes of the handsome man.


    Can sighed "Somehow the me lies on me. I was responsible for his death."


    The man shook his head in disagreement "It was all Einar."


    "He had to take such an extreme step because of me. If it hadn''t been for my life Einar would''ve never


    killed his father."


    The man rolled his eyes "As if the wolf has not gone to the extremes before."


    "What do you mean?" Can asked in confusion.


    "Forget it." The man gritted his teeth and looked sideways to avoid the gaze of the Elemental "Where is


    your guard?" He asked abruptly to divert the topic.


    Can shrugged "Flying somewhere perhaps."


    "She should be with you. Leaving you unprotected as such is dangerous."


    "I will be fine by my own. Besides someone has to do the job."


    "That someone is you!" The man chided. It was bing unbearable for him to control his angst for


    the poor behavior of the Elemental.


    As a supreme leader Can had some responsibilities to shoulder. His line of work was way different


    than what he did in the pack. He wasn''t meant for the pack and yet he never gave up the wolves.


    Though the man was irritated with Can he knew the reason for Can''s unwillingness.


    "I cant leave Einar." The handsome man spoke softly.


    "He needs you but you don''t need him."


    "I need him too."


    "You want him. There is a difference." the man lowered his voice as his anger had been on the rise and


    he didn''t want to further upset the Elemental. "The full moon will be here soon and before that you have


    to prepare yourself for your destiny."


    Can scowled "I don''t want any of this."


    "It is not your choice. Everything you have gone through so far was all part of a n. Destiny was trying


    to make you walk on your fated path. The more you try to change it the more you will suffer."


    "Einar is my destiny." Can stated as a matter of fact.


    "He is a part of it." the man nodded briefly "People are waiting for you. It is not Isadora''s job to do what


    was meant for you. Sooner orter your destiny will take its course even if you don''t wish for it."


    Can wanted to say much more; so much more to the prisnor but he was out of time. More importantly


    whatever the prisoner said did make sense but his love torn heart wasn''t ready to ept the fact that


    he had to leave Einar. He side nced at the entry way when he heard some footsteps. The guard


    outside was gesturing him to leave at once.


    "I need to go." He smiled "I will visit again soon."


    "Don''t. You should stoping here Elemental." The prisnor looked at him sternly "I don''t want you to


    be near me. Feeding me has already turned you into a criminal. I don''t want you to suffer because of


    me."


    "And who will stop me?" Can snickered "The alpha knows me well." he winked.


    Can took his steps back and turned his body towards the exit. The retreating figure of the Elemental


    saddened the prisnor for his own reasons "I wish you knew the true face of your alpha as well.." he


    sighed.


    ****


    The death of Ragnar had shocked the entire pack. The news spread like wildfire in the entire werewolf


    world. The loss was felt by every single wolf in the pack. More so it was the shock of their life when


    they heard what had transpired.


    No one could believe that Einar had killed his own father.


    The fight for authority and supremacy was not new in the werewolf world. Every now and then the old


    alpha was reced by his younger substitute by means they deemed fit. Either through deception or


    through a challenge. In this case however what surprised everyone was the sheer fact that Einar had


    never challenged his father traditionally to im the title.


    People knew that he was not interested to be the alpha after what he did to his own people. Yet the fact


    that he killed his own father became a new mystery, a dark secret whose aplice were two men;


    Einar and Can.


    The death of Ragnar had created a void for the position of the alpha. Einar had to reluctantly step in to


    shoulder the responsibilities of his father. He was not interested to helm the mantle for he knew that the


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    people never epted him. He could see fear and distrust among the wolves, like they were unhappy


    to even look at Einar.


    But the muscr man felt indebted to his father. He concluded that it was his duty to carry on the


    legacy of his forefathers.


    In all of these events he constantly maintained a distance between himself and the handsome man. For


    some reasons he was avoiding every possible connection which could bring them together. Surprisingly


    he was even controlling his wolf so that his inner beast would adhere to his demands and not go


    against his wishes to meet his mate.


    Can on the other hand was devastated.


    Einar was doing it again. Can knew that Einar had his own reasons for keeping himself aloof from the


    handsome man but it was hurting him.


    However like the early birds who waited patiently for the first rays of the morning sun to spread its


    wings in joy, Can too was calm. He knew that Einar would eventuallye back to him. He just


    needed some time and Can wasn''t going to force him.


    He carried out his regr activities throughout the day as was his job. Rosaline was in a critical stage


    of her pregnancy and hence she needed extra care and attention. Zelda was supposed to look after


    Rosaline but the demise of Ragnar had left herpletely shattered. She had locked herself in her


    room refusing to meet anyone, suffering in her own grief.


    Can had taken the responsibility of Rosaline and her unborn. He did everything that was possible for


    an expecting mother and her child. Rosaline too was beholden by Can''s selfless act and she thanked


    the goddess above for hispany.


    "How is the luna?" Can asked as he kept the ss of juice on the table besides Rosaline''s bed.


    "The same." Rosaline forced her smile as she leaned sideways "Doesn''t talk or respond to anything.


    She lives a soulless existence."


    "Maybe Einar should talk to her." Can pursed his lips.


    Rosaline sipped the liquid and shook her head "He doesn''t have the power to face his mother. He


    hasn''t talked to her since that fateful day." Her face fell as a tiny drop rolled down through the sides of


    her cheek.


    Can felt apologetic towards thedy as she was caught in the middle of a storm. She had a family for


    namesake as neither Einar nor luna Zelda were present for her in this crucial period.


    "Everything will be fine." Can consoled thedy "We should talk about something else."


    Rosaline sniveled "Yes we should."


    "How is the baby?"


    "It has been six months already. Aurora says that the baby is healthy and now I should do things more


    carefully." she exhaled "Bing a mother is challenging but Einar helps a lot." she tried her best to


    force her smile but Can knew the truth.


    "Sure he does."


    "The child is the only thing that makes him smile these days. The constant pressure to be the head of


    the pack and be the alpha what people deserve has made him into a mess really."


    Perhaps his deeds had led him to his tragedy Can thought. However he was happy that even


    through these stressful times Einar had not forgotten about the little life growing inside of Rosaline.


    "You should spend more time with him."


    "I try to be with him as much as possible."


    Rosaline bit her lips and Can understood the hidden meaning behind her unspoken words. Einar had


    been distancing himself from Rosaline for quite a while. It was a gradual shift up until the time they


    were separated. He was even about to reveal his rtionship with Can but his mouth was shut with


    the news of Rosaline''s pregnancy.


    Can encouragingly smiled at thedy "Everything will be fine." He felt sorry for thedy for in a way


    she was being dragged to a loveless mating by Einar. He did not want to imagine the day when


    Rosaline was aware of the truth. It would be devastating.


    "Don''t stress yourself too much. It is not good for the child."


    "Sometimes I feel like the child is the only thing which is keeping Einar sane."


    Indeed it was true. Can was aware of the fact the only binding factor in Einar and Rosaline''s


    rtionship was the child. Something that Can could never provide the man. This made him sad but


    he was happy for Einar for at least he would have the chance to call himself a father.


    "You should focus on the road ahead. Einar will be a good parent. The child will help him change."


    Can palmed Rosaline''s hands. The gesture was palliative to the sorrow she was experiencing right


    now. She genuinely smiled at the man "I really appreciate you being here Can. Your words somehow


    sooth my disturbed mind. You are really a gem of a person."


    "We are friends after all."


    "You have been with me throughout." she nodded with eyes full of emotion "Even though it was Einar


    who should''ve been responsible, you have taken the responsibility and have been on the forefront. I


    could never thank you enough."


    "The child means something to me as well.."


    Can''s words were left hanging mid sentence when he saw the contorted face of the Luna. It looked


    as if she was in pain. "What''s wrong..?" Can asked out of great concern.


    Rosaline put both of her hands to her stomach and clutched it tightly. A loud moan of pain escaped her


    lips "It hurts..." she breathed heavily "It hurts." As if this wasn''t enough, a piercing scream shrilled


    through the room as Rosaline''s back arched and she opened her mouth wide.


    "Rosaline..!" Can immediately rushed to thedy "Rosaline." He hurriedly went towards the door and


    boomed his voice "Is anybody out there? Somebody help!"


    ****


    Patience was something that was too difficult to hold onto at the moment. The n of elites were all


    arranged outside of the room were Rosaline was being treated. The signs of worry on every other face


    were visible. Most importantly it was Einar who couldn''t station his feet on a single spot. He moved in


    oscitions looking at the door for any news regarding the development of his unborn child and the luna


    of the pack.


    "Don''t worry Einar they will be fine." Garrick sympathized with his friend and looked at him with utter


    concern.


    On the other side of the room it was Can who was the most disturbed person. He couldn''t fathom the


    reason behind Rosaline''s situation or why she was unconscious all of a sudden. All he knew that he


    was talking to her merrily and at the next moment itself she felt this sudden immense pain.


    He looked at Einar with the corner of his eyes for he was worried about him. He couldn''t imagine the


    flurry of emotions the man might''ve been going through right now. He just wanted to reach him and


    hold his hands to assure him that everything was going to be alright; but he couldn''t do it. He sighed


    and looked at the door, waiting for Aurora toe with a positive note.


    The anxious moments soon died when the wolves heard the sound of thetch being opened from the


    inside. Every one of them stood on their feet while Einar and Garrick rushed to the door hurriedly.


    Aurora came out with measured steps and took a survey of the people waiting impatiently for her


    verdict. Her eyes caught the attention of Can and she shook her head dejectedly. Can grew more


    and more despondent from the look Aurora gave him.


    The silent conversation between the healer and the beautiful man agitated Einar and he growled "How


    are they?"


    Aurora was startled for a moment as she looked at the angry face of the alpha. She willed her lips to


    move but she couldn''t think of a way to deliver her words in a subtle manner.


    "Say it." Einar looked stern "That''s an order."


    Aurora gulped and took a deep breath of confidence "Rosaline is fine but the baby.." she sighed as a


    drop of water rolled down her eye "The baby could not survive the trauma"


    The room was filled with simultaneous gasps and moans of shock. Can was hurt the most as he bit


    his lips while his eyes washed away his happiness, his calm.


    "What do you mean?" Einar asked in disbelief. It was just a whisper of a sound that he could utter.


    "It was a deliberate attempt to hurt the both of them." The witch paused "She was poisoned."


    The room was again buzzed with shock and grief but it was mostly a surprise as to how a heavily


    guarded alpha house was infiltrated. The murmurs were mocking Einar in the face. He couldn''t protect


    his luna, he couldn''t protect his child. He let the shock absorb him and he mind linked every wolf to


    stand in silence.


    "Garrick arrange a meeting in the hall." he broadened his shoulders while his face was hard to read "I


    want every servant and wolf of every rank who is working at the alpha house present here." he sighed


    and diverted his gaze to Aurora. The witch silently nodded and both of them went ahead to discuss the


    current situation of the luna.


    In a matter of a few moments the main room in the alpha house was filled with people. The wolves


    were standing ording to their ranks and waiting for their alpha to arrive. Can as usual took his


    position aloof from the rest of them. He was shattered to say the least. His heartfelt condolence was


    surely not enough to imagine the pain his mate might''ve been going through right now. Against all odds


    he decided that it was high time he intervened. He had made up his mind to go and talk to Einar, to be


    with him in his apathy.


    The chattering soon came to a halt as the alpha arrived at the scene with Garrick and Arthur.


    Einar stood firm on his position as he watched his fellow wolves standing in respect of the alpha with


    their heads bowed down "My child is dead." Einar said at once "That''s not the part I am here to discuss


    with you all. I am agitated and this anger needs release. Someone among you is the traitor behind this


    conspiracy. I am giving you one final chance to confess otherwise I will show no leniency when I kill


    you."


    Every wolf looked at each other for they were worriedly clueless of the aftermath that would be caused


    by an irked alpha.


    Einar waited for a few more moments but when no response came he snarled "So no ones speaking."


    he red his nose "Fine then... You are forcing me to bring my wolf to the fore."


    Simultaneous gasps echoed the main hall. Einar''s wolf was a death sentence in itself.


    "Pardon me alpha." Arthur courageously spoke his mind "There should be a fair trial for the killer should


    not be the reason to annihte your trusted men."


    "He has a point." Garrick added "Your wolf will have no mercy on any of us. His barbaric nature is


    beyond right and wrong."


    "Fine." Einar exhaled in defeat "What do you suggest?"


    Garrick furrowed his brows as he got thinking "The healer says that Rosaline was poisoned. It must


    have been something that she consumed."


    "Bettany was responsible for her food but she says that the luna hasn''t eaten anything this morning."


    Arthur said nonchntly


    "Perhaps it must have been something she drank." Einar concluded in a whisper. He slowly swept his


    gaze to his best friend "Who was with her this morning?"


    The wolf gulped at the question and looked sideways to avoid Einar''s gaze. Einar growled "I ASKED


    YOU A QUESTION GARRICK."


    The hall was silenced once again. Garrick closed his eyes and gritted his teeth before uttering the


    words he dreaded "It was Can."


    It was just a whisper. However the sound was enough to cause shock waves across the hall. Every eye


    looked at the confused human with suspicion. Can on the other hand was taken by surprise by the


    allegation. Though it was true that he was with Rosaline when the incident urred but calling him the


    perpetrator was utterly absurd. He tried to reason and raise his voice but someone broke the silence.


    "The lunas guard." Marden''s eye sparkled "Of course we should have seen thising." he smirked


    "We let our guards down and look what this filthy human has brought upon us."


    Can''s lips moved randomly to speak but he could not gather his thoughts. The shock was too much


    for him.


    "I could not.." He looked at everyone around. Though it was expected, he felt betrayed by being


    cornered. He looked at Einar when the same emotions reflected in him "How could you even think


    that!" Can pleaded as he stared at Marden in defense.


    Marden''s words fueled the outrage among the other wolves present. They readily agreed to what


    Marden was trying to imply. The resentment was such that they had presumed the man guilty of the


    crime just like that. The murmurs rose in scale as people were not holding back whileshing at the


    Elemental.


    "We always knew that you would be the doom to our pack and you''ve proved that yourself."


    "You are truly wicked!"


    "This appearance of yours was always a fa?ade."


    "Luna will have no mercy on you. You will rot in hell!"


    The closed fists and irked snarls were increasing more and more. The cursed slurs were jumbled into


    each other as every wolf spoke his mind. They were hellishly angry at the man. The environment


    around was tense soon enough. The wolves now demanded that the human be beheaded for his horrid


    crime. They wanted justice for the unborn.


    The only silent members present at the moment were the head warrior, beta and the gamma. Arthur


    and Aldous looked at the man with sympathy while Garrick looked at him with helplessness in his eyes.


    "Silence!" the alpha roared at once and every wolf present bowed his head.


    The tears that flowed through Can''s eyes were overlooked by everyone. The handsome man was


    stunned for a moment but he realized that his mum would be misinterpreted as his eptance of


    crime.


    He bravely steadied his quivered breaths and calmly spoke "I have been with the luna for more than


    any one in the pack. I have cared for her, nurtured her and the baby for weeks in their times of need.


    The unborn child had became a part of my life. An unsolicited bond has developed between us. I have


    always loved him as my own. Rosaline is like my sister and I cannot imagine to hurt her in anyway.


    Then why would I try to kill someone who is dear to me? I would never..."


    His words were cut short when the alpha roared. "YOU KILLED MY CHILD!"


    The pain that exploded within Can had left him numb. The beads that erupted through his eyes were


    not proportionate with the immense pain his heart felt right now. How on earth did Einar even think of it!


    Why didn''t his tongue shiver before uttering those words? Rosaline was dear to him. Even if it wasn''t


    her, Can had neverid his hands on women or children. Then why was Einar convinced that Can


    was at fault? It was like he didn''t know him at all!


    The treacherous tears that rolled down though his cheeks were more of the betrayal he faced at the


    moment. Had it been anyone in the pack saying those words, Can would have rebutted them but


    when it came to his own loved one, the man he trusted so much.. his heart just sank!


    He fluttered his eyes as he gasped asionally in shock "Do you.. Do you even realize what you are


    saying!" he spoke in a hushed voice.


    Einar on the contrary kept his position firm and gritted his teeth. He was barely holding the brim of


    water waiting to liberate from him. He swiftly moved his eyes to Marden and ordered him. "Put him to


    the deepest arc of the dungeons."


    ********


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