Chapter 208 The Battle Xxiii-iii

• Standing not far from Usher and Vione, Ayla, the Sacred Elder who was always present at every trial, could hardly believe that the defendants that night were Mariah and Greisy. She was shaken. While she didn't know Greisy personally, Mariah was another story. They were close—so close that Ayla needed time to calm herself and clear her mind.
• Ayla exhaled deeply. "I would never have thought that the woman who once cared for Alpha Usher with such tenderness could be someone so devoid of compassion."
• Mariah scoffed, then smiled. "I'm sorry, Ayla. I guess I've let you down."