Chapter 82 - The Truth, The Real Criminal

>>Yohan

“You saw something.” Ruda grabbed my arm, “I noticed the magic item in your hand,” He stared at me intensely, with so much desperation in his eyes I couldn't look away “What did you see?” His grip on my arm was tight.

“I- I’m not sure if you’ll be pleased to see that.” I’m not sure what to feel after seeing this either. This changes so much yet it doesn’t. I didn’t expect this when I brought the item to look into memories. I didn’t expect something so- cruel?

It reminded me of how soft dad has been with us. He made sure not to even stumble close to what his father did to him.

Seeing his memories gave me feelings I didn’t know how to handle.

“I want to!” Ruda whisper-yelled at me and I knew he was desperate, I could tell from his voice, “Tell me. I need to know.”

I looked at him and then at Chloe who was almost done stacking the dishes and was going to take them to the kitchen.

Chloe…

It’s the same Chloe from dad’s past. Same chestnut colored hair, same blue eyes. She stayed by dad’s side all these years.

She noticed me staring and smiled at me, then picked up the dishes and left.

“Ruda…” I turned to him, “Give me your hand. I’ll show you too.”

Right. He deserves to know the truth too and maybe, this will make it easier for him but then again, maybe it won’t.

He held out his hand and I shook it, the same way I shook dad’s hand but this time I was giving memories instead of stealing them.

***

The court was in procession and many wolves were present there from different packs. Mom and dad both stood for trial.

Dad’s beta Nathan sat besides me. He was a tall sturdy man with orange red brown hair. He became dad’s beta as soon as he finished high school at the age of seventeen.

If one looks at him now, no one would ever be able to tell he was that little boy who cried easily, wanted to wear crowns and was such a little adorable kid.

But still, even then he stood by dad and even now he’s here. He and Chloe both stood by dad’s side as silent supports.

I smiled, they even saved his life once.

Nathan turned and looked at me, “Something wrong Yohan?” He smiled.

“Oh no!” Shit! I was staring… “Sorry about that.”

‘It’s okay,” He placed his hand over mine, “You must be overwhelmed by all of this but know this. I’ll be here whenever you need me. Always.”

“Yes… Thank you…”

He gave me a warm smile and then turned to look at dad again. I always liked Nathan, whenever he came over to visit at our house he would treat me really nicely. He felt like an uncle even though him and dad are twelve years apart.

Who knew he had a deeper connection to dad?

Truly, there are things even close people don’t know. I licked my lips and we never would have known if I didn’t make the decision of looking into dad’s memories.

The prosecutor asked dad about his crimes and he agreed to them earning loud jeers from the audience.

“Order!!” The Judge slammed his silver gavel on the table that had a steel handle. Wolf courts work a little differently than human ones.

Everyone quieted down as the prosecutor continued his question, “Why did you kill so many wolves?”

“Does it matter?” Dad answered, “They were going to die anyway. All the people I killed were sick. What difference does it make that they died a little early? Moreover I got rid of so many rogues for you all. Shouldn’t I be rewarded?”

His answer stirred up so many people that they were ready to jump and kill him at the spot. Dad was purposely playing the bad guy. He wanted to be hated and he intended to take all the hate with him so there would be none left behind for us.

That’s why he even made us hand him over.

“ORDER!!” The judge yelled so loud all the people froze and then slowly sat back down. He sighed , “I will now give out the final decree order for Adam kiryu and Alina Kiryu.” Everyone stayed silent, “After the hearing and facts presented in the documents. Adam Kiryu and his wife, Alina kiryu, who pleaded guilty will be hanged in public.”

My heart dropped as the crowd cheered.

Mother and dad were both taken to the holding cell and they were going to get hanged early the next morning.

Ruda and I went to see them in the morning as they were being taken to the execution site when I asked the guard for a word with dad.

“Yes?” Dad asked and I showed him the magic item I got from Milia. I bought it when I was going home after meeting Ruda in the cafe because somethings were bothering me. Especially the reason as to why dad did all these things. I bought it because some part of me knew he would never tell me and I’m glad I did.

I got to discover something I never could have fanthomed.

And most importantly I got to know that he wasn't a criminal by choice and that your love for us runs very deep.

“I know, I saw it all, all about u and mom. The forest and all the incidents that led you to start this business.”

He was shocked at first, then smiled.

“Since you already know I’ll confess.” His smile turned into a painful one, “I am not proud of it. I never was but I also don’t regret the decision I made. The only thing that I regret is that I won’t be able to see you both anymore.” His smile completely faded, “All I had done could never be forgiven.” He gave me a glance, “But I am sorry, especially to your mother,,” His gaze traveled to someone behind me, “And you both.” Ruda stood behind me, “But know that I truly did love you both.” The guard began to take him away again, “With all my heart.” He gave us another smile. “You both were my pride and joy. My sons.”

Ruda went ahead and hugged him tight. “I know.” Ruda answered before I could, “I love you too.” He hugged him back, “No matter what.” Dad broke the hug and kissed his forehead.

The guard decided to wait. I noticed he was a native of our pack so I understood why.

“I know you’ll be just fine without me and your mom.” He patted his head just like how he used to whenever we did a good job at anything. Like when we did good on a test, an exam, when we won at something or even when we lost. Even when we did bad he would encourage us, telling us that there’s always next time, “You’ve grown up well.” Dad’s voice was soft.

In the moment, in the situation, I know it was hard for Ruda but he held back his tears and smiled back. “Oh and,” Dad asked the guard for something, “One final thing I’d like to give you both.” The guard opened the bag he had with him, “It’s been years since I last did it but still,” He took a soft deep breath, “I wanted to make it once for you both.” From the brown colored paper bag the guard took out two flower crowns and handed it to dad.

It was something I didn’t expect. I mean who would think that an Alpha of such a strong pack made flower crowns?

I smiled as he took one and placed it on Ruda’s head.

“I know you might not like it, it’s a thing for girls and little kids bu-”

“No,” Ruda answered, “I love it…” Dad smiled at his answer, “It’s a bit clumsy, I made it after years but I had the whole night to do it so I think I pulled it off fine.”

Ruda smiled, “It’s great.”

I wonder if the same thing went through Ruda’s mind when he looked at the flower crown, that the hands that used to make something so beautifully delicate were forced to do cruel things because he had to make things better for other people.

“Dad?” Ruda wore the crown confidently and with his hand gently on it he asked, “You’re proud of me?” Ruda asked, probably because he knows he’ll never have the chance to ask it ever again.

“Very much.” Dad gave him a thumbs up, “More than you can imagine.” Ruda flashed him a smile, gave him another short hug and walked away to meet his mom one final time.

“Me too dad.” I finally got the chance to speak.

Dad smiled at me and put the other crown on my head, “It fits.” He looked at the crown on my head, “Gladly.”

“Dad?’ I started , “I love you.” These were the words I hadn’t told him since my childhood but I felt like these were necessary now because there was no longer going to be a next time., “You were the best father one could ask for.” I told him and he turned his head away while walking with a satisfied expression.

Like his purpose was finally complete.

***

We couldn’t bring ourselves to go to the execution so we waited in the pack house for the dead bodies to arrive.

It was that day I realized that the night dad brought me back with him. The banshee came for him and maybe mother too, not me.

It was for this day where they’re both dying as traitors to our society.

It pained me to even think about it and my head hurt.I rubbed my temples and sniffled. I felt sort of sick but did my best not to cry.

It was going to be a quiet funeral but we were still going to hold one.

All along, the real criminal wasn’t a person.

It was desperation, the need, poverty and forced responsibility. I finally know why he let us see those illegal documents, why he made no move when we were clearly disturbed by them.

He wanted us to do this all along… When we were ready. When we were independent enough.

Ruda may still be a student but I already run our company and the pack and he helps out every now and then.

I have all the reigns and I can easily take care of Ruda and teach him stuff.

Dad waited till this time, till the time we were old enough and made sure nothing was there to disturb him or us till this time...

Of course killing people can be justified though…

This was too heavy for me.

Maybe I shouldn’t have looked into his memories, now I can’t come to hate him because he didn’t do it for himself. He did it for us, his pack and his family.

Yet, it infuriates me so much that he happily took the blame. He wasn’t at fault. Mom wasn’t at fault.

At this point, I’m too confused to even think straight.

The true criminal wasn’t even a person all along…

***

When I looked at his corpse I realized something.

He had a soft smile on his face. One I had never seen before, it seemed so blissful, as if after years and years of burdens and stress, he was finally at peace. He was finally free.

I looked at Ruda and he nodded. I closed the casket.

We were expecting just the two of us to be there at the funeral of our parents but strangely enough there were many other people there. All the elders of the pack, around dad’s age and above along with Chloe and Nathan with their families.

None of them made any attempt to talk, they quietly attended the funeral and left.

Made me think again but about how much dad had put in the effort for changing the pack. It was enough that even after knowing what and how he had done, so many people came for him.

Why?

Perhaps they all were thankful to him, he gave them all a better life, less worry for their children and future, all the resources they needed with no stress about it being stolen away or perhaps they also felt apologetic for treating him like the way they did.

Ruda held my hand and I was a bit surprised so I glanced at him. Tears were streaming down his face with no voice as he kept his lips tightly sealed, seeing him I couldn’t hold mine in either and dearly wished that it was raining at the moment.

This was a very unexpected and painful chapter of our lives.

So cruel, I wanted to curse fate.