117

Hunter, Don't Shoot My Friend

Chapter 117: The Sin

JJ glanced at Chris, who nodded slightly, feeling the shame his family was enduring at that moment. Their reputation as hunters would be ruined, and everything they once were would be revoked, forcing them to return to an ordinary, everyday life.

"The charges and their respective approval or denial will now be read." JJ took a parchment and said, "Gerard Argent, for the crime of murdering dark entities under the protection of the Association of Light, you are found guilty."

The sphere where Gerard's hand rested lit up, confirming the accusations against him, leaving everyone in silence.

"Having been found to have advanced cancer and clinging to your desire to live, you are also found guilty of devising a plan to be turned into a werewolf through an alpha's bite. Therefore, your privileges as hunters have been revoked."

"That's impossible!" Gerard wanted to kill all these bastards who had betrayed their humanity by siding with monsters.

JJ looked at Ethan and said, "Gerard Argent, it is speculated that you sent your daughter to discover the location of the Hale mansion. Is this true or false?"

"True," Gerard admitted. He had a dignity to defend, and this was the moment to do it.

One by one, the crimes of both Gerard and Katie were laid bare. Since Katie was responsible for the Hale mansion massacre, she would be burned alive in front of the siblings. But before that, Ethan would show a small act of mercy to a man who had dedicated his life to eliminating dark entities. No one deserved to die in certain ways; sometimes, even the worst needed a bit of compassion.

"I, Ethan Winchester, by the authority granted to me by the Association of Light and in honor of the values my family has upheld for centuries, under my authority as Guardian Regent, sentence the current patriarch of the Argent family and his daughter to death."

Liam approached with a heavy sword, handed it to Ethan, and without waiting for approval, Ethan swiftly decapitated Gerard, who died hurling insults.

"You're a far worse monster than we are, you damned Winchester," Katie spat, burning with fury, wanting to kill Ethan with her own hands.

But it was obvious she had no chance. For that reason, Ethan ordered the execution to proceed for Katie, who would die the same way the Hale family did—burning.

"Anyone who doesn't want to witness this may leave. As is appropriate, the leadership of the Argent family will pass to your son, Chris Argent, and if he wishes, he may either return to work or spend his time with his family." Ethan felt no discomfort in saying this, and he felt no guilt.

Everyone in life eventually reaps what they sow, and those who have the patience to wait will enjoy life's pleasures.

"Cora, do you want to do it?" Derek handed a lighter to Cora, who was burning with anger.

"No, it's your duty to avenge the family," Cora said, looking intently at her brother, who nodded slightly.

Ethan noticed that Chris' wife refused to leave. He admired that woman—her strength of character was the least she deserved.

"Surely you'll be in a pleasant place when you die, if any god even forgives you. That's all." Ethan turned to leave, and gasoline poured over Katie's body.

"Derek, you can't do this..."

Derek stared coldly at Katie and muttered, "I'll show you the same mercy you showed my family."

Boom!

The flames erupted fiercely, surrounding Katie’s body. She screamed in agony and writhed in pain for a few minutes before finally going still.

The priests present began to pray to dispel the lingering hatred in the air. After witnessing the executions, everyone began to disperse.

Even Deucalion was present, having survived an assassination attempt by the old man who was now dead, though it didn't bring him any satisfaction. "What a vile place..."

As Ethan walked away, Derek called out, "Ethan, truly, thank you."

"I have fulfilled my promise, Mr. Hale. Now you’d better keep yours. Given the timing, I'll be away for a few months. When I return, I expect to see your army of seasoned werewolves ready." Ethan spoke without waiting for a reply.

This wasn't a favor—everyone expected something in return for their actions.

In truth, Ethan would call it mutual service.