As I watched Juno across my desk, l’couldn’t help but feel that everything was crumbling around me. The weight of leadership had never telt heavier. Though our intimate encounter had calmed me momentarily, the crushing pressure of impending civil conflict remained.
I don’t think your suggestion will work,” I said quietly, “These people… they’re determined. They want my head on a spike. They’ve been planning this for
years.”
All I’d ever wanted was to rule differently than my father. To build something lasting without bloodshed. To have a peaceful territory where I could raise a family with my mate, I glanced at Juno, her hair cascading over her shoulders as she leaned forward, determination etched on her face. She deserved better than this, better than the chaos I’d dragged her into.
“You’re wrong,” she replied, her voice soft but resolute. “Sometimes you have to be firm, even when it goes against your nature. These people are counting on your mercy, Augustin. If you won’t do what needs to be done, I will.”
I felt her determination pulse through our bond, and it both comforted and alarmed me. She was strong, stronger than I sometimes wanted to admit.
“They’re hiding,” I said. “These troublemakers. They’re buried so deep I can’t find them without tearing apart everything I’ve built. I’d have to become exactly what I’ve fought against.”
“That’s exactly what they’re counting on,” Juno countered, “They’re using your kindness against you. They know you won’t resort to your father’s tactics, so they’re avoiding direct confrontation and using legal maneuvers instead. It’s clever, I’ll give them that.”
She was right. The enemy was smart, attacking where I was weakest, my desire to be different from my father.
“What exactly do you think we should do?” I asked, curious about the plan forming behind those eyes.
‘I need the complete list of everyone who signed that petition,” she said firmly. “Every single name.”
“Verdantia’s Alpha for one,” I began listing. “Crimson, Ambercity-”
“All of them,” she interrupted. “I have an idea. Remember how we handled Theron? We need to apply similar pressure. Find what they love, what they value, and use it as leverage. Everyone has a pressure point, Augustin. We just need to find theirs.”
A chill ran down my spine as I realized what she was suggesting. “You want to threaten their families?”
“Not threaten,” she corrected, her eyes never leaving mine. “Just… create conditions for cooperation. We offer a simple exchange: withdraw the petition, and their loved ones remain untouched. Continue with this challenge, and they’ll lose what matters most. It’s their choice, really.”
I studied her face, seeing a dangerous glint I hadn’t fully appreciated before. My sweet Berry had teeth, sharp ones. Part of me recoiled at the idea of strong- arming my opponents, but the rational part of my brain recognized the necessity.
“You’re suggesting we take hostages,” I said bluntly.
“I’m suggesting we create incentives,” she replied without flinching. “Once the petition is withdrawn, everything returns to normal. No one gets hurt unless they force our hand. This isn’t cruelty, Augustin. It’s survival. They started this game; we’re just playing by their rules now.”
I leaned back in my chair, weighing her words. The plan was ruthless but effective.
“I’ll give you the list,” I finally agreed. “And provide whatever personnel you need. But you will not be personally involved in any of this. I need your word on that. I won’t have you putting yourself at risk.”
She nodded, satisfaction flickering across her face. “You have it. I’ll coordinate, but I won’t be in the field. I promise.”
I made a decision then. After this was over, after we’d secured our position, I would become the tyrant they feared. I’d been gentle because I didn’t want Juno to see me as a monster, but these people had pushed too far.”
I’ll tell Adryx and Bryloch about this plan,” I said. “They need to know we’re not just sitting back and taking this challege. They’ll want to help.
Tuna stood, smoothing down her dress, Fine, I should freshen up. Change into something more appropriate before we leave,
I reached out, letting my fingers trail along her hip as she moved past me. Don’t be long, I murmured.
Ten minutes later, my link was answered by both ftyloch and Adryx. They seemed as tense as I felt, though for different reasons now, We’d all together, but things were more co
complicated these days. We all had mates now. Adryx was about to become a father, I was engaged with a baby on the wa The stakes were higher than ever before.
Adryx arrived first, his tall frame filling the doorway before he strode into my office. Brylach wasn’t far behind, and I noticed they both looked calmer than they had during our emergency meeting earlier.
“You’re smiling,” Bryloch observed, dropping into one of the chairs across from my desk. “That’s new. Did something change since this morning’s crisis?
I nodded, allowing a grim smile to touch my lips. I’ve been talking with Juno, She has a plan.”
I outlined Juno’s strategy, watching their reactions carefully. Bryloch was the first to respond, a slow smile spreading across his face.
*I like it,” he said. “Simple. Effective. Reminds me of old times. Find what they love and use it against them. Classic.”
Adryx nodded thoughtfully. “Theron folded quickly once we applied pressure. This approach is certainly preferable to civil war. And it sends a clear message without spilling blood in our own territory.”
“You don’t think it’s too harsh?” I asked, searching their faces for any hint of disapproval. “It feels like something my father would do.”
“Harsh?” Adryx raised an eyebrow. “You were considering democratic elections, Augustin. In our current environment, that’s practically suicide. If we don’t identify and neutralize whoever’s behind this, things will only get worse. Sometimes the old ways are effective because they work.”
He was right.
“We’ll compile the list ourselves,” I decided. “Keep this operation contained. We’ll only use people from the manor that we absolutely trust. No outsiders, na paper trail.”
Bryloch’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “When do we start?”
*Immediately after the sporting events,” I replied. “Let’s get this done quickly. And the council can go to hell with their outdated opinions. I’ve been too tolerant of their interference.”
As my friends nodded in agreement, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. For the first time in days, I felt like we might actually turn this situation around.
Two hours later, I’m arrived at the stadium to meet Matthew Harrington. I headed to a private box where Matthew would join me.
