Augustin’s POV
Adryx finally arrived with Fox in tow. “Juno needs him in an hour to help identify the ten women who threatened him, he explained. “Onor they të Elright, he can leave his cell but not the manor.”
Fox repeated much of what he’d told me previously, the bidden organization, their infiltration of various regions, the threats against leaders, and his own reluctant involvement. Kieran grew increasingly concerned as Fox spoke, asking why he would be targeted.
When Fox finished, Matthew and Kieran exchanged glances, both agreeing these people were simply hungry for power.
“Take him to Juno,” I instructed a guard. Then I turned to face my guests.
“What I’m about to propose is difficult but necessary,” I began. “This ‘Sovereign‘ and his people are a threat to all of us. We’ve tried investigating, but it’s nearly impossible to catch them. I need your support for what comes next.”
“What exactly are you planning? Kieran asked.
I’m done playing by the rules,” I stated firmly. “No more diplomacy, no more rules of engagement. These people know the laws and how to use them. They want to remove me as Alpha King so they can dissolve the Elder Council and install their own puppet king.”
I leaned forward. “I won’t let that happen. I propose we arrest everyone on our list, all at once, across all regions. We assume guilt and question them afterward.”
Matthew nodded slowly. “And the Elder Council? They’ll question this.”
“That’s where I need your support the most,” I said. “These people wanted to install another ‘King.‘ I’ve decided to bring back the old ways, where the Alpha King held all the power.”
Kieran immediately stood up, shaking his head. “No. Absolutely not. You’ll be just like your father.”
“I wouldn’t suggest this if I had another choice,” I defended myself. “But I don’t. In three weeks, I have my bonding ceremony with Juno. She’s pregnant with my pup, and she’s been receiving threats.”
‘So your solution is to remove one threat and install an even bigger one?” Kieran laughed bitterly. “How does that make sense?”
‘I’m not my father, I insisted, frustration building in my voice. “I’ve spent years trying to prove that.”
*Really?” Kieran’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “You attacked Fireland. You sent your brother to attack me and demand reparations. You attacked Fireland again, claiming we helped Forestvale attack Verdantia. Then you attacked Forestvale and took their women. All while the Elder Council was supposedly keeping you in check. What will you do when they can’t?”
I took a deep breath. “I never pursued you for killing my father. My brother acted on his own when he attacked Fireland. Evanth looked down, shame evident on his face. “I attacked Fireland based on misleading information from an investigation. As for the women from Forestvale, Juno has already asked them if they want to return, and they’ve refused. And I haven’t had a harem for years.”
“Don’t judge me based on rumors, Halloway.”
I hesitated, then decided to share something personal. “This morning, I told my mate that I wanted to leave all this behind. That we could go somewhere else, just the two of us. But she insisted we take this path, for the safety of our people. The person behind all this is far more dangerous than
Kieran’s expression softened slightly. He knew, deep down, that my solution was the best one. If we continued investigating, we would get nowhere.
“What happens to the regions if you become king?” he asked finally.
“You retain leadership of your territories,” I assured him. “And you’ll both have seats on the Elder Council. That elevates your status to nobility and gives you
a voice in certain matters.”
It’s what any leader dreams of.
1/2
Chapter 255
So we just need to support your move to restore the old ways and make you king of all regions? Kieran clarified..
And lend military support in case someone tries to take power by force,” I added.
Kieran laughed and extended his hand. “You have my support.”
I shook it, unsettled by how easily he’d agreed. I made a mental note to investigate why later.
“Fireland has already been infiltrated,” Kieran admitted. “Three packs have been attacked. That’s why I’ve been absent from most of the games.
“The attacks were disguised to look like they came from you,” he continued. “But after what happened with Elton, I knew better.
I relaxed. If that was the case, Kieran was in the same position as Matthew. Working with me was his only chance of survival.
“What about, Fireland?” Matthew asked. “Do you have a list of names there?”
“Not yet,” Kieran replied. “But once we arrest the people on your list, we might get information that will help us.”
“And if they refuse to cooperate?” Kieran asked.
Matthew smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “When Juno and I took over Forestvale, we had a method. We gave every prisoner a chance to save their lives by giving us information. Those who gave us useful, verified information lived. Those who refused or lied died.”
“It works especially well on warriors,” he added. “Even better on those who aren’t warriors.”
I realized then that Matthew wasn’t as mild as he appeared. He had simply been more passive in the past. That passivity was gone now.
As we continued discussing the details of our plan, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. With Matthew and Kieran’s support, we could finally end this threat once and for all. We would strike decisively, eliminate our enemies, and restore peace to our lands.
And when it was done, Berry and I would complete our bond under the Purplemoon, with nothing standing in our way.
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