Chapter 107
Augustin’s POV
watched with pride as Juno defended me before the Elder Council, her words leaving them speechless. My eyes drifted to Evanth’s empty seat. Relief washed over me. If he had been here this hearing would have been much more difficult.
Of all people, my brother was the only one who could distesped me without consequence. Not because I couldn’t handle him, but because I had to respect my mother. Hurting Evanth meant hurting her, and that was something I tried to avoid.
I leaned back in my chait, feeling the weight of authority settle around me like a cloak.
Quentor’s disappointed expression caught my attention. His normally composed features couldn’t fully hide his agitation. The slight twitch at the corner of his mouth, the way his fingers tapped silently against the polished wooden table.
Had he and Evanth planned something together? Everyone knew my brother lacked the intelligence to orchestrate something of this magnitude, but Quentor… he definitely warranted investigation.
“The Council should focus on finding the source of these documents,” Juno said, her voice firm yet respectful. “We’re discussing forged orders and falsified reports. Shouldn’t our priority be identifying who’s undermining the Alpha King’s authority?”
Several Council members nodded, uncomfortable glances passing between them. The scent of uncertainty rose in the room. Juno had struck a nerve.
Azalea cleared her throat and quickly steered the conversation back to their agenda.
“After discussing the threat posed by Kieran and Alpha Matthew Harrington, I believe we can conclude this meeting,” she said, watching Juno’s reaction carefully. “Unless there are other matters the Alpha King wishes to address?”
Her eyes lingered on Juno a moment too long, searching for any flicker of emotion at. My muscles tensed as I fought the urge to growl.
I suppressed a smile. If they thought they could use Matthew to get to Juno, they were gravely mistaken. She belonged to me now. Her heart beat only for me–I was certain of it.
Sebastian cleared his throat. “If there are no objections, this meeting is adjourned.”
“I object,” I said. I rose to my full height, “I’ve remained silent until now, but that ends today.”
The room stilled. Even Juno looked surprised, her eyes widening slightly as she drew in a sharp breath.
“Azalea,” I said, turning to face her. “What exactly are Alpha Matthew Harrington’s alleged crimes?”
She straightened, adjusting her glasses with a slightly trembling hand. “He’s been working with Kieran to build an army. They plan to overthrow Clifflands.”
“Based on what intelligence?” I pressed, taking a step toward her.
“Our sources are reliable, Alpha King,” she replied, struggling to maintain eye contact.
I laughed. “Is that so? And your evidence is…what? Rumors? Whispers? Anonymous tips?” I shook my head in disgust.
1/3
Chapter 107
This is pathetic.
Alpha King Sebastian began, his voice placating.
I raised my hand, silencing him instantly. “You tried to use Jungs former husband as bait. It’s dishonorable, disrespectful, and frankly, stupid.”
Juno’s hand found mine under the table, her fingers squeezingine in silent support. Her touch calmed Fenris, though only slightly.
A murmur spread through the chamber. Several Council members shifted uncomfortably in their seats. I wasn’t finished.
“And I want to know.” I slammed my palm on the table, making several members jump. “Who sent Enforcement Officer Theron Caudill to Forestvale to collect development taxes from Alpha Matthew? Especially after I clearly told Sebastian no such order was given.”
Stunned silence filled the room.
Azalea’s eyes widened, her composure slipping. “How would you know that?”
“Because Matthew contacted me directly to ask about these supposed taxes,” I replied coldly. “He wanted to know why I was demanding money after assuring him of peace.”
“And you believe him?” Quentor scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. “The man who let his Luna go so easily? His word means nothing.”
I saw Juno stiffen slightly beside me, though her face remained impassive.
Bryloch, bring in Theron, I commanded through our pack link.
The doors opened, and Theron entered, escorted by two guards. He dropped to his knees, head bowed in submission.
“Enforcement Officer Theron,” Bryloch said, “you will speak the truth, or face charges of treason. Who ordered you to collect taxes from Alpha Matthew Harrington?”
Theron swallowed hard. “I–I thought the order was real. It came from… Lord Evanth.”
The chamber erupted in whispers.
“Explain,” I demanded.
“Three days ago, I received orders bearing your seal, Alpha King Lord Evanth delivered them personally.”
Bryloch, Adryx–find my brother. Now. The command traveled through our pack bond instantly.
“Evanth must be arrested immediately!” Azalea declared, standing from her seat.
I watched Sebastian’s shocked expression, then turned my gaze to Quentor. His face betrayed nothing, but I knew He was the mastermind–I was sure of it.
“This is outrageous!” Quentor protested. “I had nothing to do with this!”
2/3
Chapter 107
I approached him slowly. Thever suggested you did, Quentor. Interesting that your mind went there immediately.”
“Arrest Quentor as well,” I ordered. “He’s guilty until proven Innocent.”
Guards moved forward, placing silver chains around Quentor’s wrists. He didn’t resist, but his eyes burned with hatred.
I turned to address the entire Council. “Let me be perfectly clear Forestvale is a sovereign territory. We will not tax their Alphas. I may be Alpha King, but the Alphas of Forestvale rule forestvale. The Alpha of Fireland rules Fireland. As long as they don’t declare war, I will not attack them.”
I moved to the center of the chamber, making sure to eet the eyes of each Council member as I spoke. “I have no lives to waste, no homes and families to destroy. War might bring money and power to my position and to this Council. It might expand our territory and strengthen our rule. But it also destroys lives, demolishes homes, and brings pain and grief to our people.”
“The Alpha King is right,” Sebastian said quietly. “We’ve seen enough bloodshed.”
Quentor sneered despite his chains. “Your father understood power. He knew sacrifices were necessary,
My voice hardened as I turned to him. “My father did much of this during his reign. He created enemies for Clifflands and for my family name. Those actions led to his death and sparked hatred across the lands. And look where it got him- assassinated by Kieran, leaving his territory vulnerable and his family fractured.”
Juno’s scent sharpened with concern. She knew how rarely I spoke of my father’s death.
The room was absolutely silent now. I could hear the rapid heartbeats of the Council members, smell their unease.
“I am not here to follow in his footsteps,” I continued, each word precise and measured. “My era is for healing, peace, and prosperity. Anyone who attempts to force my hand against anyone, secretly or openly, will be charged with treason. Are we
clear?”
Chapter Comments
ト
