Augustin’s POV
The meeting with Matthew and Kieran had gone better than I’d expected. Despite our complicated history and shared connection to fans, we’d managed 18 form an alliance against out common enemies. I stood at the edge of the arena, watching competitors in the distance preparing for matches
I linked Bryloch and Adryx.
Meeting concluded. Matthew and Kieran have agreed to work with us, largely because of Juno.
I could sense their surprise even through the link.
What are the terms? Bryloch asked.
I leaned against the railing, keeping my expression neutral despite the roiling thoughts in my mind.
Matthew has promised political support and intelligence sharing. He’ll back us in the Committee and defend our position. Kieran is offering his business netwerks and financial resources to track down whoever’s behind this. In exchange, I’ve agreed to reconsider Alpha autonomy once this crisis is over and ensure their families have greater influence in the new political landscape.
And? Adryx inquired.
We’ll work together to investigate Isabelle and her father’s activities. Matthew seems to have his own suspicions about them. We’re keeping this alliance quiet for now, no public announcements.
And Sebastian has requested an urgent meeting. I’m meeting him in a few minutes.
After that, we’re canceling all tournament activities and returning to the manor immediately. Have the motorcade ready. Alert security.
I glanced once more at the competition field, feeling a twinge of regret. Winning a trophy before my wedding would have been enjoyable, but political crises and security threats had a way of making such entertainments seem frivolous.
As you command, Adryx replied.
Breaking the connection, I made my way toward the small meeting pavilion where Sebastian waited. Something about Sebastian had always made me
uneasy.
The meeting pavilion was a simple wooden structure, open on all sides with a roof providing shade. Ornamental shrubs surrounded it, offering minimal privacy. Sebastian was already there, still wearing his mud–stained rugby uniform, his hair disheveled and face flushed from recent exertion. He was breathing heavily, clearly having rushed from his match.
When he saw me, Sebastian immediately straightened, bowing his head respectfully.
“Your Majesty, thank you for meeting me,” he said, his voice carrying an undertone of nervousness.
‘Please, Sebastian, we’ve known each other long enough, Call me Augustin when we’re alone.”
His eyes widened slightly, and a smile broke across his face. “It would be an honor… Augustin.”
I nodded, gesturing for him to sit. There was something unsettling about the way he looked at me, a sort of worship in his eyes that made my skin crawl. I couldn’t understand why a grown man would be so infatuated with another. Especially when I haven’t done anything.
“What can I do for you?”
Sebastian fidgeted with the edge of his rugby/shirt, his fingers constantly moving. About the recent political unrest. The Alpha petition, specifically.
I kept my expression impassive, watching him closely. “As the head of the Elder Council, you would be the one with the most to gain from the Alphas petition.”
1/3
Chapter 237
Sebastian immediately took a step back, hands raised as if to ward off an accusation. “No! No, Your Augustin. I had nothing to do with RODS, voice trembled, eyes wide with fear. I’m worried I’m being set up, just like Sir Evanth was. My loyalty is to you and the Council, always
I noticed the beads of sweat forming on his forehead, not just from the rugby match but from nervousness. He was genuinely afraid.
“I don’t believe you’re behind this, Sebastian,” I said, softening my tone. “The Alphas likely just want more autonomy.”
The relief on his face was immediate. His shoulders relaxed, and he wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “Thank you for trusting me. It means more than you know.”
1 nodded, already planning to end this meeting. Something about his reaction seemed off, but I couldn’t place exactly what. “Unfortunately, I must cut this short. There are pressing matters requiring my attention.”
“Of course, of course,” Sebastian agreed quickly. “I understand completely.”
As I left the pavilion, I could feel his eyes following me, his gaze lingering longer than was comfortable.
When I returned to the main pavilion where Juno and the others waited, I immediately sensed something was wrong. My mother stood by the window, her face pale, lips pressed into a thin line. Her hands were clenched into fists at her sides as she visibly struggled to control her anger.
Juno sat on the central sofa, her expression serious. She rose when I entered, immediately handing me a document.
It was Atlas Vasquez, she linked me. He led the attack on the Riddicks. And he left information claiming he did it under your orders.
I flipped through the pages, my mind racing. Francis Vasquez was on the Elder Council. Why would the Vasquez family target me? I kept my face carefully neutral, not wanting to betray my concern.
The room felt charged with tension. Security personnel stood alert around the perimeter, and my advisors watched me carefully, waiting for my reaction.
I turned to Alpha Elton, who stood uncomfortably near the door. “Alpha Elton, I’d like to extend an invitation for you to stay at the manor for a few days. Consider it compensation for the misunderstanding.”
Elton looked surprised but nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Your Majesty. That’s most generous.”
“The war made memories fuzzy,” he added, not meeting my eyes. “I’m sorry I couldn’t identify the attacker sooner.”
“We’ll be leaving for the manor immediately,” I announced to the room. “The tournament activities are canceled for our party.”
The parking area had been cleared of spectators, with multiple black/SUVs lined up, engines running. Security personnel formed a perimeter around the vehicles, alert for any threats.
Evanth approached me as we prepared to depart. “Ruby and I will remain to handle the media and security matters here,” he said. “We’ll return to the manor afterward with a full report.”
I nodded, clasping his shoulder briefly. “Be careful, brother.”
Juno, my mother, Alpha Elton, and I took the central vehicle, surrounded by armed guards. As our motorcade pulled away from the arena, I watched people and vehicles move aside, making way for our passage.
Inside the SUV, I gazed out the window at the passing cityscape, my thoughts turning to the strategic advantage of having Matthew and Kieran as allies. I needed to discuss the meeting details with Juno privately, particularly Matthew’s concerning mental state.
The Broken Luna’s Sacrifice
