Chapter 19: Tear Down And Build Up

Kieran's POV 

I had never felt so blindsided before. The very one I'm going through all of this for, had to rub her disinterest in me in that way.

Why did everyone think so highly of Seraphina? But if that's what they want, they'll get it at all costs.

Then came Ethan's knock. I had given him a special rap pattern, so he doesn't have to ask to come in.

“Ethan," I breathed hotly, still steaming from what had just happened.

“Alpha Kieran, I have something serious to talk about with you. It's about the council." 

“Go ahead." 

He cleared his throat.

“I think you should reinstate Elder Bloodbane as head of council. You'll have one less enemy, or would seem to. Next, you should throw a banquet inviting all the councilors, and the elders of the Pack. Bring Lady Seraphina into the limelight, to reaffirm her as the future Luna. These will buy you some time." 

The words hurt to listen to, but he was right. It would take the heat off me, and I could gain their trust again, even if not completely.

“I have heard you, Ethan. And I'll do just that. Thank you for thinking these things through." 

I headed for my study desk and sat there, staring into space.

Lyra had spite me in my most vulnerable moment. I could play the same card.

“Every member of the Pack is to be present at the banquet including all the Omegas. Anyone who absents themself from the banquet will have me to contend with.”

Ethan just watched me keenly, as if waiting for a break in character.

"Is there something bothering you, Alpha Kieran?” He inquired.

I hadn't expected him to notice, let alone try to proffer solutions. I averted my gaze and eased the frown on my face.

"There is nothing bothering me, Ethan. I'm angry that the Omega hasn't brought back my cloak up till this moment.”

Ethan's face twisted in disgust and rage.

"I'll have her punished, and the cloak sent to the launderers.”

I gave him the permission to leave. I was still fuming over the whole situation with Lyra.

Wasn't I enough for her? Did she think I just wanted to take advantage of her, and leave her in the mud? 

The moon goddess must really hate me to have inflicted me with this curse.

After today, I will try once more to make my feelings known to her. If she refuses me again, she'll be left to herself. But living as my personal attendant will be the worst hell there is for her. Or will ever be.

I stepped out of my chambers and alerted three guards to join me on my evening walk. I needed time outside, away from the bitterness and gloom that this palace held for me. 

While I walked between the lavender fields, I sighted a familiar figure approaching me.

He walked with an icy coldness. Elder Mordecai.

“Alpha Kieran," he hailed with a slight bow. “How pleasant it is to encounter you outside the palace when I was about to come in to see you." 

“Elder Bloodbane. My pleasure. To what do I owe this visit?" I returned his greeting and asked.

“I have come to beg for your forgiveness. I made a great mistake that evening, trying to deal with the Omegas according to my own discretion. But I have a confession to make." 

I eyed him suspiciously, knowing that he always had mischief up his sleeves.

“Leave us," I ordered the guards. Then I faced him while he drew closer. “And what could that be?" 

“Alpha, I didn't make that decision on my own. I was following orders from Lord Ulric. He sells the Omegas for a huge sum of money, but only returns an insignificant portion to the treasury.”

Hmm…wise move.

He was determined not to go down alone, but this didn't look good for me either. If I take another council member down, there will be two aggrieved members, and a conspiring council against me.

I'd rather hand the rope back to him, and see if he will hang himself.

“So, what favour do I owe you? What do you suggest I do at this point?" 

He went silent for a while, his eyes calm, but scheming.

“You could let me gather proof that he is corrupt. I see that you want to rid the Pack of corrupt officials, and I'm willing to support your vision. Just let me prove myself to you, Alpha Kieran," he bowed his head again.

I cleared my throat and straightened my shoulders.

“Tomorrow evening, I will throw a banquet for all nobles and members of the Blackfang Pack. You are invited, Elder Bloodbane." 

It's at the banquet I will make the necessary confrontations and throw the floor open for arguments, and further expression of grievances. 

This will be my chance to tear down and build up. If the council has chosen to work against me, so be it.

“Yes, Alpha Kieran. I appreciate the honor," he rasped and took a bow.

I watched his back as he retreated in the direction in which he came.

A scheming, old fellow he is. It is those who pledge loyalty to him that are deserving of pity.

Ethan's plan was brilliant after all.

I moved to where my guards had stood off while I conversed with Elder Mordecai.

“We're heading back to the palace." 

“Ethan!" My voice boomed as I entered the hallway, heading to my chambers.

“Yes, Alpha," he responded, trying hard to keep up with my pace.

Once inside, he bolted the door behind us, and drew the curtains closed.

“Elder Bloodbane just revealed to me that Lord Ulric has been robbing the Pack's treasury. What do you think of this?" 

Ethan rubbed his chin in thought, as if weighing options.

“Agenda," he declared in a calm, firm tone. “This is a pure agenda. He has seen that he is down; he doesn't want to be there alone. And then, he wants to trap you; out of the favour of popular opinion." 

I nodded in pride and satisfaction. Ethan saw right through the plan as I had.

“Then make preparations. That banquet must be held tomorrow evening. Treachery lurks in every circle in this Pack, and is greatest amongst the elite. We will take note of all parties to this agenda, and we must conquer them one after the other.”