CHAPTER 25

Damon

All the elders in my inner council stood up immediately I entered the room. I had a grumpy look, which already startled them. They already knew I was in a particular mood, so the meeting was already tense.

My beta Axel, who already knew the sensitive situation, tried to calm the room. He always looked out for me, no matter what I’m facing. It was one of the reasons I chose him as my beta. From my peripheral vision, I saw him signal for them to sit quickly so as to commence instantly.

I curved my lips slightly, the idea that he thought as an Alpha, I won’t see his quiet gestures, was funny to me. I took a deep sigh as I sat down at the head of the council. The elders hurriedly sat down after me. I signaled for the meeting to start, and they all looked nervous, staring at themselves to see who would kick off with the meeting objectives.

Eventually, Axel stood up and cleared his throat. “ Ahem…There have been movements in the Silverfang pack borders as soldiers have been stationed there for mysterious reasons…”

He continued reading from the paper he held; however, what got my attention was that Alpha Darius was fortifying his borders. “Has he found out it was Ember who attacked Aurora?” I thought to myself.

I snapped back to reality as soon as he finished reading and sat down. I looked around at the remaining elders’ responses as they all mumbled quietly.

“Does anyone have an idea why they're moving their soldiers now?!” I yelled out to the room in frustration. The elders looked around themselves till one finally stood up.

“There are rumors that there was an attack on someone close to the Alpha, which started all the military presence. Alpha,” He sighed after he was through.

There was a long silence after he was done, revealing no one else had any other idea or concrete facts on the reason. I took a deep sigh and mumbled to myself. “No one knows who exactly is behind this sudden change.”

I cleared my throat to address the council. “ We need more information before making a final decision. Send out our spies to get more facts as to why they are making moves at their border suddenly. Right now, we don’t need to take any drastic action till we are certain of their motives.”

They all nodded in agreement as we made a decision. After finalizing this discussion, some other elders brought up other agendas, but I wasn’t interested anymore and answered with occasional nods to their statements. Axel knew after spending many years with me, my expressions when I was no longer interested in a meeting.

“If there are no other pressing issues, I think we can conclude the meeting for today…” Axel looked around as the remaining elders remained silent. Axel was a seasoned warrior and good tactician, so he was widely fawned over and respected. When there was no objection, I took a deep sigh and stood up. 

“Thank you for all the updates. I look forward to our next meeting.” I sarcastically said. One of the duties I wasn’t fond of as the Alpha is attending these boring, long-hours meetings with the elders. 

I will rather lead my warriors to battle than sit down and listen to elders debate several topics without making any headway or resolutions.  It always spoils my mood for the entire day.

Unfortunately, as an Alpha, it was one of my major duties to lead the council meetings and make decisions from their suggestions. Sometimes, I ask my beta to postpone some of the meetings if I am not up to it. I know it puts him in a difficult position, but I sometimes become unwilling and uninterested.

They all stood up in unison as a sign of respect as I proceeded out of the council room. I could hear their usual whispers as I retreated out; however, I couldn't care less. I knew none of them dared to say something against me. So, their usual chatters were not of much importance to me. 

What bothered me was the surprising move that Darius made. “I must find out what’s happening with Aurora.” I thought to myself. 

“Alpha, will you need anything else for the day?” Axel politely asked. I was in no mood to welcome any more guests.

“No, thank you, Axel. I will head to my chambers. I” ll not be receiving anyone else today.” I replied. I waved my hand at him as a gesture that I wanted to be left alone. Just as Axel was about to leave, he turned abruptly in my direction.

“My Alpha, what of Elder Hunter? There were whispers that he might be coming to the palace today?” He quietly asked. He knew I was already not in the best of moods, so he tried to tread carefully.

I shot him a dark glare, which unsettled him. He quickly averted my gaze. I stood for some seconds before replying to him.

“I don’t want to be disturbed in my private chambers. Is that understood?” I said in a sharp tone.

Axel shook down aggressively in compliance. I scuffed as I walked through the halls and onto the staircase heading to my room.

As I entered the room, I was met with the sympathetic look of Ember sitting down on the bed. Her eyes welled up as she saw me. I could tell a headache was coming up.

“My Alpha, have I offended you in any way?’ She calmly asked. Her voice was shaky as tears flowed down her face. It looked a bit too unconvincing and staged. “I guess her acting talents will be appreciated in movies.” I thought to myself.

“You know exactly what you did, so don’t try to blame the victim,” I replied to her sharply. She was taken aback by my response, but she tried to force a smile on her face.

“If it’s about that low-life maid, whatever I did or didn’t do was for your benefit. Like I always do for you.” She snapped back quickly. Suddenly, all the tears and shaky voice vanished to reveal a sinister smile on her face. 

“Here you are.” I had a smug on my face. Her true identity is now revealed. I clenched my hands as we stared at each other deeply.