All Chapters of Rejected and Banished; The kids are his.: Chapter 321 - Chapter 322

The doors of the council chamber creaked open on their ancient hinges, and a gust of cold air swept through the room. Nicklaus entered alone. His cloak of deep black brushed the floor; he did not glance left or right as he walked the long aisle toward the dais; the twelve elders were already seated, their gray eyes following him like wary owls. He stopped at the base of the dais, folding his hands behind his back. For a long moment he said nothing. Only the low crackle of torch-flame and the faint rustle of robes disturbed the stillness.When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet but filled the hall. “You’ve all been waiting for this summons. You’ve all had questions about my child. Tonight you’ll have your answers.”Elder Kruger cleared his throat and leaned on his cane. “Your Majesty,” he said, his tone absolutely carefully, “the pack speaks only from concern. We have seen… signs; the people are only uneasy.”“Uneasy,” Nicklaus repeated. He let the word sit between them, his amber