“We never sought to bind other Clans! We only asked for alliances!” I talk back.
Why is this man so stupid? Does he really think what he’s saying? This is ridiculous! I am the very reason that Witch attacked us, and there is no way Damian could pull off something as wicked as that!
“It’s no use talking, Nora. This idiot mutt has already made up his mind...” mutters William.
I’m not sure if Taaron King didn’t hear him or decided to pretend he didn’t. Either way, the packs are agitated now. It’s obvious they don’t know if this is going to end well or not, but everyone is expecting the worse if it doesn’t. Even my wolf is ready to attack at any moment.
In the middle of all this, Tiffany Pearl, on the side, appears exceptionally calm. Playing with the long sleeves of her pale pink dress, she speaks in a clear voice. “Do we understand that you will release all control on the withheld funds, King?”
This time, Taaron King seems a bit flustered. He hesitates for a few seconds and tries to regain his composure. “Of course, we don’t hold any hostility towards the other packs. However...”
He turns to point at Damian.
“I believe it would be dangerous to let this man hold any more power than he already has. It would be my duty to ensure this doesn’t threaten anyone with the financial pressure of some sort. Of course, it would also require close attention to his relationships. If, after careful consideration, there is no way to—”
“In other words, you intend to retain any money that belongs to the Blood Moon Clan and those who associate with us,” I growl, annoyed.
“This is only as a preventive measure! To protect the lesser Clans from this man!”
“Who is putting pressure onto the others, now, King?” Growls Lysandra.
He turns red from embarrassment and anger as the packs suddenly get even more agitated. Moreover, a lot of them are now growling at the Gold Moon Clan. Tiffany just put in the clear the Gold Moon intents.
“You’re wrong! There is no Witch attack, and no one should trust Black! I am only doing what is necessary! Who needs an Alpha King, anyway? The Clans are doing just fine, why would we suddenly provide this man with any more power?”
“He’s right!” Suddenly yells Gregorovitch. “Each pack for itself, that’s how it should be!”
“We are all cohabitating in one city, you idiots! How do you think we can live together without fighting if there is no King to oversee all the packs?” Growls Lysandra.
“Just hand the woman over to the Sapphire Moon! We don’t need a Royal to support Black!” Yells a female Alpha.
“That’s right! The Sapphire Moon should take over! If they are Royals, they should be the ones to preside over us!”
“Are you crazy? They don’t have any rights to rule Silver City! Black is the most powerful Alpha; he is the one who should be our Alpha King! Even our Moon Goddess gave him a Royal Luna!”
“Enough!”
My yelling shuts everyone down for a few seconds. I use my wolf’s Alpha voice to address all of them. I’ve had enough of all this childish bickering!
“We are not here to discuss a new King or not! The threat is real; we don’t have the luxury to fight each other! I don’t care if you doubt my status as a Royal. I won’t marry into the Sapphire Moon Clan and I won’t acknowledge anyone but Damian Black as King!”
“Stop lying!” Yells Alessandra. “There is no Witch, no threat, you are just lying. Even your status as a Royal is—”
Before she can finish her sentence, a rumbling rises suddenly. What is this? Where is this noise coming from? Everyone looks around, and before I can understand what’s going on, the ground starts shaking under our feet.
“What the...?”
Creaking noises are heard all throughout the stadium, and the packs start spreading in panic despite the Alphas trying to yell orders. The sounds are growing like something is coming closer. Damian starts growling, his eyes on the ground, where the soil starts tearing apart. Wide cracks are spreading fast, and tree roots suddenly come out at an incredible speed. I hear people screaming.
“A Witch! It’s a Witch!”
“Don’t stay on the ground! Climb the stairs!” Yells Damian.
Finally listening, most of the werewolves start running to the stadium’s stairs, the Alphas trying to lead their packs. Suddenly, Damian pushes me into William’s arms.
“Take Nora away!”
Wait, what? Before I can say a word, William starts running, forcefully taking me along with him.
