Chapter 175 Road Home

Chapter 175 Breathing Space
Gabriel POV

The Council chamber remained in chaos as guards secured the perimeter and medical staff confirmed what we already knew—both Malcolm and Kade were dead. The silver bullets had done their work with brutal efficiency, leaving no chance for survival. I kept my arm firmly around Lyra's waist, my body still tensed from the instinct to shield her as Zachary took command of the situation.

"Clear the chamber," Zachary ordered, his voice cutting through the pandemonium. "All Council members remain for emergency session. Alphas Gabriel and Lyra, please stay as well."

As the room emptied of non-essential personnel, Zachary approached us. His silver hair caught the light as he bowed his head slightly in respect—a gesture I appreciated given the circumstances.

"I apologize for this tragedy occurring during Council proceedings," he said, his voice low and grave. "This is unprecedented in our modern history."

I tightened my grip on Lyra, feeling a surge of protectiveness. "This was clearly planned. Malcolm's shout was a signal."

Zachary nodded grimly. "I agree. And it suggests a deeper conspiracy than we initially suspected." He glanced at the blood still pooling on the chamber floor. "Malcolm was a senior Council member with access to sensitive information and considerable influence."

"He wasn't working alone," Lyra said, her voice steadier than I expected after what we'd just witnessed. "And whoever arranged this assassination wanted to ensure both Malcolm and Kade were silenced permanently."

The remaining Council members gathered in a semicircle around us, their faces a mixture of shock and suspicion. I could feel their scrutiny, the unspoken question of whether we had somehow orchestrated this violence. My wolf bristled at the implication. As if we would resort to such tactics.

Zachary seemed to sense their unspoken accusations. "Let me be clear," he announced, addressing the group. "Alpha Gabriel and Alpha Lyra are victims in this matter. The evidence of their abduction and torture is irrefutable, and Kade's confession before his death confirms Malcolm's involvement."

"What happens now?" asked an older female Council member.

"I will temporarily assume Malcolm's duties as Council representative," Zachary replied. "And I promise a thorough investigation into any Council members who may have been communicating with Malcolm or Kade." His eyes swept the room, lingering briefly on each face. "No one is above suspicion."

I studied the Council members' reactions, noting which ones seemed excessively nervous. Some were clearly hiding something, and I filed those faces away in my memory for future reference.

"We will also pursue the assassin," Zachary continued. "This attack on Council grounds is an unprecedented breach of security and cannot go unpunished."

I stepped forward, keeping Lyra slightly behind me. "The Silver Moon Pack offers any resources you might need for the investigation."

Zachary nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Alpha Gabriel. For now, I believe this Council session is concluded." He turned to address the entire room. "We will reconvene once we have more information. Until then, I suggest all of you review your security protocols."

As the Council members filed out, Zachary approached us one last time. "I meant what I said about investigating thoroughly," he said quietly. "Malcolm's corruption runs deeper than we knew, and I intend to root it out completely."

"We appreciate your support," I replied, genuinely grateful for his stance.

"It's not just support. It's my duty," Zachary said firmly. "The Council exists to maintain balance among packs, not to pursue personal vendettas or power grabs." He glanced at the bloodstains again. "What happened here today is a stain on our institution, but I promise you it will be addressed."

I believed him. Unlike Malcolm's calculated malice, Zachary's eyes held genuine conviction. At least one person in power was truly committed to justice.

Outside the Council building, Lyra and I climbed into our waiting vehicle. As soon as the doors closed, she let out a long breath, her shoulders finally relaxing.

"It's over," I said, starting the engine. "At least this part."

She turned to me, raising an eyebrow. "Is it? Malcolm and Kade are dead, but whoever orchestrated their assassination is still out there."

I softened my expression as I reached over to take her hand. "I trust Zachary. He'll investigate thoroughly."

"And the others? The ones who were working with Malcolm and Kade?"

"They've just seen their allies publicly executed," I reasoned, pulling onto the main road. "And they probably know about your white wolf powers through Malcolm. After today, I suspect they'll be much more cautious. We'll have peace for a while, Lyra. The conspirators will be busy covering their tracks and reassessing their positions."

I couldn't help the small smile that played at the corners of my mouth as I glanced at her. "So... what do you want to do with this unexpected period of tranquility?"

She considered my question, her green eyes thoughtful. After everything we'd been through—her escape from Dominic, finding sanctuary with me, losing her memories, regaining them, and finally completing our mate bond—I was curious what she would prioritize.

"I want to see Eliza," she said finally. "Now that I remember everything, I remember what she went through. Last time I used the white wolf energy to comfort her, but I think she needs someone to talk to—really talk to."

I nodded, understanding her desire to help the young girl. "Of course. Eliza it is."

As we drove south along the winding roads, I contemplated something that had been on my mind since witnessing Lyra's power at the Council. "Speaking of the white wolf energy... we should discuss how frequently you use that ability."

She turned to me. "What do you mean?"

"Do you want people to know you have this power?" I asked carefully. "It's rare and valuable—and as we've seen, it could make you a target."

She shook her head firmly. "No. We don't know how many would covet such an ability. I think it's best kept private for now."

"I agree," I said, relieved that we were of the same mind. "And perhaps we should limit its use altogether. Until we fully understand it."

She nodded, her expression serious. "The white wolf's power is meant to maintain balance and peace among wolf packs, not to serve personal interests." She sighed, looking out at the passing landscape. "When I purified Eliza, Dominic, and Kade... I had my own motivations each time. I'm afraid if I use the white wolf's power too often, I might become dependent on it—might become someone who uses it to get whatever I want."

"You won't," I said with conviction, reaching over to squeeze her hand. I let my fingers brush against her wrist in a tender gesture. "You have a guardian keeping an eye on you, remember?"

She laughed, the sound lightening the atmosphere in the car. "Is that what you are now? My guardian?"

My eyes sparkled with mischief as I glanced at her. "Among other things."