Chapter 194 ~The Council’s Decision~

Chapter 194 ~The Council’s Decision~
Darius's POV

The elders had called for an emergency meeting, framing it as a discussion about the Camille situation. I'd agreed to it immediately, not like I had much of a choice, and made sure to request Aria's presence as well. She deserved to hear any information relayed firsthand as she had been the one most harmed by Camille’s actions. Keeping her out of the room would have been wrong. At least that's what I told myself, inside I knew why she was truly here.
Now I sat at the head of the council table, staring at the people gathered around me and wondered if inviting her had been the right decision. The room was tense and everyone seemed to understand that this wasn't going to be a pleasant meeting.
Elder Cassius sat across from me, as he always did, his weathered face unreadable as he seemed lost in thoughts.
Aria arrived a few minutes after the rest, and the second she stepped through the door, my eyes found hers without my permission. I held her gaze for exactly one second before clearing my throat and looking away, forcing my attention back to the person who requested for the meeting.
Once everyone was seated, Cassius spoke first. “Greetings, Your Highness. We called this meeting to address concerns that have been circulating among the council," he said, his voice carrying easily across the room. "We understand the rogue situation has been handled adequately, and we trust the Alpha's judgment on that front. Our concern lies elsewhere."
"Camille," I said, already knowing where this was headed.
"Precisely." Cassius folded his hands in front of him. "Beta Gregory, we'd like an update on the search, and quite frankly, we'd like to understand how a known fugitive managed to walk out of this pack undetected in the first place."
Gregory straightened in his seat before speaking, and I noticed the exhaustion sitting heavy in the lines of his face. "We have searched the northern border and the eastern territories, contacted every neighboring pack willing to cooperate but so far there is no trace of Camille.” he said. “We also questioned everyone who came into direct contact with her during her time in the cells, guards, omegas who delivered meals, anyone with access."
"And you've found nothing," one of the other elders said flatly.
"Not yet," Gregory admitted. "None of them provided useful information but the search is still activ…"
"You were left in charge of pack security in the Alpha's absence and yet you let this happen?" Cassius cut in, his tone sharpening considerably. "Knowing fully well that Camille is dangerous and poses an active threat, not just to this pack's stability but potentially to the Alpha's life as well, given how personal her grievances have become." He paused, casting a look at Aria.
My jaw tightened at that and I glanced toward Aria without meaning to, gauging her reaction, and found her sitting perfectly still, her expression blank. She either didn't pick up on it or was ignoring it but still I wanted to say something immediately, wanted to shut that framing down before it went any further, but I held my tongue, watching to see where the council intended to take this first.
Gregory’s voice remained even. “I understand how dangerous it is to have her on the loose, and that's why we're so focused on this case. She'll be caught before she has the chance to do anything.”
"You were given time after the initial failure to correct the situation," Cassius continued, turning back to Gregory. "And from what we're hearing, there's nothing concrete to show for it? Are you really serious?”
A few of the other elders broke into chatter, echoing the same thing Cassius had said. I stayed silent and let them speak. My hands rested flat on the table as I focused on the wood grain beneath my fingers to keep my rapidly growing irritation under control. Part of me wanted to shut the discussion down immediately. Gregory did not deserve this level of attack but they were the elders. I had to at least hear them out as courtesy demanded.
Elder Cassius leaned forward. “The council believes you should be formally reprimanded for this failure and we expect a decision today. Either the Beta accepts formal reprimand, or we will have to consider whether he remains the right person for the role while this threat continues.”
Gregory’s face stayed controlled, but I saw the tension in his posture. He looked at me briefly before turning back toward the council. "With respect sir, this isn't a matter of neglect. Isn't the recommended punishement a bit severe?"
"Not in our opinion. Neglect or incompetence, the result is the same," another elder, Brennan, said. "A fugitive remains free because security under your watch failed and we could all eventually bear the brunt of this mistake."
My brows pulled together at that. Gregory had been carrying the pack while I was injured or just plainly overwhelmed for as long as I could remember. They knew very well how competent he was so this made no sense.