Chapter 195 Back to Vahl

Chapter 195 The joint council

Ruel's POV

The council hall is quieter than I expect.

Five alphas sit around the large table at the center of the room, each accompanied by a representative from their pack.

Fifteen guards line the walls behind them, standing straight and alert. I remain near the far corner among those guards, my hands clasped behind my back and my expression deliberately blank.

“Hopefully this goes right.” Elric whispers under his breath beside me and I nod, watching as alpha Davan shifts.

He takes a moment to look around the room, meeting every gaze before he speaks.

"I would like to welcome everyone present today." He says with good strength in his voice.

My fist tightens when I remember exactly what healing him had cost Ira.

I should have been informed earlier.

But if I'd known, this meeting would not be happening today.

"It pleases me greatly to see all of you here.” Davan continues. “One month ago, this council existed only as an idea. Today, we gather for its first official meeting."

Several heads nod in agreement.

Alpha Romano, one of the hardest alphas to convince of this idea, leans back slightly in his chair. "It is a good beginning."

"It is more than that," another alpha says. "Our packs have spent too many years standing apart."

“Hmm.” A third alpha grunts his agreement. "Far too many."

A faint smile touches Davan's face and he subtly shares a look with Cael who's standing at another end of the room with the Beta beside him.

"That is precisely why this council was formed. The purpose is simple, mutual support, cooperation and unity." Davan says.

I shift on my feet. We have only today to know if this will be a success or not.

So far their response is positive. I listen, wondering how Davan will reach the topic that's most important to Veilfang pack.

Davan leans closer to the table. "The good news is that every pack represented here has agreed to contribute warriors and more to a joint force. A force that can assist any member pack during emergencies."

Murmurs of approval ripple around the table.

"Emergencies like floods, rogue attacks, border conflicts, and food shortages."

"Exactly. No pack should stand alone when help is available." An alpha says.

"That alone makes this council worthwhile," one representative adds.

Several others voice their agreement.

"Unfortunately, there is one matter that requires attention." Davan says and the room becomes quiet immediately.

"Alpha Andre sent no representative."

Several brows rise. Two people look like they have no idea who that is but I notice the frown on Alpha Romano’s face.

A few of them exchange looks as Davan continues.

"He is also the only alpha who has refused to participate in the joint force."

Silence finds its place between the seconds.

Alpha Romano taps his fingers against the table but says nothing.

"Perhaps he was not properly informed." Someone says.

Another alpha nods. "Or he was not convinced."

A female representative snorts. "For someone with so many rumors surrounding him, I really didn't expect more."

A few quiet chuckles spread through the space.

Davan stays composed. "I considered those possibilities myself. However, I believe there is another reason."

The room grows noticeably more attentive. Even Romano straightens in his chair.

"What reason?" He asks.

Davan takes a slow breath. "Nine weeks ago, Alpha Andre unlawfully invaded my territory."

Several voices erupt at once.

"What?"

"He did what?"

I keep my face neutral, breathing out slowly.

"He crossed my borders without invitation and entered my lands." Davan continues.

"That alone demands an explanation," one alpha says sharply.

“I requested an explanation but he has never responded to my letters.” Davan's jaw tightens. "Also,"

Everyone is looking at him, listening closely.

"...I have reason to believe Alpha Andre was responsible for my brother's death."

The silence that follows feels suffocating.

Romano's eyes narrow. "That is a serious accusation, Davan."

"It is." He agrees.

"Do you have proof?"

Davan slowly shakes his head. "Not enough."

Another alpha folds his arms. "Then why bring it before us?" He frowns.

Davan's gaze sweeps across the room. "Because I also believe he is pursuing the son of my brother… the heir to Veilfang pack."

“Do you mean the man who convinced us to be part of this council?” Someone asks.

Davan nods, pointing at me. “Yes, that same man.”

“Caelvoryn? He wants Caelvoryn dead? Why?” the female representative says in disbelief.

Davan's eyes widen. “Caelvoryn? Who told you that's his name?” He murmurs, as though not intending to say it out loud.

“Isn’t that his name? I mean that's how he introduced himself.” Romano states.

Davan's eyes stay fixed on mine longer than usual and I offer a soft smile. He looks at Cael who has got a proud grin on his face.

“Well, it is his name. He just… usually doesn't go by it. But please feel free to address him as such.” He clarifies.

"And why would Andre target him?" Romano asks.

Davan briefly glances in my direction. "That remains unclear." He says wisely.

Romano leans forward.

"If what you are saying is true, then this is not merely a personal matter."

"Exactly." The alpha beside him nods firmly.

"I agree." another adds. "Why has Andre not been confronted directly?"

"He has," Davan replies. “In the past.”

"And?"

"No meaningful answers were given." Davan answers. "Regardless, this meeting was not called to discuss Andre. We are here to strengthen relationships between our packs. We should focus on getting to know one another and establishing cooperation."

For a moment, nobody responds. But then Romano shakes his head.

"I disagree."

The room turns toward him.

He places both hands on the table. "I see no reason to separate these issues."

Davan raises a brow. Deep inside, the tension in my chest loosens.

Romano continues calmly, "If Alpha Andre truly poses a threat to one member of this council, then he potentially poses a threat to every member of this council."

Several heads nod immediately.

Another alpha leans forward. "The council exists because we intend to stand together."

"Exactly."

"If one pack is threatened, every pack should be concerned."

"If Andre is innocent, he should attend. He needs to answer these accusations." The woman says.

"If he refuses repeatedly, that sends a message. A very clear one." Someone else adds.

"The council will extend another invitation to Alpha Andre." Romano says, holding Davan's gaze. "If he chooses to ignore it again, we will consider his actions a deliberate rejection of this council and everything it represents."

Everyone nods in agreement.

“Fine. Another letter will be sent to Alpha Andre and I will let the council know of his decision.”

“Honestly, it couldn't have gone better than this,” Elric mutters beside me.

I let out a slow breath, and some of the weight I've been carrying for weeks eases, if only for a moment.