Chapter 44 Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Four
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Zeke
“You have to listen. We are in danger…” I narrated everything that transpired back at the alley.
By the time I was done, the look on their faces didn't crack.
“And how can we be sure you didn't concoct the story, to save yourself?” Master Ragnarok asked. The others nodded slowly.
“I didn't. You have to believe me.”
“You were content with leaving Weasels, and going to the human world for the sake of a girl. An act which is considered traitorous.” Master Vignar sneered.
These fools. The kingdom was in danger, and all they could think about was their pride? Great. From their faces, I could tell that none of them believed me.
“I can't lie about this. We have to formulate a plan.” I said, sounding desperate- which I was. “Please.” I added.
“We originally postponed the punishment, to see if you'd make up for your mistakes. But not only were you unapologetic, but you left Weasels again without the blink of an eye. That shows how unfit you are to rule.” Master Killian said, strength oozing from his being. My heart skipped a beat. I suspected what was coming.
“You can come in,” he called out.
Silence reigned for a moment, before someone sauntered into the meeting hall. I stiffened when I saw who it was. Master Vignar rose to his feet, and stretched his hand forward. I knew what he was asking for, and I handed it to him.
He grabbed my golden mantle—the symbol of all members of the Circle, and placed it on the table before him.
“Master Zeke, you've been found wanting, by all members of the Circle. From now henceforth, your position as a member is void, until we're convinced you're repentant enough. Twenty merits have been deducted, leaving you with five. In the meantime, your brother,” he gestured towards Alex who regarded me with a mocking smile. “Your brother would take over your position.”
I rose to my feet, slamming my fists on the table. “You can't do that! I didn't even do anything wrong.” My eyes flared.
“Sit down Ezekiel.” Master Ragnarok ordered.
The way he addressed me, made the realization of the verdict dawn on me.
“I won't, until you realize your verdict is shitty, and I won't accept it.”
Master Killian simply stretched out his hand. “Your cloak, Ezekiel.”
I regarded them for a moment, before I took off my cloak, and handed it to him.
“You may vacate your seat.”
I stood up, and went over to the side, a distance away from where the table was.
“The verdict takes effect from now. You may leave.” Master Vignar ordered.
My irises turned blazing red. “You'd regret this.” I turned and left the hall.
…
I loitered in the shadows, waiting for all members to leave. I spotted him just then. He was talking with Master Ragnarok.
Probably talking about marriage arrangements.That power-hungry asshole.
Mt. Glacier was even whiter, and colder than usual. A human couldn't survive twenty minutes there. It was vastly ice, a different kind of ice that was far colder than average. The mountain itself was covered with unbreakable ice which had been thickened by the pioneer vampires.
It had scribbles of sacred drawing, each needing its own spell to crack it.
I snapped out of my thoughts, when Alex was finally alone. I pulled him into the shadows, and placed the edge of my blade against his neck.
“Make a sound, and get ready to bid your life goodbye.” I warned in a voice that brooked no argument.
But trust Alex to be unfazed in face of anything.
“Relax, Brother. You don't have to act overworked about your dethronement.” He winked.
I edged the sword deeper, drawing blood. His face didn't crack.
“What do you know about the attack?” I asked, looking at him closely.
I saw what I was looking for. It was a little fast reaction. So quick that I might not have noticed. His throat flexed, and his eyes blinked guiltily.
I relaxed. He definitely knew something.
“What attack?” He retorted.
“You know what I'm talking about. Besides, you definitely heard the conversation between me and the other Masters. So, don't play dumb with me.
He smirked. “Did you actually wait for me, just to ask me this?” His tone made my question sound ridiculous.
I didn't budge. A cold smile tugged at my lips, and I bent my head to his level. Our height differences were quite obvious.
“If I find out that you know something about this, I'm going to kill you with my hands. Since you know I don't do well with traitors, you should also know that I can follow through with my threat.” I warned, and moved back a little.
Fear flashed in his eyes, before he regained some composure. “Easy, Brother. Like I said, you don't have to take out your annoyance on me.”
He was trying to act calm, but his quivering lips begged to disagree.
“I do hope you have some last words, aside this? I'd be hurt if this is what you say, as you take your last breath. Enjoy your new position while it lasts.” With that, I moved away, and flew out into the dark open night.
“Checkmate,” Qyle said, placing down his chess piece on the board with a look of triumph on his face.
I growled in anger or frustration - I didn't know which.
“You just got lucky.” That was true. I'd been distracted all through the game.
“Say what you want. I won, this time.” He shrugged. I didn't bother arguing with him.
“Fuck,” I grunted, and leaned back on the chair.
“Twenty-five,” Qyle said.
I lifted a brow. “Excuse me?”
“That's the twenty-fifth time you cursed, tonight.” He studied me closely. “Are you getting worked up, over some old vampires who don't mind if you lick their boots clean?”
I gagged at the image. But that wasn't it. I'd returned to Vermont days ago to find Mirah avoiding me. Not even a word. She avoided me as she would a stranger.
“Fuck you,” I raised a finger at him.
He brought out his phone. “Sorry, as much as you're hot and seductive, you're not my type.”
I massaged my temple, a feeling that I hadn't felt over the years enveloping me.
Tiredness. Defeat.
I wish these would all end. I wish the tides of time would turn. Then, I could rewrite my mistakes. I wouldn't meet Mirah, and everything would be normal.
But I couldn't deny that a part of me enjoyed the thrill. All my life had moved in a particular sequence. Aside from occasions where I snuck out to the human world, I'd never really broken the kingdom's rule.
The perfect heir to the throne. With a perfect life.
No, I wasn't angry that I'd been kicked out of the Circle. I was going to reclaim my position. Just that, at the moment, there was a more gnawing situation to resolve.
“Are you supposed to be here?” Qyle asked again. Gone was his casual tone. He sounded more serious.