Chapter 54 Disagreement
~ Kael’s POV ~
After the meeting with the chief warriors, where I reassigned a few of them to new positions and reinforced patrol routes, I immediately called for another meeting. This one included all the elders and the members of the high cabinet. The reason was simple and pressing. Panic was spreading among the people, and it should never have reached this level if those responsible were truly doing their jobs.
Reports had reached me that very morning about rising tension across the land. Whispers were circulating, growing louder with every passing hour, all centered around one thing: the return of the void wolf.
I brought the matter up calmly, expecting strategic suggestions or reassurances on how to manage the fear. What I did not expect was the response that came from Elder Cross.
“I hope we are not all going to pretend that we do not know why the Shadow Pack warriors keep attacking us,” he said sharply. “If the people are scared, it is because of the constant assaults we have been facing.”
His words drew my attention immediately.
“What exactly are you trying to say, Elder Cross?” Elder Rowan asked before I could say a word, his confusion mirroring my own.
Elder Cross straightened in his seat, his voice growing firmer as though he had been waiting for this opportunity. On his face was a great displeasure and anger I had no idea had been eating him up.
“I am saying that they know we have the witch. That is why they keep attacking us. They want her. Why are we keeping her here when she has not been useful yet? We lost warriors today, and we lost some of our people. How long do we plan to continue like this?”
I narrowed my eyes at him, struggling to understand how he had arrived at such a conclusion. He had been present in every single meeting. He had listened to the explanations. He had agreed, or at least pretended to agree, that Lyra’s presence here was necessary.
Before I could respond, Elder Rowan spoke up again, his voice firm and edged with disbelief.
“You seem completely unaware of what is happening around us,” he said. “The news of the void wolf’s return is spreading like wildfire. The only reason our people have not completely lost their minds is because they believe we have the witch who can stop it. And you expect us to give her up?”
The explanation did nothing to weaken Elder Cross’s stance. If anything, it seemed to embolden him.
“Who said she is the only one who can stop the void wolf?” he replied confidently. “We defeated it once before, and we can do it again if we prepare properly.”
That statement stirred confusion across the hall. I could feel it ripple through the elders and cabinet members alike.
“We defeated it?” Abel asked, his brows lifting as he leaned forward. “Who exactly is this we you are referring to? Because if memory serves correctly, history records that the void wolf was defeated by a witch, not by werewolves.”
“I am quite certain I read it correctly,” Elder Cross snapped back at abel.
“I doubt that very much,” Abel replied coolly. “Old age must be catching up to you faster than expected. Perhaps you should consider retiring before you mislead everyone here with false history.”
Elder Cross shot him a scowl, his jaw tightening.
I was already exhausted. The overnight attack, the endless meetings, the constant pressure, the weight of leadership pressing down on my shoulders. I had no patience left for pointless arguments. Before anyone else could speak, I cut in.
“I called this meeting to address the escalating panic among our people,” I said firmly. “Not to entertain discussions about releasing the witch. That option does not exist. So, Elder Cross, do not bring it up again.”
A brief silence followed, but it did not last.
“Alpha,” Dagan said after clearing his throat, “I do not mean to oppose you, but perhaps we should not dismiss Elder Cross entirely.”
Now that was unexpected. I knew Dagan may still have something against Lyra, but he had already apologized and promised we would work together for the good of the pack. I couldn't believe he was about to support this nonsense I had just listened to from Elder Cross. Still, I let him finish.
“Part of the panic stems from the belief that a dangerous witch is living among us. Even if we do not hand her over, we could consider moving her to an external facility until she is needed.” he suggested, and that sounded to me like the most stupid suggestion ever to come from him.
“Thank you, Dagan,” Elder Cross said quickly, nodding. “At least someone understands my point.”
“The witch goes nowhere,” I said, my voice cold and absolute. “She will remain in this house until I am certain the danger has passed. That is final.” I let my gaze sweep across every face in the room. “Instead of obsessing over a prisoner who is under my care and protection, I expect every one of you to do your actual jobs. Your duty is to calm the hearts of our people. If that has become too difficult for any of you, then speak now so we can bring in new cabinet members who are capable.”
Silence answered me even though I waited a while for someone, anyone to say they were tired of their jobs.
When no one spoke, I continued. “Good. Then I expect visible progress starting tomorrow. I will not do my job and yours at the same time.”
With that, I stood up and left the hall, my steps heavy as I headed toward my quarters. My head was pounding, my patience worn thin. I needed calm, real calm, and there was only one person who could give me that at that moment.
I had not seen her all day, but I hoped she was still awake.