Chapter 26: Rules

ANNA'S POV

My words were met with a deafening silence as they stared back at me, in shock. None of them could move an inch as my words were like knives to their hearts.

"No one wants to step out, huh?" I asked, with a knowing smile.

"Are you all trying to cower after spewing those hurtful words at me, huh?" I asked again knowing deep down, that their words had hurt me deeply. I already felt accepted here. For the first time, I got the feeling of being welcomed and I already considered them as family. However, I had to realize the hard way that it was just all in my head.

"No one is saying Kai's death is not justified!" One of the rogues who had spoken up earlier, said as he skillfully changed his words. Earlier, he blamed me but now he was saying something else.

"Then, what are you saying? Trying to change your words?" I asked, with a mocking look and he cleared his throat uneasily.

"I mean you shouldn't have killed him. You may try to decapitate him and then punish him later. You could have consulted us first on what kind of punishment to bestow on him." The rogue explained and I saw reasons with his words.

However, I wasn't ready to admit that he was right but not outrightly.

"At that moment, it was either I or Aria get killed or Kai get killed. He was obviously going for the kill, so he had to die instead." I let out, not wavering. I wouldn't let them ride over me at this point otherwise they would continue to do it.

"You are not even remorseful about his death. Will you be able to lead us with such heartlessness?" He asked back and I chuckled. I was a bit hurt by his words but then my expression remained nonchalant. I would never show my pain to them as they weren't even worth it.

"His death and the last look in his eyes would forever hunt me. Remember, I had to make the decision which was best for Aria and me." I said and the whole place was silent again.

I then continued, "There are times in which you'd have to make drastic decisions. Whether you are going to regret your decisions later or not, is entirely up to you." My words struck chords in their hearts and I was pleased.

However, I wasn't done as I wanted them to reflect deeply on their actions.

"When the time comes when I have to be soft-hearted, I will be." I ended my words, with a smile on my face. It was up to them to decide whatever they wanted to think.

"Are you sure you will be able to lead us against the King like Jonas had said? Can we trust you?" One of the females spoke up. It was the first time I'd seen her and I let out a small smile. I liked the fact that she took the opportunity to change the topic. However, her question was a bit challenging.

I wasn't even sure about myself and my existence in the first place. How then could I be sure of leading a group of rogues? However, looking back at the female, she waited on me with an expectant look.

I gave her an intent look and that was when it struck me. She was pregnant!

"She is obviously worried about her pup! She wants a better future for it." Kyra said in my head and I sighed in worry. How hard was it for her to conceive in such a place like this? We could easily adapt to the forest life but then she would need adequate attention and healthcare which wasn't available here.

At this point, I knew I needed to assure her else she would lose faith in everything.

"As long as we all move together, in unity, we will go against the King and win! You have all suffered unjustly and it is going to end!" I said, after a while, and in the next second, a look of relief flashed in her eyes.

The other rogues nodded their heads as they looked at me. They had a downcast look as they reflected on all I had said to them.

"An announcement will be passed soon. You all will wait for what is about to start soon." I declared and they looked back at me, with clueless expression. They wanted me to speak more on what I had just said but then I wasn't ready to say anything more.

Deep down I knew I needed to set some things in place, or else the same thing that happened with Kai would happen later on.

"You all are dismissed!" I said as I waved my hands toward them. A few minutes later, the rogues had dispersed and I stood in the square with a tired expression..

"How do you feel?" I heard Jonas say from behind and I shrugged my shoulders.

"Tired..." I let out, with a sigh and turned to look at him. However, behind him, I caught sight of Aria and Nate and they looked way too close for my liking.

I was tempted to ask what was going on as my gaze fleeted across to Jonas.

"No way!! Is Aria two-timing?" She yelled in my head and I flinched. I was quick to cut her off before Jonas noticed something was wrong with my expression. Kyra had her eyes on Jonas but then I wasn't even willing to give it much thought.

"I never expected you'd solve the situation in such a way." He said and I nodded, with a distant look as Kyra was still trying to draw me in even though I had cut her off.

"I'm sorry I had to say such harsh words." I said, with a sincere expression, however, Jonas shook his head, nonchalantly.

"How about the announcement you talked about earlier? What do you mean?" He asked.

"Oh, that! We need to set up rules!" I declared and he looked at me, with raised brows. It was the first thing I wanted to do as a leader here.