Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 103548 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 518(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103548 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 518(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Paxton, Edric, and Nyx raised their heads as far as the chains allowed. Sharing a look, they dared to let hope shine in their eyes.
Cygnus hummed, head bobbing slowly. “I see. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, High Priestess Ash, but before I counter, would you look there for a moment?”
Cygnus pointed to the serving window just as the blinds rolled up. Enclosed in the dark and privacy of the kitchens were four figures. Two secret police officers, and the two boys no older than twelve with swords held to their throats.
“Mommy!”
Rianna slumped like a puppet whose strings were cut, shock draining the strength, blood, and very soul out of her. “Boys?”
“Mom!”
“Boys!” Ash sprinted to them, claws tearing free, and got as far as the fist around her throat.
“Do not move or you’ll find out just how uncivilized I can be,” Cygnus hissed—too low for the cameras, but loud enough for me.
“Why are you doing this?” Ash rasped, her gaze only for her crying sons. “You’re insane! You’re the reason Luame is displeased with the alphas! You’re the cruelty, obsession, and insanity she’s turned her back on!”
“I assure you, I am far from insane.” Cygnus threw her.
Ash tumbled across the floor and crashed at Paxton’s knees.
“I am the only one thinking clearly,” Cygnus barked. “You say Luame’s delay in punishment is proof the girl’s lies are truth? If you had any sense in your head, you’d know the only reason she hasn’t punished the girl is because she’s yet to complete the bonds. Until she does, Luame’s true vision of the Golden Age of Wolves cannot be achieved.
“No,” he said, turning back to the cameras. “The fact is that Daciana Volana has betrayed Luame in the worst possible way... and she knows this. Volana knows the hellfire awaiting her and for that reason and that reason alone, she delays the ceremony and uniting with her mates.
“All of this stupid nonsense about upsetting the natural balance of our nation is nothing more than a smokescreen. It’s a lunatic having one last fun ride through the streets before the doctors come to lock her away.
“It truly disgusts me,” he spat, glaring at me. “How she lied, deceived, and upset all of you. Forcing clan leaders to attend her sham forums, conniving to rip children away from their alpha parents, and pointlessly riling up omegas who were perfectly content and happy with their lives until she convinced them anarchy would be a fun pastime.
“It’s because of her that we now must take drastic measures and expel every omega from Corvin Academy.”
“What?” Nia shouted. “Why!”
“Because she’s poisoned their minds like she’s poisoned yours,” he replied, calm and self-assured. “Everything that happened yesterday morning is laid at her feet. She confused the omegas into committing treason and pledging to serve her and her supposed pack. It’s because of this the alphas and loyal betas were forced to act—forced to fight back against her growing dangerous threat.”
Of course. Of course, this vile, twisted man takes an unprovoked attack and the murder of innocent students and turns it into a hero’s ballad for the alphas.
I was so sick I nearly threw up again.
“In the future, the only omegas who will be allowed in this school will be those recommended by their clan leaders who can attest to their loyalty.”
Subservience, he means.
“Anything even resembling a public forum is forbidden within these halls and without,” he said, “Loop Garou will soon become a private social service for alphas only, and every single change instituted in these halls in the last few weeks is revoked. Corvin Academy will return to how it was—a grand, esteemed institution that’s survived for centuries. It will not change because it need not change. Its reputation stands for itself.
“Isn’t that right, High Priestess Ash?” Cygnus pointed to her, but looked at her sons. I knew it was no coincidence that they were being held in the kitchen out of range of the cameras. “Do you support my decrees in your capacity as Luame’s voice?”
Ash shook, her chin trembling as she gazed at her children. Cygnus didn’t just plan what he’d say to me when he got his voice back. The man plotted everything down to the last detail, threat, hostage, and pressure point. He was leaving this room with nothing less than total victory over all of us. He wanted that vision of an immortal king ruling on earth for forever and a day, and he’d have it by any means necessary.
“Do you agree?” Cygnus bellowed, patience running thin. “Speak loud and speak for your people to hear you.”
“Y-yes!” Her voice caught on a sob. “I agree! In Luame’s name your decrees are just and right, Councilman.” She was crying too hard for anyone to buy this... except all those determined to. “As headmistress, I will return Corvin Academy to its rightful state”—she forced out the words—“under the council’s guidance.”