Chapter 162: Theon’s Objection
"Yes," Malric said, his voice low and cold, "and I will not let my blood destroy what generations have bled to protect."
Theon’s shoulders tensed, but he said nothing. He had done his part - spoken the truth. Now, the council had to decide if they were brave enough to face it.
A heavy silence fell. One elder cleared his throat. Another stared at the floor. Finally, Elder Inara, the only female elder and perhaps the wisest among them, leaned forward.
"We need Luna Reana. Without her alliance, the monsters will destroy us all. We cannot survive another war, not after what happened in the North." Her sharp eyes cut through the council. "Killian must step down."
Everyone knew that was the only solution, though nobody wanted to be the first to say it – a person with a defect cannot be an Alpha.
And Alpha Killian’s defect wasn’t one that could be overlooked – he had just one hand now.
Malric smiled, slow and dangerous. "Now you’re speaking sense." He continued, "I’ll assume the position of Alpha and go back to Luna Reana, at the crack of dawn. When I return, we can carry out the ceremony and formally crown me the Alpha."
The elders exchanged glances - some ashamed, others frowned. Elder Garrick’s lips thinned into a grim line, but he said nothing. Even he couldn’t argue anymore.
"Make no mistake," Malric said, his gaze sweeping across the room, "this is not a coup. It is a rescue." He stepped closer to the council table. "Killian lost more than a hand. He lost his judgment, his strength, his control. He’s putting us all in danger."