Chapter 155: I just want to make you happy...
Selene POV
For the first time since Noah’s pronouncements began, I noticed a reaction from Xavier. His jaw tensed as his eyes bore through Noah with a heated intensity that I was afraid he was going to fight or something. And that was all... despite all the other Alphas urging him to say something, Xavier remained calm.
Noah on the other hand seemed unperturbed as he returned to his seat. When he settled, he turned to fully address the entire hall once more.
"Let this serve as a final reminder to you all," he called out, his voice ringing with both fear and respect. "The act has come into play effectively from this very moment and anyone found wanting will be punished regardless of their status. Our prosperity and continuance as a people is rotted in our faithfulness to all the laws and traditions handed down to us from one generation to another. To willfully defy, or outrightly disregard these foundations is to laugh a the legacies we all share,".
His gaze settled back on Xavier in a pointed look that lasted for a few seconds before he continued "The path forward should be one of unity, wisdom and adherence to our ways. Not rash, individualistic actions that will further fray the ties that bind us all. I could talk more and on but we’ll stop the meeting here for today so that you all can arrive at your packs in good time," he gave a nod and snapped his fingers. Immediately, the doors of the hall opened.
I watched as the Alphas began rising and shuffling out of the hall in hushed murmurs, they were still surprised at Noah’s verdict. As the last person left leaving me and Noah in the hall, I stole a side glance at Noah’s profile as he stared blankly into space wondering if he was regretting all the verdicts he passed today or if he was truly driven by the desire to uphold the so-called laws and traditions which he didn’t anchor himself.
Although I couldn’t read his mind, I was so sure that Noah for the first time had thrown down his gauntlet to Xavier, daring him to pick it up and fight him. All along, it was just a squabble between an uncle and his nephew but now... it was clear that it had moved beyond that.
"Are you ready to go?" his voice pierced into my thoughts.
I nodded wordlessly and rose to my feet following after him as he exited the hall towards the next meeting with the pack elders. I didn’t know if I could face the pack elders right now, especially after the bone-chilling event I had just witnessed. Should I ask Noah to reschedule the meeting? I doubt he would listen to me but it was worth a shot.
I sprinted lightly catching up with him. When I was closer, I took several breaths before I ventured gently "Can you do me a favour dear?"
"No!" he called out behind his shoulders "It’s too late to cancel the meeting, Selene. These men had a lot of plans for today but had to cancel it to suit your schedule. The best thing you can do is to honour the invitation. It is all for you and not for them or even for me. So, no, I will not cancel it. Hurry up, I want us to be seated before they start arriving,".