Chapter 137: Leader of the Opposition
When Alistair Greymoore reached the VIP area where the council members were seated, he lowered his head in a respectful bow, following proper werewolf etiquette. Once acknowledged, he stood quietly to the side, composed and waiting. Tradition dictated that no one could speak before the council without permission... unless, of course, the matter involved life or death for a werewolf.
The duel in the coliseum had already become monotonous for the council members. What had begun as a high-stakes confrontation between powerful alphas now dragged on tediously. The audience’s energy had dimmed, and the council members just wanted the match to end so they could return to their homes. But Alistair’s sudden and formal arrival at the VIP platform raised eyebrows. Something was wrong.
It was Sarika, the Priest of the werewolves, who broke the silence first.
"Is there something you wish to say, Alistair?" she asked, her tone calm but inquisitive.
Alistair exhaled, visibly relieved to be granted permission. "Thank you, Reverend One, for allowing me to speak."
He bowed once more before continuing. "The Raynor Clan is deliberately stalling the duel to buy time while they dismantle our clan’s foundation in the kingdom. I beg this council to intervene before irreparable damage is done."
Matthias, the Arbiter of the werewolves, leaned forward with a frown. "Are you claiming they attacked your family members or your businesses directly? If so, that would be a serious violation of the dueling accord."
Alistair nodded solemnly. "Our political influence in the kingdom has long been supported by several human allies embedded within Parliament and key bureaucratic circles. While this duel was meant to resolve our dispute over Stockport businesses, the situation has escalated. Many of our human allies are now being publicly named in a massive scandal. Dozens are being accused of financial crimes and corruption. It’s too coordinated to be coincidence. Ethan Raynor is clearly dragging out the duel to keep us confined here while the Raynor Clan destroys us politically from the outside."
Lucien Marceau Valemont, the Treasurer from France, narrowed his eyes. "Again, these are serious allegations, but do you have proof that the Raynor Clan orchestrated this? Have they taken direct action against your allies?"