Chapter 160
1172words
I shifted awkwardly in my chair with the council members squirming, feeling my presence.
I sensed their disapproval digging into me, their dislike eating away at my confidence. To them, I was just the traitor's daughter—a rebel, a living symbol of their worries. Just sitting next to Adams felt like a dangerous bet, an experience I hadn't chosen to face.
'Your Highness," one of the older council members started, his voice calm but cold. 'We need to talk about the coming war, but…" he paused, glancing at me before going on. 'We can't overlook the obvious issue. Her being here…"
'Lilith is my mate," Adams shouted firmly, his voice rising with certainty. 'She is with me, not behind me."
I looked at him from the side, surprised but reassured by the strong determination in his eyes. However, the council members didn't change their stares, filled with judgment.
I could almost feel how heavy their looks were, their whispers following them like shadows. Some looked at me with clear dislike while others narrowed their eyes with skepticism.
'Your Highness," one member said, shaking his head. 'She's trouble. Even if—"
'She understands Augustus more than we do," Adams replied firmly, his voice echoing in the large room. 'We are at war. That is the most important thing. You all know what he can do."
A quiet sound of reluctant agreement spread through the room, but it seemed far away. 'As Alpha King, I must protect our packs. I can't risk losing Lilith. We need her knowledge."
With a strong sense of purpose, Adams stood up from his chair. He commanded respect, capturing everyone's attention.
'Everyone listen! The rogue king is not only a danger—he is bringing an army to this palace right now. He has destroyed Thornvale Village, leaving just one survivor to share the story."
Gasping sounds filled the room and my stomach churned at what he said. I looked at Adams, who remained steady, capturing the council's focus. 'Captain Kael, please step up."
Kael looked serious, but calmly walked to the front. 'Thank you, Your Highness." He cleared his throat and went on 'I am based at Thornvale. When Augustus struck, it happened fast. We had almost no time to react."
I felt tightness in my chest, and I leaned in, holding my breath. Kael went on 'His army… they were like nothing I've ever seen. They moved like shadows, cruel and heartless. Buildings caught fire, flames swallowing everything around them. I just watched as homes fell apart and lives were lost."
A few council members looked at each other, worry showing on their faces, and my heart felt heavier.
Adams continued 'What did you notice about Augustus?"
'He's clever," Kael said slowly. 'His men do whatever he says. The way they fought seemed wild, fueled by something evil. I had to fall back before I could learn more. We lost it all."
A chill went through the room when he spoke. I could see the fear in everyone's faces. 'And now he's coming here," Kael said seriously.
I jumped up, my voice breaking the silence sharply. 'Augustus won't quit until he takes it all. He's not just a bad king, he's a beast driven by anger. I know this because I've looked into his thoughts."
An older member of council replied sharply, his words full of contempt. 'And how do you know that? You are just the child of a thief!" His cold voice filled the room and a heavy silence fell as a few others agreed. 'What have you done to deserve your place here?"
I could sense Adams's anger next to me as he stared at the man. 'Stop! I mean no disrespect, but your bias is making you blind. Lilith put her life on the line to save us. She has knowledge that could help everyone."
Whispers of disagreement filled the room, but one man stood strong against me. 'We can't even tell if she can be trusted. You have to understand, Your Highness, that our pack's safety is what matters most."
Warmth flushed my face filled with anger and worry. 'You don't understand," I said quietly, looking at the man who doubted me. 'Augustus is chasing me. The Moon Goddess picked me for a reason—" The room went quiet, my words lingering. 'He wants something from me, something crucial—"
'That just gives us a better reason to turn you over to Augustus!" he interrupted, his voice getting louder and angering the others. 'He would save our pack if we offered you as his trophy!"
I noticed Adams's fists tightened, his face tense with anger. 'You've lost it! After all my pack has gone through, you'd give up Lilith to save yourselves?"
The elder looked unhappy, but I noticed the atmosphere shift; murmurs of uncertainty began to circulate among the audience.
They glanced at me, showing both fear and uncertainty in their faces. I met Adams's gaze and I felt a need to hurry. He nodded slowly, and I knew it was time to move.
'Yes, I'm the rogue king's target," I said firmly. 'But it's not only because of my family. I can help us."
The whispers intensified, resonating like an agitated beehive. 'Are you suggesting—" another member interjected, 'you can see into Augustus's thoughts?"
I took a deep breath to calm myself. 'I can sense the shadows around him. I know his plans and his weak spots. We need to use all the knowledge we have, and right now, I can help you see what Augustus wants."
One man scoffed 'Don't trust her! She's still a troublemaker. Just see where her blood comes from!"
'That's enough!" Adams shouted, his voice booming in the room. 'Now is not the time for old fights or silly arguments! The rogue king is on his way. You all heard Kael! We lost too many at Thornvale. We can't lose even one more life because you are afraid of a girl next to me!"
Another member of council stood up looking a bit defeated. 'You talk about a girl, but to us, she's called a traitor. If she has important information, we should get her on our side instead of driving her away."
I took the chance and stepped up with fresh resolve. 'You're right. We can't waste time arguing about my past. I have paid for my parents' choices. But I'm here for a purpose."
My words felt heavy as they settled. 'At this moment we are on the edge of war. The rogue king won't hesitate to take us into chaos if we keep fighting among ourselves."
The whispers started again, now showing a slight openness to listen instead of just ignoring. Adams stood firmly beside me, his eyes providing steady support.
'We need a plan," I insisted, my anger fading as urgency took over. 'We must stand together. If we don't do something now, Augustus will destroy everything we care about. We might not change who we are, but we can change what happens to us…"
