Remy’s eyes searched out the council member who had objected. Finding him, he asked, “Exactly what are you claiming is illegal?” Then, in measured tones which emphasized each of his words, he began: “Know this! I am the Great Warlock, Keeper of All Magic and the Ruler of the Mystic Realm and I,and I alone, have the right to act as I see fit for the well-being and benefit ofallmagic users.”
“I’m not disputing who you are but unless the Witches’ Council approves your orders, no one has to obey them,” the magic user replied emphatically.
“And who told you this?” asked Remy.
“The head of the Witches’ Council, of course.”
“Ahh…you mean him?” Remy asked, waving his hand and revealing Zohar trapped in one of the light spheres. “The same magic user who is guilty of planting a bomb which would have resulted in the deaths of hundreds and the destruction of this building…the same magic user who concocted a plan with a demon to seize control of the Mystic Realm and, as part of that plan, enslaved thousands of low-level magic users in an effort to find the next Ruler of the Mystic Realm so he could have him killed, take his place, and then declare himself the new Ruler?”
Flicking his hand, the light sphere became opaque again, hiding Zohar once more from view. “Mr. Whitmore, since it appears this council is ignorant of the laws of the Mystic Realm, please explain them.”
“Certainly, Your Majesty. All power in the Mystic Realm resides with the Ruler of the Mystic Realm according to the Charter drawn up by the Fates upon their selection of the first Keeper of All Magic. In that document, it specifically states the Ruler has the final word regarding any and all issues pertaining to the governing of the Mystic Realm. Which means, any order the Ruler issues is final and does not require a Council’s approval,” Brady said, but couldn’t resist adding, “Also, it should be noted that the council serves at the pleasure of the Ruler.”
Remy asked, “Any other questions regarding my orders?” Pausing for a moment, he waited, but when they all remained silent, he continued. “Good. Moving on…oh, one more thing…if anyone does not comply with my Order pertaining to low-level magic users within the time frame stated, punishment will occur which may result in loss of their magic, and possibly more.”
Based on the gasps he heard, Remy knew his threat had the desired effect and hoped all magic users watching on the viewing portal would take it seriously. And as much as he hated to begin his reign with threats, there was no other option; magic users of the Mystic Realm had to know the old ways were a thing of the past—especially as applied to mistreatment of low-level magic users. Glancing at Carson, Remy caught the tiny nod, and smiled briefly in return. It was time to reinforce his message.
Waving his hand at the four light spheres, he finally revealed the others being held along with Zohar. “Gentlemen, I’m sure you recognize your fellow council members…Kadin Fadington, Thayer White, Niam Graves, and of course, the head of the Witches’ Governing Council…Zohar Stone. These four have been found guilty of crimes against the Mystic Realm, including unlawful imprisonment of magic users, attempted kidnapping of a number of low-level magic users, conspiracy to commit murder, accessary to murder of magic users, an attempted coup, and the use of Black Magic.”
Studying the faces of the council members, Remy was relieved to see most of them reflecting the shock they felt at the offenses he’d listed. His gut told him those magic users had no knowledge or involvement, but it was the few faces filled with anger that his eyes focused on. Using his mind link, Remy alerted Carson to them before continuing on.
“For years, these magic users treated the Mystic Realm as their personal bank, enriching themselves at the expense ofallmagic users, not just low-level ones, but others as well. While Zohar may have devised the scheme, he could not have carried it out without help.” Remy paused, letting his words sink in to the members of the council before he continued. “Trust me, I know how alarming this news is to many of you, but be assured, my commitment to rooting out all the participants in this plot will not cease until every last one has been brought to justice.”
While Remy continued speaking, Dylon jumped off the dais, and headed for the back of the council room toward a group of magic users who stood apart from the others. Glancing over at the door, he saw his orders had been followed; Logan had replaced Glenn, who was now heading his way. Trouble was brewing; his wolf could sense it, and he knew Glenn had experience dealing with situations like this.
Arriving at the group before Glenn did, Dylon circled them, watching for signs that could be an indication of a plan to take action against Remy and Carson. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, Dylon turned to Glenn, who had now reached him.
Waving at the group, Glenn growled, “Do you know who these assholes are?”
“Names…no, but before the meeting, they were all working hard to convince the others Remy wasn’t the Ruler of the Mystic Realm,” Dylon replied. “Talking isn’t a crime, but my wolf tells me…”
“Yeah…my tiger feels the same, but they can’t use magic because of Remy’s spell so….”
“Just help me keep an eye on them, and if they make any moves toward Remy and Carson…”
“Gotcha.” Glenn headed to the left leaving Dylon to cover the right side. Moving slowly, his eyes carefully scanned each of the magic users, looking for any unusual movement. But, like Dylon, he found nothing to indicate an imminent attack against Remy and Carson. Turning around, he retraced his steps, giving Dylon a short nod.
Chapter 35
Shocked silence followed Remy’s announcement of the sentences for the four men restrained by his light globes. Then the room erupted into a buzz of voices, all talking at once. It was only Glenn’s enhanced hearing that allowed him to pick up an ominous click in the noisy room.
Whipping his head around, he spotted the gun pointed at Remy. With only a split second to prevent an assassination, Glenn shifted into his tiger, becoming uncloaked in the process. Leaping over several magic users, he landed on top of the gunman, knocking him to the ground. The gun, now loose, skittered along the floor. Glenn’s tiger sat on the magic user, pinning him to the floor, his tiger’s low growls paralyzing hm.
Jumping over the long table on the dais, Carson rushed to Glenn, scooping up the gun on the way. Though he couldn’t see him, Carson knew Dylon had joined him. Stopping when he reached the White Siberian Tiger, Carson murmured, “A fucking gun…how the hell did you know…”
Uncloaking himself, Sawyer walked toward his mate, the now-silent magic users frozen in place. Turning to Carson, he said, “Glenn heard a click and knew instantly someone had cocked the hammer on a gun. If it weren’t for the overwhelming smell of lies permeating the air, he could’ve picked up the scent of gunpowder before the asshole even had the chance to draw it.” Then turning to his mate, Sawyer rubbed the tiger’s head, sending love and praise through their mind link.
“Bring him to me,” commanded Remy, pointing to the man on the floor.
Giving one last growl, Glenn’s tiger got up and stood next to Sawyer. His eyes glowing as they searched the room for any other threats.
Carson grabbed the gunman’s arm, pulled him to his feet, and then pushed him forward until he stood before Remy.
With a flick of his fingers, Remy encased the gunman in another light sphere, then asked, “Why did you try to kill me?”
“I was told to.”
“By whom?”
