“Interesting,” Naomi mutters, eyes panning over to my mate, where they linger with contempt.
Following a brief recess,Axe and the inner circle reclaim their seats, watching as the councilmen file back into the assembly room along with Maurleen, whose wrists are bound by shackles.
Naomi turns to address Paul, Alpha of Glacier Meadow. His expression is just as vindictive now as it was on the full moon when patrol officers escorted him off Bleeding Sun grounds.
"From the archives, I have a petition of asylum which states Vespera James, first cousin of Maurleen James, has voluntarily accepted the terms of confidentiality and is therefore grantedpack protection. Do you verify that this is your signature and that the information recorded is correct?"
Paul examines the document and dips his head. "I do. Though it was my understanding that, for the sake of concealing the human's identity during an open investigation for her disappearance in Crayford, her last name and relation to Ms. James were falsified."
Elders exchange glances with each other, then look back to the speaker. Naomi’s gaze fixes on Axe. "Commander Skornokovy, do you also have a petition to introduce today?"
Nell swears under her breath. Axe stares straight ahead as he tells her he does not.
Naomi's thin lips twitch with annoyance. "That is not in alignment with the conditions of asylum laid out in the Maxim Minora. Neither is appointing a human to the highest position of power within your territory without seeking the Council's approval. It is an impudent offense."
"You never would have allowed it.” Dominik scoffs. “Everyone in this room knows that.”
"Silence!" the councilman on the far left shouts. “Youwere not called upon!”
Cecily pipes up. "Humans have stolen the vast majority of our territory within the last few decades. They are not allies. Placing a human at the helm of authority is not only forbidden, it symbolizes everything lycans are against."
My breath catches in my throat. Have they no compassion?
She continues. "Frankly, you put us in an embarrassing position, Commander. We could've settled on allowing her as your mate. But by law, she is not permitted to govern. Therefore, we request that Miss Lemaire be stripped of her title and prohibited from all matters of leadership."
A muscle tics in Axe's jaw. "What's done is done," he barks. “The Lunaship belongs to her."
"Then you must face the repercussions.” Naomi smiles viciously. “Surrender your title and the human for internment. Refuse, and we will put her to death before the sunrise."
Surely, it wouldn't come to this . . .
A loud voice from the rear shouts in dissent, turning dozens of heads. Axe doesn't waver. In fact, he grins. "Try laying one finger her, and you'll have war before sunset.”
"Axe," Jabir cautions. "Let's think about this?—"
“You’re all a bunch of fucking hypocrites,” Dominik interjects.
“Sitdown,” the regent orders. “We will take another recess while the Aleksandr deliberates.”
Emboldened, my voice soars over the rest. "There will be no deliberation." The room goes entirely mute. Breathing deeply, I think of Demi, using her words. "The goddess makes no mistakes. If you take my life, you defy the Luna Mother's will.”
Naomi laughs heartily. “The laws upheld in this chamber were not created by our deity, Miss Lemaire. It appears the Skornokovys still have much to teach you.”
She turns to face the oracle, only to be diverted once again. Preston Caulder stomps to the front of the room. My stomach lurches at the sight of him. Maurleen’s does as well, judging by the bone-white paleness of her face.
"You can't kill her!” he thunders. “You don't know how valuable she is."
Axe leaps over the edge of the pew, fisting the scientist's shirt. "The fuck do you think you're doing?"
The councilmembers raise their brows with intrigue. Preston hollers, "You put Vespera to death and you'll have your war. But not just against the Skornokovys. You'll face the wrath of the Blood Master and every vampire he's ever created."
"If you’re half as smart as you think you are, you’ll shut your mouth," Nell hisses at him.
Naomi narrows her eyes. "Guards. Release Dr. Caulder. I would like to hear more on the matter."
Preston meets my eyes, which silently beg him to stop while he’s ahead. But I know what he’s thinking. Why he’s doing this. He sees his daughter’s blood on my hands.
With a deep exhale, he raises his chin to the panel. "The Luna Superior . . . She is the Sponsa Noctis. Commander Skornokovy has claimed Somnium’s future queen."
