“I just figured, one day, you’d be happy for some memories,” Noble said.
I nodded and slid into the chair. “Thanks, bro.”
Not even a full breath later, our mom stepped into the room.
“I thought I heard you boys,” she said, her eyes widening as she took in the new digs. “Noble Midnight,” she breathed, “Iloveit.” Her gaze fell on me, and she tsked. “You haven’t eaten! I’ll be right back with lunch.”
That was Mom; she showed her love with food and hugs. I had no complaints.
While we ate, we discussed the invitation to the other shifters, logistics, and such. The entire time Noble jotted down notes.
An hour later, Noble thrust a thick decree in my face, neatly typed on a scroll with a wax seal and all.
“This will make it official,” he said. “You sign this, and every single shifter species can live on the island. You’ll only preside over the wolves, so no dictatorship, which means you’ll have to work with the leaders of each shifter race on a quorum.”
I sighed, nodding. Did I like having final say? Yes. Was it right? Not for the other species. “Do we have enough room? Did you draw up fair boundaries and still give us our own territories?”
Noble winced. “It will be tight, depending on how many say yes and how prolifically they’ve reproduced, but yes, the decree states a clear border around the school, castle, and four clan lands.”
I sank in relief. At least, I wouldn’t have to askmypeople to give up any of their original lands. Anything the wolves took after Declan booted the other shifters would be returned, but we got to keep our territory. Thank the Mother Mage for old land maps.
Reaching out, I picked up the pen and then glanced at each of my brothers.
This was a huge moment for me, for us. Nai and Honorshouldbe here.
Now, with Kalama missing, I had no way to get Nai back. The thought made the pit in my stomach open wider.
Gripping the pen, I signed my name in large, cursive scroll.
King Courage Midnight.
I stared at my signature as emotions rolled through me.Thiswould be my legacy.
My uncle had torn the shifter races apart. I would unite us again.
Mother Mage willing.
“Send out the invitations. Give the leader of each shifter race a copy of the royal decree as well as the alpha of each wolf pack. Post a copy on the castle wall and another in the academy. I want to make sure our people understand what’s going on and have ample notice.”
Noble nodded as Justice placed a hand on my shoulder. “Father would be proud.”
Emotion clogged my throat, but my thoughts jumped to Nai. Even more than my father, I wanted my mate. I wanted to hear Nai’s excitement. Her pride in my plan.
Noble stepped in front of me. “What should I tell the shifters who voice complaints about the new decree? Shall we offer a Q and A tomorrow night? Then, you can answer questions and concerns?”
That sounded awful.
My gaze flicked to Justice, who shook his head.‘If you allow them to start, the complaints will never end.’
I grinned as he stated my thoughts.
“Tell them to shove it,” I replied to Noble. “This new law is a long time coming, but it isn’t up for discussion. There’s nothing they can do about it.”
Noble nodded and then left the room, leaving Justice and me alone.
I dropped my face into my hands. “What a nightmare of a day. I can’t believe Surlama and her twin were blood mages this entire time.”
Justice grunted. “I suspect we don’t even know all of it … but I trust Liv. She had no reason to lie. Plus, it makes sense why Surlama hoarded all that blood.”
