Chapter 167
I kept my eyes straight ahead as Rowan and Vince stormed by. I felt someoneโs eyes hit me, but I pretended not to notice. If it was Rowan, we would talk later. If it was Vince, I didnโt want to meet his eyes.
Hanna leaned closer to me and whispered, โWhat the hell was that?โ
โI wish I knew. But something serious is going on.โ I kept my face blank and my voice low. I wanted to be open and honest with her, but I barely knew her. And while I felt like I could trust her, to lay everything out for her, I would need to be sure.
โI understand.โ Hanna gave a tiny nod, and then we focused on the king walking onto the stage.
He was followed by three others and Vince. He was still pissed. I could see it in his face. His eyes were tight, and even though he was wearing a smile, I could see the predator behind his mask. His wolf was close to the surface.
โLadies and gentlemen, please letโs settle down. Today has turned a little sideways, and now we have more than one thing to address today.โ Rowan raised his hands and waited until the murmurs died down. โThank you.โ
โWhat the fuck happened today?โ Someone from the crowd called out. The outrage was evident in their voice.
Rowan closed his eyes. โOkay. Letโs deal with today first.โ
Others called out from the crowd. โIf we were expelled, would we have gotten our tuition back?โ
โWhy were unranked wolves targeted?โ
โWhy do you hate us so much?โ The last call was from a female, and I watched it land like a punch. Rowan reeled back and turned to glare at the others on stage.
โFirst, I would like to apologize for everything that happened today. Nothing that took place today was sanctioned by me. I will step back and allow the ones who orchestrated it all to step up and answer your questions.โ Rowan stepped back from the mic and then unleashed his aura. Even away from the microphone, we all could hear him command the men on stage. โStep forward and answer their questions honestly. And hope they have better temperaments than I do, as they will decide your fate.โ
The three men stepped forward and glared at us from the stage. I swear I could feel their eyes searching the crowd for someone, and I knew without a doubt it was me.
One of the crowd called out the first question again. โWhat the fuck happened today?โ
One man stepped forward. He was still spry in his old age, but his back was bent slightly, and his hair was completely white. โToday we came for an announcement.โ
โI donโt care what you came here for. I want to know why you targeted unranked wolves for expulsion.โ The angry voice called back.
The old man stiffened. โI donโtโโ
โI advise you to tell the truth, Yarrow,โ Rowan growled. โActually,โ Rowan turned and unleashed his full aura. It was insane, and everyone on stage dropped to the ground and whined. โI command you to tell the truth. If you do not, your wolf will go into hibernation for five years.โ
The crowd gasped. Five years. That was an excruciatingly long time to be without your wolf after spending a lifetime together. No shifting, no talking, just silence. Itโs said that a wolf can go insane in a year, and the human within two. Rowan has condemned them to insanity and death.
Yarrow pushed up from the ground once Rowan tucked his aura away. โYou canโt mean that, my king.โ
โBut I do.โ Rowan looked to the crowd. โYou are a part of my council, and you are supposed to be fair and above the maneuvering Iโve seen here today. You failed, and now you three face the punishments. And donโt for a second think I believe it was just your plan.โ Rowan dropped into a crouch in front of him. โNow get the fuck up and answer them. I will handle the rest when we get back.โ
The threat hung in the air until, one by one, they stood, but no one answered the question. The three council members remained silent, and Rowan chuckled. He searched the crowd for me, and as his eyes met mine, I saw them flash a frosty blue color, almost white. He was losing control.
So I yelled out. โIf they are unwilling to answer the questions and receive the punishment for their crimes, just agree on capital punishment.โ
Rowan smirked as he stepped up to the microphone, but before he could say anything, Vince was next to him. "Capital punishment?"
โYes, going against the king is punishable by execution. Without trial.โ Vinceโs eyes met mine, and I wanted to smile, but I had a role to play.