Page 40 of The Purrfect Rival

“Let us remember,” she said, her voice carrying the weight of centuries, “that Mayor Leonid inherited a complex bureaucracy. Some appointments date back decades.” Her pointed gaze swept the chamber. “I suggest we focus on uncovering the culprits rather than assigning premature blame. Or have we abandoned the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’?”

Lysander inclined his head slightly, momentarily subdued by Jinli’s intervention.

“That possibility is being investigated,” Rust added evenly, nodding gratefully to both women.

“Mayor Leonid and I have compiled our findings,” Kalyna spoke up, rising from her seat. She approached the center of the circle, placing several folders on the shared table.

Rust watched her move with the fluid grace that reminded him of her fox form. The memory of her transformation—sleek crimson fur, intelligent eyes, twin tails curled elegantly—sent afresh surge of desire through him. His lion stirred, protective and possessive in equal measure.

“The evidence suggests this wasn’t simply opportunistic theft, but a strategic operation with specific targets,” Kalyna continued, her voice steady despite the slight tremor in her hands.

That tremor awakened every protective instinct he possessed. He would burn down the world to keep her safe—a realization both terrifying and exhilarating.

“The Twinned-Tail Charm wasn’t taken for its monetary value,” Kalyna explained, distributing documents to the elders. “Our research indicates it contains essence-magic capable of amplifying fox illusions to the point where they can affect physical reality.”

Murmurs rippled through the assembly. Rust cataloged the reactions, noting who seemed genuinely surprised versus who merely feigned concern.

“During our warehouse investigation,” Rust added, “we recovered notes detailing methods to transfer fox magic into non-fox vessels. Specifically, lion vessels.”

This revelation provoked stronger reactions. Fenris Stormclaw, the wolf elder, growled low in his throat.

“An abomination,” the wolf declared. “Magic should remain within its natural pack channels.”

“Perhaps,” Rust acknowledged, “but the more pressing concern is who orchestrated these thefts and why.”

Before he could continue, Boz rose from his seat. His light brown hair was immaculately styled, his stance practiced to project concerned authority. Everything about him reeked of calculation.

“While I appreciate the mayor’s diligence,” Boz said, his voice silky with false deference, “I wonder if we might address the more immediate concern.”

“And what might that be?” Rust kept his tone neutral despite his lion’s growing urge to snarl.

Boz swept his gaze around the chamber. “The mayor’s... personal involvement with certain fox skulk members. Can we truly trust the objectivity of someone so clearly compromised by private interests?”

The implication hung in the air, heavy and poisonous. Several elders shifted uncomfortably while others nodded in agreement.

THIRTY-SIX

Rust’s fingers tightened on the podium edge. Across the chamber, Kalyna rose to her feet, her magic flaring visibly crimson around her hands.

“Councilor Boz,” she said, her voice carrying a sharp edge despite her composed demeanor, “are you suggesting that cross-clan cooperation, which this council has encouraged for generations, somehow compromises Mayor Leonid’s integrity? If so, I’d like to hear how you propose we conduct any investigation at all without such cooperation.”

Jinli Leonid’s approving nod was subtle but unmistakable. “Indeed,” the lion elder added, her voice cutting through the tension. “We should perhaps examine why some find collaborative efforts so threatening. In my experience, those most concerned with others’ motives often have the most to hide themselves.”

Her pointed gaze at Boz left little doubt about her meaning.

The unexpected alliance between the fox archivist and lion elder momentarily silenced the chamber. Boz’s practiced composure faltered before he recovered.

Rust felt a surge of pride at Kalyna’s defense, but his lion demanded he establish dominance now. For once, he didn’t fight the instinct.

“If you have an accusation to make, Councilor Leonid, I suggest you state it plainly.” His voice dropped lower, the hint of a growl underlying his words.

Boz’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Merely a concern for proper procedure, Mayor. After all, your recent dinner with the Foxworthy family seemed rather... intimate for someone investigating a fox artifact theft.”

The council chamber erupted in whispers. Rust’s jaw tightened. So his dinner with Kalyna’s family was already public knowledge.

“I wasn’t aware that building community relationships violated protocol,” Rust replied, a dangerous edge in his voice. “My presence at the Foxworthy home was both professional and personal—and I make no apologies for either aspect.”

The boldness of his statement silenced the whispers. Several lion elders exchanged shocked glances.

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