Page 104 of Alpha Queen
River nodded. "They aren't claims, they are truth. Talk to them. Listen to their stories. Investigate. Titan has been running guns and drugs in and out of Canada, and he didn't act alone. He had support from high-ranking Alphas who've been exploiting rogues for years."
The elders exchanged troubled glances.
"The territory restrictions, the bloodlines, they're all designed to create a permanent underclass of wolves to be exploited."
"These are ancient laws," Osmodius chimed in. "Established to maintain order and purity."
"They're antiquated laws," Cherry spoke up from behind River. "And they've been that way for longer than any of us have been alive. I am sorry to say that I've both seen and been a part of these things at the direction of my Alpha. Don't get me wrong. My Alpha is a good man, but that doesn't mean he's always made the right decisions."
"What are you asking of us?" Nathian demanded, his composure slipping.
River straightened in her wheelchair, wincing as the movement pulled at her healing wounds. "I'm asking for fairness. For an immediate review of all laws. For a stay of execution for all rogues currently in Titan's compound pending individual case reviews."
"Impossible," Osmodius declared. "Sweeping changes would destabilize our entire society."
"Our society is already destabilizing," Apollo countered. "The question is whether we rebuild it with justice or continue with the corruption that nearly cost the High Luna her life."
Nathian rose from his seat, his eyes flashing with indignation. "What you are suggesting would throw our entire society into chaos. The rogues have operated outside our laws for generations. They cannot simply be pardoned because of one man's actions."
"Indeed," Osmodius added. "The course is clear. The Alphas must enter the compound, eliminate the threat, and restore order. Once the situation is contained, they return to their territories, and we can look into how to ensure this never happens again."
Apollo's golden eyes gleamed with quiet authority. "No."
The single word hung in the air, laden with royal command.
Nathian's face darkened. "You dare refuse the Council's directive? Even you, as royal Alpha, must respect our authority in matters of-"
"What are you?" River interrupted, her voice cutting through the tension.
The elders stared at her.
"I beg your pardon?" Osmodius asked.
"What are you?" River repeated. "Are you the king of the Lycans?"
Osmodius blinked, taken aback. "We are the Elder Council."
"That's right," River said. "You are a council, not a board of directors. Your purpose is to advise the kings, not dictate law."
Nathian's mouth fell open. "Young lady, for centuries we have-"
"First of all, I am not 'young lady'. I am the High Luna. Mate of Apollo and Ares Wolvenguard."
She let her golden gaze fall on Nathian. He stood a moment longer before looking away and backing into his seat.
"For years," River continued, "you have overstepped your authority. The laws are clear, the Council advises, the king decides. I understand that in the time since King Titus died, you have been pertinent. But we have a king again. Two in fact, which is even better in my opinion." She reached for Ares' hand. "And my mates, the kings, have decided that there will be no massacre today."
"The High Luna speaks truth," Apollo said, his voice carrying through the chamber. "We appreciate your counsel, but the decision is ours. Each rogue will be evaluated individually. Those guilty of violent crimes will face justice. Those who were merely seeking shelter will be offered the opportunity to rejoin our society."
Ares stood beside his brother. "The compound remains surrounded. No one escapes, but no one dies without a trial either."
Nathian's face flushed with anger. "This is unprecedented-"
"Yes," River agreed. "It is. But so is everything about this situation. These are our people. All of them. Even those who've been cast out and forgotten. It's time we remember that."
Osmodius studied the twins with narrowed eyes. "And if we disagree with this course of action?"
"Then we respectfully acknowledge your disagreement," Apollo said. "While proceeding as we see fit. Perhaps, as we revisit the laws and everything that has happened, it would be prudent for us to decide if an Elder Council is still necessary. Or if it might be better to go a different direction moving forward."
