Chapter 159
Zephyrine
22%
Finished
Settled. That was the word that came to me when I finally left my bedchamber and walked into the great hall. Silence. It reigned.
I never thought I’d feel nervous until now, when every eye shifted and settled on me. Looking around, my gaze landed on the table where Hue Pack sat, and I had to turn away to stifle a laugh. My gods. I had told Dessyn to place their table wherever she deemed fit and she had set it at the very last row.
I steadied myself and finally turned forward, ready to begin the night. I walked gently towards the Lycan table first, a smile lifting my lips as I greeted the guests.
“Thank you for coming.” I said softly, my eyes carefully avoiding Lycannar, who sat silent, his gaze pinned on the table as always.
I bow to his aunt who gave me a smile in response. Then when I was introduced to her she had called me a Rogue but now she grin brightly when she knows I am actually a female Alpha.
“You look stunning,” Princess Selena said, and I shot her a look.
“Don’t flatter me when you look even more radiant. Thank you for coming.”
I smiled at Baron and Beauty, bowed, then dared to let my eyes drift toward Lycannar. He wouldn’t look at me. His gaze didn’t shift, and I understood. My glance slid back to Princess Mearez, who wore white. I winked at her, and she smiled knowingly.
Quietly, I left their table.
Next, I moved to the Imperium Council’s table. There I bowed deeply in respect. Three of them sat. Three pillars of power.
Osmir, an elderly man with grey hair, had been my father’s closest friend. He was the one who once presented the order declaring the demons had opened a portal to invade us. He bowed back to me, and I smiled in acknowledgment.
Then there was Ryndor, Alpha of York Pack, always respectful toward my father. And lastly, Lady Sylvara, once a great Luna when her husband still lived. I bowed before her.
“Your parents would be proud of you, Zephyr,” Osmir said, and I smiled in return.
“Your brother too,” Lady Sylvara murmured. The smile lingered until she added softly, “If only he were alive as well.”
At that, my smile faded. I gave no response, only moved on.
I approached White Pack’s table next, a grin spreading when I saw Alpha Auedric.
“It’s been years since I stood in this hall, Zephyr. It reminds me of your father, Warlord Vale,” he said.
I laughed.
1/3
13:06 Sat, Sep 6 G.
Chapter 159
“Same here. I can almost imagine him standing at that dais, beginning his speech.”
“Only this time, it’s you who will speak, not him,” he said warmly, and I nodded, smiling.
“Father,” I greeted Nathan, who clasped my hand.
“You did well,” he said.
“Thanks for coming. I appreciate it.”
22%!
Finished
From there, I moved to the Horn Pack. Alpha Orød bowed, and I returned it. Thanks to his warning, I knew my pack was about to be targeted by the vile thieves of Blackbridge Pack but now I was certain they wouldn’t dare such foolishness.
After that, I didn’t bother greeting any other packs. I needed to prepare.
Jurrek approached and leaned close to whisper,
Dessyn glanced at the row and scoffed.
22%
Finished
“Suits her.” She gave me a sharp look. “But you’re in front of everyone. Can you at least try to be serious? gods.”
She left, and I finally composed myself, clearing my throat before turning back to the audience.
“So… uh, as I was saying…”
“You haven’t answered my question,” Kaela pressed.
This time, I fixed my gaze directly on her.
“War,” I began, my voice firmer now, carrying across the hall. “War is one thing. Shedding blood is another. Fighting to preserve peace is yet another. Ashmeres have always fought for justice. And if you are so concerned, rest assured, there is no reason to wage war in this empire now.”
She stayed silent, and I continued smoothly.
“What I wished to announce is trade.” Murmurs stirred but quieted when I pressed on. “Ash Pack is ready to trade with worthy packs. Those who respect us and are prepared to stand in honest dealings.”
A sigh escaped me, heavy with feeling. Then I lifted my gaze, fixing it on Kaela with unyielding resolve.
“But let none mistake this. Just because we Ashmeres have hung our armor these past years, letting it gather dust, does not mean our skills have grown rusty or that we’ve forgotten who we are in this empire.”
I swallowed, then declared with steel in my voice,
“If war should rise, we will face it head–on. Not because we love bloodshed but because it is what Ashmeres do. And the likes of you…” My eyes pierced her where she sat. “I doubt you even know what that truly means.”
Send Gifts
2.3K

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Rogue is a Female Alpha