Chapter 103

Tyson
I wished my mate would have rested, yet she sat here, with me in the grand council room. Samira carried the scent of a unicorn with foal. She smelled like sweet chocolate and pastries, while I carried the scent of a General. Any of the older council instantly knew our conditions as each walked in. All their suspicions were confirmed.
I could kind of see their realizations in their eyes as they entered slowly from the Lord and Lady’s entrances, seeing me sit high and proud in the middle. Now, all mortals would be seen and judged by the entire court, not just mostly the men. The Queen’s Quarters will still be used if they wish to speak of private affairs, but larger rulings are carried out here, with everyone.
My horns were out, because I felt a little off…. 
On edge….more than aggressive…
Like I could reach my left hand out, and summon my sword.
I was to meet Kenriel tonight, at 3 am. It was currently midnight. I would have another pair of eyes to watch my pregnant wife soon, but it is not soon enough. They bowed their heads, and all I could think to myself was *Which of these snakes is going to try to put a viper in my baby’s crib?*
Only a few days passed, yet I was filled with unrest. I don’t know why I had a feeling someone was plotting against my pup, but I knew at least one of them might start to plot after tonight. The issue is *who?*
Maybe I should drop it. We haven’t even announced the pregnancy… but a shifter could scent it. Now that the entire council was here, sitting at my left and righ,t they knew for themselves. Today, after this meeting, will be the day they conspire. 
Maybe I should trust that they value protecting our people more than impeding the progress of my bloodline…. Maybe…Should I calm down? I could feel the flames between my horns flick to life…
I didn’t summon so much magic, not on purpose. Nothing was happening, nor was there any sensed threat, yet I felt powers I did not know that I had. The aura that radiated off my skin sucked the light from around me. Yet, that same light was expelled in the form of small glowing balls of light. I looked as if I were on fire in a dim room filled with yellow fireflies of different sizes.
I sat there completely still, pretending that I wasn’t as surprised as they were.
A silent realization of caution washed over me. 
I need to be careful… My natural arrogance and piety will get someone else killed. 
The small candle’s flame between my horns lit a two-chair-wide radius around me. On my left were my mate, then my parents, followed by all the odd seats, and on my right were John, Heidi, Aemi, then Ronitus, and so on. That much of the room felt the heat from my awakening abilities….
That was a rush I was not expecting. But it’s too late for them to unsee this, and even later for me to call this meeting off.
I could not hear, nor see anything to indicate that my aggression was warranted, so I sat there, smelling of slightly agitated demigod. As servants got into position, I gave the new small gold bell to Samira. It sat on my part of the table, along with my grandfather’s gavel… I didn’t get a chance to speak with him… Grendel likely would block my efforts to.
“My lord?” Asked Ronitus. Samira ringed it, but I hadn’t said anything.
“With my mate’s initiation, this meeting is now in session.” I cleared my throat. “As you know, the son of the Sun God, the Lord of Contradiction, was felled by the combined efforts of many houses, organizations, and kingdoms. ” I said that to keep it short. I also didn’t want to share too many details. “My brother, Alpha Kaizen, despite his former status, was especially appreciated.”
They were silent, and I appreciated the quietness to gather my thoughts.
I wondered if I should confirm the thoughts that buzzed in the otherwise silent council room. 
*I’m glowing…* I can’t exactly deny any allegations that I hold magic abilities, or that this grandchild of the Horned One has taken his titles.
This pause was only one or two breaths, but it would bring controversy. 
“…. I was made king for a reason.” I looked to see every head bowed. I motioned them to rise. “I was trusted by King Ashital, my mother’s grandfather. Everything I do, every ruling I make, every time I sit in this chair, I think of what it means. And I have fought for my people. I have died for my people. From the moment I wake, and even in my sleep, I ever think of you, and what can be done to improve the kingdom. Because I change, does not mean that my feelings for any of change. This is the best that we can live with; it’s the best I can do. I promise you here and now, that I’m putting my people first… but I have taken my title… I am the Third General. I gained the title The Holy One.” 
I went on ahead and got it over with. Let them have their squabbles. Let them show their fear. I’d already accepted my title. I’d already fucked myself. And honestly, I half expected the murmurs to be roars of obligation. That is because I was given two employees to payroll, a beast of burden, and a farm Below, that I should not rule the wolves.
“And as you can see, I have experienced changes in order to prevent another Contradiction’s rise.” 
And fear I scented, even from Ronitus. There was a nervousness in his eyes, but I knew it was because he fought the likes of my uncles. He and the other older members still remember the carnage, the generals of the Realm King wrought.
I have no intention of ever doing such a thing, but they don’t need to know anything more.
Why did I feel like this was not meant to happen?
Why do I feel as if this is a contradiction in the timeline? It gives a headache to try to remember details…
“My lord, should we… Do… Do you intend on using your title on Urth?” Asked Ken the Silent.
“I have already sworn my blood to the wolves. You saw this yourself at my crowning.” I said simply. “The Horned One is my blood, but you are also family. It would do this world no good that I become the very problem I’ve already sworn to protect against.” 
They murmured in agreement, but I knew at least one of them was still not satisfied. Just because I don’t sense it, doesn't mean that it isn’t happening.
“We follow you, your majesty.” Said Ronitus, bowing his head. “Despite your bloodline, or titles, you serve with honor, and no one can deny that.”
“I saw the carnage made by Contradiction. I for one find some comfort that measures are made to keep the Urth alive.” Said Samira. “ As it is, the aftermath of the sky being red has begun to impact the Omegas that live in the castle, and wildlife all over the world was our first docket, is it not?”
I did not know this.
“Well said.” Said mother. “There aren’t any reports from other packs yet, but Omegas who reside in the castle are more sensitive to changes like this. So far, 7 servants have reported headaches, nausea, and some feelings of unease. However, reports have declined. Two have already recovered.”
“The sky was renewed thanks to the efforts of the witches, and Lord Kaizen.” I gave myself no credit. All I did was soothe the Pit. Kaizen was the one who calmed the Moon Goddess, which took the Horned One’s gaze off this place…. For a split second, I remembered the magic mirror. Yet, I could not grasp the details of what I saw.
It made the flame between my horns spark. I took that as a warning that I should stop.
“Then we should leave well enough alone. Provide Moon Blessed waters for anyone who needs it, or general silver poisoning treatment.” Jang said drinking some coffee. It didn’t seem like a bad idea since I knew I would be here all night. Fuck I wanted to be back upstairs.
“Bring me a pot.” I said, raising my hand slightly.
A random Omega ran off to carry out my order, while the next docket was placed in front of it.  I skimmed all this information as fast as I could. None of the Omegas listed were from the original crew. Only the Omegas under 100 were impacted.
“Wisp, make sure those Omegas get PTO, and any other assistance they may need,” I said casually. “Whatever they need. If it is to be taken out of my personal treasury, so be it.”
They receive full benefits, so I didn’t worry about them financially, but I did for their health. Some Omegas get sick, akin to how humans do, but not fully. They don’t get the flu, or colds, but from time to time, they get under the weather. It’s more in the form of lethargy, weakness, nausea, and even fever, but it isn’t contagious. They have no wolf, or a very dormant one. No one knows why this happens, since even with Omegas this is extremely rare, but I don’t want them to worry about their jobs, or taking care of their families while they’re sick.
Some are frail because they were poisoned with silver, others are frail because their wolf is so dormant, they don’t even know their names… Those were the wolves affected first by the sky, by the anger of my grandfather’s gaze on this world.
I tread a very serious, incredibly thin line. This world has peace, but I have made two oaths. One is to destroy worlds, and another is to protect this one. Hopefully, they never collide. 
“Of course, sir.” Said my Gamma, bowing his head. Wisp linked orders for me, while we continued with the next set of issues.
But it still sat in the back of my mind that the Council didn’t make as much of a fuss about my powers as I thought they would. The rest of the meeting was overshadowed by that thought. I can’t trust them. Not when my pup is involved.