Page 19 of An Ancient Power's Revenge

I met her gaze, determination welling up inside me. "We'll pull through, Ana. Harmony Grove has faced worse. We just need to stay united and keep pushing forward."

Ana nodded, her eyes softening. "You've always been the optimist, Alexei. I hope your optimism doesn't blind you to the reality of the situation."

I chuckled. "I'm the Mayor, Ana. Optimism is part of the job description."

She smirked. "Well, just don't let it get you killed. I can't handle being the sister of a mayor-turned-martyr."

I rolled my eyes. "I'll do my best to stay alive, just for you."

Ana stood up, walking around the desk to hug me tightly. "Take care of yourself, Alexei. And don't let the weight of the town crush you. You've got people who care about you."

I returned the hug, grateful for the support. "I know, Ana. And I care about you too. We'll get through this together."

With one last squeeze, Ana pulled away. "Keep your head up, Mayor. I'll see you soon."

As she walked out of my office, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination. Harmony Grove was facing challenges, but with the support of people like Ana and our town's resilience, we would weather the storm.

***

A firm rap on my office door distracted me from the endless paperwork spread across my desk. I am currently dealing with a lot, and my work keeps piling up. It doesn't help that my mind is everywhere except here. I glanced up just in time to see a courier clad in an elaborate cloak that betrayed his Fae heritage.

It was only a matter of time before they stepped in.

"You have a delivery, sir," the Fae said.

"Who's it from?" I raised an eyebrow, noting the peculiar insignia on the sealed envelope he presented. The Fae inclined his head in acknowledgment, his features revealing nothing of the message he bore.

"It's from the Council of Elders," he added, his voice carrying a weight that hinted at the importance of the contents within.

I accepted the envelope, the parchment texture beneath my fingertips resonating with an authority that transcended the mundane. The Fae lingered, his gaze piercing in a way that only Fae eyes could be.

My curiosity piqued as the Fae made his exit, his cloak billowing with an ethereal grace that hinted at the ancient power he bore.

I broke the wax seal and unfolded the parchment alone in my office. The words, written precisely to mirror the Council's timeless authority, informed me of an urgent meeting at the Council's assembly hall.

The assembly hall awaited, and with it, the scrutiny of the Council of Elders. I folded the parchment, the insignia once again hidden beneath the creases. They wanted to see me to discuss the current situation of things.

An hour later, I arrived at the assembly hall. I was prepared for whatever they would throw at me.

I let out a heavy exhale as I stood outside the building. "Here we go."

As soon as I entered, I could feel the scrutiny of the council. Their expressions, a mosaic of ageless wisdom and ancient power, regarded me with stern expectation. With a regal air that befit his lineage, the Fae elder spoke first.

"Mayor Alexei, we have gathered due to recent events that have transpired in Harmony Grove. Why did you not inform the Council of these matters?"

I met the Fae elder's gaze, a sense of disappointment seeping through his words. My eyes flickered toward Karla, the Luminara leader, who stood at a distance, her expression a mix of concern and defiance.

"I apologize for not informing the council sooner," I admitted, the weight of their collective gaze bearing down on me.

The Fae elder raised an eyebrow, his voice firm. "Explain the situation. We have heard that a human was found dead, and rumors speak of supernatural involvement."

I recounted the events—the scratches, the altered CCTV footage, and the recent information I got from Evelyn—the connection to a supposed banshee who might be living in Mystic Vale. The Council listened in silence, their eyes revealing a depth of understanding that seemed to surpass my own.

When I finished, the Fae elder's gaze bore into me. "You allowed the Luminara leader to inform us. Why?"

I turned to Karla, seeking an explanation. "Why did you inform the council without consulting me first?"

I felt somewhat betrayed because I was sure we had it all under control, and now, seeing her tell them without informing me, I felt like she was going against me.

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