Page 98 of Moon Cursed

“No,” he said, turning back to the cameras. “The fact is that Daciana Volana has betrayed Luame in the worst possible way... and she knows this. Volana knows the hellfire awaiting her and for that reason and that reason alone, she delays the ceremony and uniting with her mates.

“All of this stupid nonsense about upsetting the natural balance of our nation is nothing more than a smokescreen. It’s a lunatic having one last fun ride through the streets before the doctors come to lock her away.

“It truly disgusts me,” he spat, glaring at me. “How she lied, deceived, and upset all of you. Forcing clan leaders to attend her sham forums, conniving to rip children away from their alpha parents, and pointlessly riling up omegas who were perfectly content and happy with their lives untilsheconvinced them anarchy would be a fun pastime.

“It’s because of her that we now must take drastic measures and expel every omega from Corvin Academy.”

“What?” Nia shouted. “Why!”

“Because she’s poisoned their minds like she’s poisoned yours,” he replied, calm and self-assured. “Everything that happened yesterday morning is laid at her feet. She confused the omegas into committing treason and pledging to serve her and her supposed pack. It’s because of this the alphas and loyal betas were forced to act—forced to fight back against her growing dangerous threat.”

Of course. Of course, this vile, twisted man takes an unprovoked attack and the murder of innocent students and turns it into a hero’s ballad for the alphas.

I was so sick I nearly threw up again.

“In the future, the only omegas who will be allowed in this school will be those recommended by their clan leaders who can attest to their loyalty.”

Subservience, he means.

“Anything even resembling apublic forumis forbidden within these halls and without,” he said, “Loop Garou will soon become a private social service for alphas only, and every single change instituted in these halls in the last few weeks is revoked. Corvin Academy will return to how it was—a grand, esteemed institution that’s survived for centuries. It will not change because it need not change. Its reputation stands for itself.

“Isn’t that right, High Priestess Ash?” Cygnus pointed to her, but looked at her sons. I knew it was no coincidence that they were being held in the kitchen out of range of the cameras. “Do you support my decrees in your capacity as Luame’s voice?”

Ash shook, her chin trembling as she gazed at her children. Cygnus didn’t just plan what he’d say to me when he got his voice back. The man plotted everything down to the last detail, threat, hostage, and pressure point. He was leaving this room with nothing less than total victory over all of us. He wanted that vision of an immortal king ruling on earth for forever and a day, and he’d have it by any means necessary.

“Do you agree?” Cygnus bellowed, patience running thin. “Speak loud and speak for your people to hear you.”

“Y-yes!” Her voice caught on a sob. “I agree! In Luame’s name your decrees are just and right, Councilman.” She was crying too hard for anyone to buy this... except all those determined to. “As headmistress, I will return Corvin Academy to its rightful state”—she forced out the words—“under the council’s guidance.”

He clapped and the rest of the council joined in. “Well said, High Priestess, and thank you for lending your wisdom here today.” The absolute smugness in his tone grated on my ears. “Now, let us waste no more time. Luame has waited too long for her will to be done. We will not delay for another second.” Cygnus snapped his fingers. “Bring the water wolf first.”

“No,” Miriam screamed. “You will not do this, Cygnus. You will not turn my son into a rapist!”

Another sniff. “Whether or not it’s rape is entirely the girl’s choice. All she has to do is stop fighting her duty, lie still, and comply.”

Miriam gaped at him. “Spoken like an evil, fucking rapist pig yourself! How many women have you said that to!”

Cygnus reddened dangerously. “What did you just say to—?”

“Paxton, forget about me,” Miriam commanded her son. Water blasted out of the kitchens, soaring straight for Cygnus. “Don’t listen to him! Don’t hurt her!”

He dove out of the way, hitting the floor and rolling onto his knees. Fur sprouted from his body, filling his suit. His maw extended—rippling forth two vicious sets of fangs. “Lamond!”

“No! Stop!” Paxton bellowed. “Mom!”

The sword fell.

A towering wall of flames slammed into Lamond, throwing him off his feet. He flew into the wall beside the serving window, collapsing into a smoking, crispy pile.

“Argh!” Cygnus snarled, whirling on a blank-faced Orion as he lowered his arm.

Badr moved in front of his friend. “Sir, before you get mad, you should know Orion did that to help you.”

“Help me!?”

“Yes,” he replied calmly. “It’s one thing to kill a few traitorous epsilons that turned their backs on Wolf Nation, but executing a fellow alpha and a worried mother will not get you very much support.”

“You—!”

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