Page 128 of Alpha Power

Zamorra turned to her uncle. "How many votes does he need?"

Void studied Barnabas and the men at his back, his eyes darkening with something fierce. "There are 195 countries in the world. 79 of them have a Council of Order. He needs at least 80% in favour for the law to be rescinded. That's 63 countries."

"How many does he have already?"

"I don't know. Only two of his men accompanied him to each meeting." He pointed to the two bulky shifters at Barnabas' back, cutting them a filthy look. "Gideon is the one on the left. The Hugh Jackman wannabe look alike. And the other one is Thane, all brawn and no brains."

"Our ancestors put this law in place for a reason," Ignacio interjected, leaning forward and bracing his elbows on the table. "The humans not only outnumber us 10-1, they're-"

"Weak," Barnabas growled, cutting in and raising his voice so the entire room could hear him. "They are nothing compared to us. They have no magic, no creatures. They're slow and have bodies that can be crushed with a single blow. They are prey and we are predator. Tell me why we let them control the world? Why we let them rule? They should be obeyingourword,ourlaw." He rotated on the spot, spinning his body slowly so he could address every person with a smooth, clear voice. They all watched him reverently, hanging onto his every word like he was their God, their ancestor, live and in the flesh. "Weare the superior beings and it's about time we started acting like it."

"You make a compelling argument, Mr Baxter," Luther addressed, a cold, dark edge to his voice. "Wearesuperior,physically.But the humans are intelligent, resourceful and tenacious. Their history over the last thousand years proves that. A war with them would be detrimental to us all. How long do you think it would take for them to discover our weaknesses and use them against us? Even with our superiority they far outnumber us, and it would be reckless to make them an enemy."

Murmurs raked through the crowd. Some nodded in agreement while others shook their heads in anger.

Barnabas straightened, narrowing his eyes. "They willneverhave the power or strength to win a war against us. The only thing that truly makes them a threat is their numbers."

"You are wrong," Luther blasted. "They are a ferocious breed like each and every one of us. I've witnessed the evil in their souls firsthand. In a war they would be just as ruthless as we are. Even more so because they would have more to fight for. Their loved ones, their livelihoods, their entire way of life. That is a dangerous combination."

"Perhaps. But they are not worthy of being the dominant creatures of this world. We are. Their weakness and humanity is sickening."

"Your opinions of humans are your own. Have you thought about the hunters? They may only be a small organisation but their knowledge of us, our customs and how we operate would significantly aid the humans in our destruction."

Barnabas faltered. "Our abilities, our power, the things we can do outweigh any risks the hunters pose to us. With a wave of their hand mages all around the world could subdue the humans while we take control."

"It would not be that simple," Ignacio affirmed. "Spells of that magnitude would kill the mages casting them."

"Sometimes sacrifices need to be made to win a war."

"I'm not willing to sacrifice my people for your crusade."

"Nor am I," Luther agreed. "Theodora?"

The shifter Regent made a steeple with her fingers, leaning back into her chair and studying Barnabas with interest. After a few tense seconds, she gave a small sigh. "I vote in favour."

Ignacio snapped his head to her in surprise. "You what?"

"I vote in favour," she repeated more clearly, staring into Ignacio's eyes and refusing to back down. "Balthus, your verdict."

"What happens if he votes in favour?" Zamorra whispered out of the corner of her mouth.

"In the event of a tie the final decision goes to the crowd. But that won't happen. The Regents would never hand over control like that." Void replied.

Balthus drummed his clawed fingers on the table and his lips thinned. "Against," he grunted.

Voices raised in outrage, several members of the crowd jumping to their feet in protest. The room was divided. Some agreed with the verdict while others couldn't believe it. It was clear Barnabas had his supporters and they were surprised all the Regents didn't vote in favour.

Ignacio raised a hand in warning, threatening to release another pulse of his dark magic. "We have given our verdict and it is final."

Barnabas sneered and then quickly composed himself, bowing his head slightly and glaring with a fierce, dark look. One that demanded retribution. "I respect the verdict given from the Council of Order in Australia. I wish you well." He spun on his heels and marched down the aisle, anger and frustration in every single step.

He paused when he reached the door and turned slightly, peering over his shoulder and right at her.

Zamorra glared, hatred flowing through every ounce in her body and Void nudged her, making her drop her eyes to the tiny body at her side.

"Don't be an idiot," he hissed. "What you're doing can be taken as a challenge."

"I'm not doing anything." But those words were lies. She knew exactly what she was doing.

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