Mira's POV
"The Luna?" One of them with a ginger mustache immediately exclaims.
I almost stop myself from moving forward when I remember Rowan's words. Some of them would want to intimidate me.
But in the end, I am the fated Luna. Plus, from their conversations, I could tell some of the members of the council had already pledged allegiance to Serena so of course getting a few opposition here and there was definitely not a bad thing.
It would help me narrow out her supporters from mine.
I put on a bright slight smile on my face and I continue walking slowly and steadily.
I ignore the hushed whispers and the piercing gaze I feel on my back and I continue moving forward.
"Alpha Lucian." The man that ushered us in echoes his name.
Lucian stands tall, he sweeps through the council with his eyes and sits down, his seat already drawn.
I wonder the purpose for calling out all of their names when the Alphas are already familiar with the members of the council.
I go over it in my head but it just doesn't make any sense.
"Alpha Rowan." His fingers tremble slightly. I make a mental note to ask the brothers to explain why.
The whole place goes eerily quiet at te mention of Rowan's name. Unlike Lucian, he doesn't stare at anyone.
He sits on his seat, a sly smile on his lips.
"Alpha Damien."
Damien observes the members of the council and sits slowly.
"Alpha Kai."
Kai is the only person not bothered with all this extravagant introductions. He smiles and sits down.
"Luna Mira." The contempt in his voice is obvious even with how hard he tries to mask it.
I nod and I walk to the seat.
"Alphas, do you mind explaining who this unwanted guest is in our means?" A lean guy with a very strict face says.
"The unwanted guest is your Luna. If you do not put yourself in your place, we will gladly help you do it." Lucian immediately tells them. I am still surprised by how well he is hiding his injuries but just like the servant learns well from the master, I mask my injuries and my shock perfectly well.
"Accept my apologies then, Alphas. But may we get to know about our new Luna? We need to know if she's fit for the kingdom." Another one of them says. I know this is all a preface. I can see the disgust hidden in their faces.
"Are you now so brave that you question the decision of the moon goddess? Is that how powerful your authority has gotten to?" Damien says.
"And in the presence of your Alphas? You are all so bold that your true emotions, the disgust is written heavily on all of your faces. You seem to forget that we can choose to dissolve this council and rid all of you of your powers. This, was an opportunity presented to you. You all know me not to make empty threats." Rowan is the one talking. Compared to the Rowan, that I could read and understand at every time, he seemed completely different.
Now, I know why I could rarely tell them apart on the day father sold me. This was what they were putting into practice.
"Please accept our apologies. We came here based on your call for a meeting." The first man that opposed me says.
I can tell he wants to leave this place just to go tell his preferred Luna, all of what was discussed in the meeting. I'm quiet sure Lucian,Rowan,Damien and Kai would have taken note of him and I highly suspect he's part of the people to leave here as an ordinary member.
"Well then,let's roll straight into business. Now for reasons best known to us, oppositions, observations and the likes are not going to be entertained, you are to keep shut. The words spoken are not decrees but are to be carried out with immediate effect. Failure to do so will cost one's office." Kai immediately says to all of them.
He nods at Rowan.
"This meeting was called to present your new Luna and get rid of bad blood." He stops.
"She is being presented in respect for your offices and not to advocate for your support. Now, to the most important agenda; dissolution of council members. Upon further investigation, it has been noted that some of you have acted contrary to the laws of our clan even with awareness of this rules."
"If care is not taken and the situation is not addressed, there is not just telling how far you would go and how deep the consequences of your actions will be and we as the Alphas cannot watch that happen. Refrain from saying words that will implicate you in the upper council."
"Justin."
"Alpha Rowan."
"Congratulations. We will see you later today at the upper council."
"Thank you sirs."
I crease my eyebrows in confusion. Are they promoting or demoting?
"Lucas."
"Alpha Rowan?"
"Justin had no qualms answering me. So you are aware of your heinous crimes then?"
He presses his lips together and refuses to answer Rowan.
"I will give you a second chance but only on one condition. Root out your accomplices." Rowan stops talking and gives him space.
He refuses to utter a single word and focuses his gaze on the tiles.
"So you will rather protect the accomplices that betrayed you to keep your spot than pledge your loyalty to the clan?" Kai says to him.
"I did all of it myself, Alphas."
"Good. You will escort your accomplices out."
"Jule, Austin and Dave."
"Do you have any last words to say to the council members before you leave here?"
"I am deeply sorry for failing to meet your expectations while given the opportunity." Dave says even bowing them.
The brothers all pass a look.
"Stay. This is your second chance and a way to redeem yourself. Jule, Austin and Lucas?" He taps his fingers on his chin.
They all maintain silence.
"You may leave."
"It is on this basis that this meeting is adjourned until when called for." They remain in their seat and wait for all of the members of the council to leave.