Damian's eyes flashed with anger, but he held his tongue. It was evident that the only thing holding his hostility was the respect he had for the crown, and what his careless words may do to his life.
He was talking to the king after all, and, not just any king, but Alexander Fenris.
Tales of Alexander's ruthlessness were legendary and they were whispered in every corner of the realm. The king who united 69 clans of different beings, and slayed the feared vampire ruler who fought against the union. His very name was enough to send shivers down the spine of the bravest warriors.
"Forgive me if my words have such despicable interpretation, your Highness," he bent his head, avoiding the King's gaze. "I only intended to state how this woman, my former Luna, conspired against me, against my pack. For a just and fair ruler the people know you to be, you understand how important consequences are to maintain the peaceful coexistence of a pack."
Alexander's lips curled into a cold smile. "Consequences are indeed necessary," he continued, his tone deceptively calm, "Which is why Penelope Neville will be taken into my custody..." He declared. "Any attempt to go against my order or interfere will be met with swift and severe punishment worse than death."
Damian's face went pale, his eyes narrowing. "You can't just-"
Alexander cut him off with his aura he released. The pressure was immediate and crushing, forcing everyone in the courtyard, including Damian, to his knees.
Picking Damian by his throat, he lifted him like he was a doll. "Is that arrogance I smell, Damian? What right do you have to question my law? You. Forget. That. This. Is. My. Kingdom. Not yours, or anybody else's. MINE!"
I winced in pain at the pressure that weighed down on me. This was nothing like I've ever felt before. Is this what the Alpha King's aura felt like?
Damian struggled to catch his breath, his veins bulged in his neck from the effort. "Your highness," he gasped, "I meant no disrespect. I only seek justice for my pack."
"Are you implying that your King plays little role in upholding Justice?" Alexander's words were low and dangerous.
"N no. Not at all, Your Highness. I I just simply wish to protect my people."
Even with my bent head from the king's aura, I could barely conceal my surprise at how Damian was treated nothing less than garbage with all the power he claimed to possess.
"Fortunately, I'm in a good mood today," Alexander said with a smile as he dropped Damian to the floor. "Let it be known that I will not permit any tyranny going against my word. Penelope will be taken into my protection."
His gaze turned to Ethan and the guards who stood behind me before he suppressed his aura. Without uttering any word to them, I felt Ethan back away immediately, while the guards untied me.
Their grips loosened just enough for me to slump to the ground.
Too overwhelmed by everything that just happened, I closed my eyes and let myself fall into the darkness that consumed me.