by Cara Wylde
“It was about time…”
Blake straightened her back.
“Father?”
No, the new law didn’t bother her in the least. She had long known that fox-shifters abused the peace treaty and the clause concerning shifter-brides. Most of the members of her own clan kept two brides, one pure blood vixen and the other human, and her uncles had had more brides than it was morally acceptable. However, that didn’t change the fact that Clan Sylfur was now ill regarded by the Council.
“I don’t think you understand,” she continued. “The Blackmanes went as far as to suggest some secret plot that our faction has been working on for years. Now the Council thinks werefoxes take so many brides in hopes that one of them will give birth to a Kyubi. Jonathan said he tried to explain to them that nine-tailed foxes are merely a myth, a legend which is not to be taken seriously. Just like the belief that werefoxes can learn how to control lightning and create bolts of electricity with their tails. It’s insane!”
Roman smiled at his daughter. He loved it when she was so passionate about something.
“Is it?”
“What do you mean?”
“Is it more insane than the fact that knowledge and wisdom allows us to grow more tails? You had one when you were born, Blake. Now you have five.”
“That’s something that happens every day. Any fox-shifter can do it, and the techniques are explained in almost every ancient text we have. But the part about the Kyubi and controlling lightning… those are fairy tales. All werefoxes are born with one tail, and they can grow more if they choose to. A fox that is born with nine tails and all the wisdom of our faction already written somewhere in their genetic code… that’s fantasy.”
“You forget that most of the ancient texts we have access to are, in fact, rather recent. A lot of our ancestors’ wisdom was lost or destroyed. Blake, I think it’s time for you to put your own fears and preconceptions aside and be more open to these myths, as you call them, as crazy as they may sound at first. My time is almost up and it won’t be easy for you to take my place and rule over Clan Sylfur, even with Seth and Amelia on your side. You might not believe in nine-tailed foxes, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t fox-shifters out there who do and who have dedicated their life to discover how they can create one. Our faction is unpredictable. Think about it: we’re the only ones who have an assassins’ guild. Inaris change their position towards the peace treaty every day. Apparently, it depends on the mood they wake up in. You will take Jonathan’s place as councilor, and I know you will do a better job than he ever did. But to be one step ahead of everyone means to take everything into careful consideration. Everything. The insane things you choose to dismiss might one day be your undoing.”
Blake relaxed against the backrest and crossed her arms over her chest.
“All right.” Roman didn’t say anything, and she knew it was because her voice hadn’t sounded convincing enough. She cleared her throat and tried again. “All right. Tell me what you think about the Blackmanes’ theory.”
“I don’t think, I know. I know it’s not a theory, it’s a fact. The werefoxes have tried to create a Kyubi way before the war and the peace between humans and shape-shifters. Among the shifter factions, we’re not the strongest, but we are the ones who have more magic on our side. The problem is… we forgot how to use it. There are fox-shifters, your uncles included, who believe that the ancient texts which spoke of nine-tailed foxes and the Golden Age of the fox-shifter faction were destroyed on purpose. Without them, they resorted to taking as many brides as possible.”
“And knowing this, you didn’t take any kind of action…”
“Only because I believe they don’t stand a chance. If it were possible for a Kyubi to be born out of the union between a male fox-shifter and a human bride, it would have happened a long time ago. And more than once. They’re missing something, and they will keep missing it without an old ancient text to tell them how to do it.”
“Wow! I… That’s the last thing I expected to hear from you…”
They were both silent for a while, Blake thinking about what she had just learned, while Roman was resting.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything.” Roman’s voice was weaker than before. “Take your time to think about it and form your own opinion. If the new law passes, then we’re all pretty safe and you won’t have to worry about it. But promise me you’ll never forget this possibility exists and there are fox-shifters out there who will never give up on their hope to create a Kyubi and dominate all the factions one day.” He looked into his daughter’s eyes. “Promise me.”
Blake left her armchair and sat down on the bed, next to him. She took his cold, bony hand into her own and whispered. “I promise.”
A bright, genuine smile lit up Roman’s face. “You’re going to make a great Inari and an even greater councilor, my daughter. I die peacefully knowing I’m leaving all my life’s work in good hands.”
“Don’t say that…” Her eyes welled up with tears. “Don’t say that…”
***
Roman Sylfur died on the second day of the New Year. It was snowing heavily, and the sun stayed hidden behind heavy clouds. Blake was there, right by his side, and she stayed like that for a long time after her father gave his last breath. She couldn’t find the power to move. To stand up, walk out of the room, and give Amelia and Seth the news. She couldn’t find the power to face her uncles, her clan, the whole world. She did stand up at some point and went through the motions on auto-pilot. For the next couple of days, they were all on auto-pilot. Then, they buried him. And Blake had to snap out of her trance.
“Roman was a good brother and a kind Inari.”
Who had said that? Her uncle Sebastian? The words kept ringing in her head over and over. “A good brother”. He had been more than a good brother to them. He had loved them, protected them, kept them from making stupid mistakes that could have gotten them into trouble with the Council. “A kind Inari”. Kind… what a joke! Adrenaline rushed through her veins every time she remembered her father’s brothers hadn’t found better things to say while standing over his grave. She couldn’t believe how little respect they had for him. She knew they would show her even less.
Damon had come from Canada with his earth and, after the burial, showed no intention of going back home. Blake couldn’t exactly kick him out of Ekviknuna, so she asked Elena and Aaron to keep an eye on him and his people. She didn’t like the fact that the four brothers spent most of their time together. They rarely came at the mansion, and she was grateful for that, although she knew it wasn’t a good sign. She was their new Inari, yet they paid little attention to her. Since she couldn’t afford to stay locked up in her room anymore, she kept Amelia at her side at all times. The members of Clan Sylfur had to see their young Inari out and about, taking care of business and acting like the leader they needed.
The news about Roman Sylfur’s death traveled quickly, and the Council of the Six Factions soon summoned Blake to London. It had been established long ago that Roman’s heir would take Jonathan Redfur’s place as councilor, and there were some people who couldn’t wait to see Redfur gone, especially after the last incidents with the rogue werefoxes and the theory that they’d been working on creating a Kyubi. The other councilors didn’t trust him, and they liked him even less. They had no idea what to expect from the Sylfur heir, but at this point they were inclined to believe anyone was more capable than Redfur.
So, Blake, Amelia, and Seth packed their bags. Out of the three, Amelia was probably the only one who was truly excited. She didn’t know why, but the idea of seeing the U.K. again filled her with joy and made her forget about their recent loss. Not completely, but enough to make her feel better. They all kept reminding themselves Roman had lived a great life and had gone peacefully. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t.
“Are you ready?” Blake asked Amelia right before boarding their plane.
“Are you?” Amelia asked back.
“No.”
Amelia forced herself to offer her friend an encouraging smile. “Me neither. Let’s do this.”
CHAPTER TWO
New Fox-Councilor
Amelia hadn’t expected the conference room to be so packed. Each councilor had his two advisers by his side, and the moment she stepped over the threshold, she didn’t know what to do, where to look, whom to study first. Blake touched the small of her back, and the gesture calmed Amelia down. She let her friend guide her to the empty chairs at the far side of the long table and only focused on not staring too much at the members of the Council of the Six Factions. She couldn’t believe she was here, among the most important people in the world. Seth drew chairs for both Blake and Amelia, and was the last to sit down. He had spent most of their flight to London telling Amelia all she needed to know about the councilors and their advisers, showing her pictures, and trying to convince her there was nothing to worry about. They were all strong, influential Alphas who had earned their place in the Council. Except for Jonathan Redfur. Redfur had been given the job by Roman Sylfur, and only temporarily. Amelia couldn’t help but notice all councilors were men. Some of them had chosen women as advisers, but that could hardly redeem them in Amelia’s eyes. And Blake’s, most likely. If everything went according to the plan and no one figured out their hoax, then Blake would be the first female councilor since the peace treaty was signed over a century ago. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be the last one. Also, it would be nice if the next ones didn’t have to lie about their gender to get the job.
Calder Grimmr, the representative of the dragon-shifters, was the first to speak.
“I am deeply sorry for your loss. The news has saddened us all.”
Blake nodded gracefully. “Thank you, Councilor Grimmr.”
Amelia watched her from the corner of her eye and couldn’t help but feel impressed by the way Blake carried herself. Back straight, hands joined on the table, head up and lips slightly pursed, Blake pulled off the Alpha attitude better than most Alpha males. Amelia rested her palm on her round belly and prayed to God her powerful human scent covered Blake’s female scent well enough to fool everyone.
The other councilors murmured their condolences, and Blake thanked them patiently. In reality, she couldn’t wait for these pleasantries to end. All she wanted was to do what she had come here to do, then fly back to Alaska. Given that she had just taken over the clan, she wasn’t expected to spend too much time in London. At least, not yet.
“We have all lost a great man,” Blake said. “My father has been equally admired and feared by humans and shape-shifters alike for the five tails which showed the greatness of his knowledge and wisdom. However, I don’t believe this is what he should be remembered for. He was a strong believer in all people’s rights and an outspoken supporter of the peace treaty. He was a powerful and resourceful Alpha who dedicated his life to keeping the balance within a shifter faction that is well-known for its… unpredictability.” She smiled at the last words. Her intense gaze moved from one councilor to another and stopped on Jonathan Redfur’s freckled face. “I will do my best to honor his name and continue the work he started.”
There was silence for a few minutes. It was almost impossible for Amelia to tell what effect Blake’s words had had on the people in the conference room, but she was sure her friend had things under control. For the thousandth time, she wished she had had the shape-shifters’ delicate senses. Especially in a room filled with shape-shifters belonging to all five factions, she felt out of place. She stole a glance towards Councilor Harington, the representative of the human faction, and wondered if he felt the same. How hadn’t this old man cracked under so much pressure?
“We would expect nothing less,” said Councilor Voinom, the representative of the wolf faction.
His booming voice startled Amelia. Just as Seth had told her, Dimitri Voinom was a tough man. His two advisers, Karl and Max Blackmane, were by his side. Amelia took her time to admire Max Blackmane’s noble features, raven black hair, and intense green eyes. Yes, Avelyn was one lucky woman. Her husband was gorgeous. Karl was nothing short of hot either, but Max had that special something that could draw even the most disinterested woman into his arms. When he caught her staring, she immediately averted her gaze. Only later did she realize the werewolf had smiled at her.
“Jonathan,” continued Blake. “In the name of my father and the whole Clan Sylfur, I wish to thank you for the work you’ve done here. My father always praised your devotion to our faction. Thank you for accepting to take his place when he wasn’t able to claim it after the war, and thank you for acting as a mentor to me.” By this point, everything she said was pure fantasy, but Blake had her reasons. “I’ve always looked up to you.”
Jonathan was sitting across from them, and Amelia could see the expression on his face changing. At first, when they had entered the room, he had been tense and reluctant, not at all pleased with the situation. It was understandable. After all, the guy was forced to offer Blake his position. Now that Blake had chosen her words so well, he even managed a smile.
“It was an honor for me to help your father any way I could,” said Redfur.
Blake nodded in approval and waited a moment before continuing. It was true that the only purpose of this meeting was for her to take her rightful place in the Council and announce everyone about her first dispositions, but she preferred to be patient and allow the councilors to intervene in case they had something to say. She knew them well. She had studied their work and backgrounds, and she knew whom she could trust and whom she should fear. While Christian Kwahu, the representative of the eagle-shifters, would probably never pose a threat, she had to be very careful around Zachary Willamar, the bear councilor, and Dimitri Voinom. They were both seasoned Alphas, and the first ones who would sniff her out if she wasn’t careful. Arthur Harington was the last one she had to worry about.
“We don’t need to establish too many things today,” said Willamar. “We know you are still in mourning and your clan needs you. If it weren’t for your father’s clear disposition that his heir would replace Mr. Redfur the moment he took over Clan Sylfur, we would have waited. We’d like to know if you wish to choose your own advisers.”
Blake nodded.
“As well, we’d like to know when you’ll be ready to move to London,” said the dragon councilor.
Amelia’s heart jumped in her chest. Of course. The Council’s headquarters were in London, and while the advisers didn’t necessarily have to be in London all the time, the councilors did. In fact, that was why Roman Sylfur had refused the job in the first place. He was too old and ill to live so far away from home. Also, it wouldn’t have been a good idea to leave his clan with his four Inari brothers who were always one step away from turning rogue.
“As you all know, my father ruled over a numerous clan,” said Blake. “It will take me a while to set some things in order back in Alaska, then I’m all yours. I don’t need more than a month. As for my advisers… yes, I’ve already decided who they will be.”
The conference room fell silent. Jane, Jonathan Redfur’s adviser, was sitting by his side. She had high hopes of keeping her position, since, for the past few months, she had told Roman and Blake everything she knew about Redfur’s secret machinations. Surely, the new fox councilor wanted someone who was already on his side. Redfur’s other adviser was a blond fox-shifter who had always been loyal to Jonathan and his cause.
“My wife, Amelia Sylfur, will be my first adviser, and I want Jonathan Redfur to do me the honor of acting as my second adviser.”
Jane’s face fell. She swallowed hard and struggled to keep her emotions in check. She couldn’t believe Blake Sylfur was pushing her aside in favor of his human bride and a traitor. There was nothing she could do, however, so she kept silent.
Suddenly, all eyes were on Amelia. She had been content just sitting there, ignored by everyone. It was cl
ear that they had all been asking themselves why Blake had brought his pregnant bride with him, and now they had the answer. It was the first time when a councilor chose his human bride as his adviser. Amelia smiled sweetly and bowed her head. What else could she do?
Jonathan cleared his throat before speaking. “I humbly accept.” Honestly, he had expected to be thrown out of the Council on his ass. His colleagues had turned cold towards him since he had expressed his opinion against the new law that didn’t allow fox-shifters to buy as many brides as they wanted anymore, and he had thought Blake Sylfur would want to gain their trust by getting rid of him. It would have been a clever move. But this was better. Way better. It meant there was a chance that Blake wasn’t like his father.
All the other councilors agreed to Blake’s choices. They started shifting in their seats and gathering their things, which meant the meeting was almost over. They had established the more pressing matters, and the rest could be left for later, when Blake would have moved to London.
“I have one more thing to add,” said Blake. Her voice was low, but firm. “I want you to know that I completely support the new law which you have just passed after the Annual Summit. I regret not being able to attend the Summit. I couldn’t leave my father’s side. I know it doesn’t make any difference now, but the law has my vote. I believe my faction has been taking advantage of the peace treaty and the boarding schools for too long, and I’m glad something has been done to stop it. This is one of the reasons why I made my wife my first adviser: regardless of their faction, shape-shifters must appreciate the tremendous favor the human faction has done by offering us shifter-brides. Amelia is a wise young woman whose opinion I trust. I hope you’ll all welcome her and come to appreciate her as I do.”