Luna. Chapter 132

(Kael's POV)

The silence that followed my defiance stretched for what felt like hours but was probably only seconds. The King and General Cassius exchanged looks that promised violence, while I stood there trying to figure out how to get out of the throne room alive.

My wolf was ready for a fight, but even at full supernatural strength, I couldn't take on both of them plus whatever guards were stationed throughout the palace. This was going to require strategy, not brute force.

"Alpha Blackwood," the King said finally, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of authority, "you seem to be under the impression that defying royal decree is an option. Let me correct that misunderstanding."

"I'm under the impression that some things matter more than political survival."

General Cassius drew his weapon—a silver blade that gleamed with supernatural enhancements. "Your Majesty, perhaps it's time to demonstrate the consequences of insubordination."

But before either of them could make a move, the massive doors at the entrance to the throne room burst open. Adrian strode through them, followed by Zara and a half-dozen of my most trusted pack members.

"Sorry we're late," Adrian called out cheerfully, as if crashing a royal audience was something he did every day. "Traffic was terrible."

General Cassius spun toward the newcomers, his blade still drawn. "How did you get past the guards?"

"Very carefully," Zara replied, moving to flank me in a protective formation. "Turns out palace security isn't as impressive as advertised."

The King's expression darkened further. "This is a private audience. Your presence is not welcome."

"Good thing we weren't looking for a welcome," Adrian said. He looked at me, his eyes asking a question I answered with a slight nod. Whatever plan he'd formulated, I was on board.

"Alpha Blackwood," the King continued, "call off your people. This doesn't concern them."

"Actually, it does." Adrian stepped forward, his Beta authority radiating through the room. "See, threatening our Alpha tends to make the whole pack a little cranky."

"You cannot threaten royal authority—"

"We're not threatening anything," Zara interrupted. "We're just here to make sure our Alpha gets home safely."

General Cassius raised his blade, supernatural power crackling along its edge. "Stand down. All of you. This is your only warning."

"Funny thing about warnings," Adrian said conversationally. "They only work when people are afraid of the consequences."

"You should be afraid. I could have you all executed for treason."

"You could try."

The standoff stretched for another few seconds, supernatural powers pressing against each other in the vast space. Then Adrian smiled, and I recognized the expression that meant he was about to do something either brilliant or catastrophically stupid.

"Your Majesty," he said formally, "I'd like to invoke the Right of Sanctuary."

The King's eyes narrowed. "On what grounds?"

"On the grounds that you're threatening to murder a three-year-old child for the crime of being born with abilities he didn't choose and can't control."

"The boy represents a clear threat—"

"The boy represents change. And change terrifies you." Adrian's voice carried clearly through the throne room. "But fortunately for everyone involved, there are laws that govern even royal authority."

"What laws?"

"The Supernatural Accords of 1847. Specifically, Section Twelve, which prohibits the persecution of individuals based solely on their supernatural heritage." Adrian pulled out his phone, scrolling through what looked like a legal document. "Quote: 'No supernatural individual may be detained, imprisoned, or executed based purely on genetic potential or inherited magical abilities.'"

General Cassius stepped forward aggressively. "That law doesn't apply to threats of this magnitude."

"That law applies to everyone under supernatural jurisdiction. Including celestial wolf-alpha hybrids. Including three-year-old children. Including members of royal families who think they're above the law."

The King leaned back on his throne, his expression calculating. "The Accords have exceptions for clear and present dangers."

"Show me evidence of a clear and present danger.”