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“I’ll go get them,” I say as I stand.

I walk out of the conference room in Woricsong’s Main Hall. We chose here because it is halfway between the Capitol and where we think Lilith is being held. I’d love to search for them day and night, but we have an entire country to run, plus all of the witches and demons coming together. I have faith in Lilith, but I can’t stop thinking about it too much. The doubt will sweep in, and I will fall apart. If I fall apart, no one else is going to have the mental strength to push their emotions aside like I can.

“We are ready for you all,” I say sweetly. A massive man stands up right away with a bright smile. “Good to see you again, Draik.”

“Likewise,” he laughs. “Didn’t think I’d be standing here anytime soon.”

“I’m glad you could make it. She’ll be happy to know you did.” I smile. “Come on, guys”

The men follow me through the hall until we get back to the others. I point for them to sit before I return to where Lilithshouldbe sitting.

“Alright. I’m going to just start with who everyone is and what they do,” I say. “First… I will only say this one last time. If you can’t be professional. Get out.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Vash says, saluting me.

“I’m going to put my foot up your ass, Vash,” I say with a frown, and he winks at me. I can’t help but smile at him when he’s being a pain in the ass like this. I know he’s only doing it so I don’t go insane. He’s tried to get me to slow down for a moment and process, but I don’t think he understands how deep I will fall if I stop and think about what Zypher is doing to my sister.

“Vash Wyverstone is representing and reporting for the dragons. Eldric Shadows is representing the panthers. Draik Hellfang for the hellhounds. Kragan Dungrell for the lions. Alasdair Erdritch for the wolves. Brenna Keeling represents the witches and Mazvyn Deverell for the demons. We also have Striker and Volis Deverell, as well as Kira Ebonwood assisting us. I am Leli Deverell, the queen’s maiden and sister. Does anyone have any questions?”

“I do,” Eldric says. “Who’s the otter… thing?”

“That’s Thuly,” I say. “He is a Suthul. He recently imprinted on Lilith. Until she returns, he will be hanging out with Dad… Mazvyn. Whatever.”

“You can say Dad,” he laughs. “It’s pretty obvious since you all look the same.”

“Why isn’t there a representative for the foxes?” Kragan asks carefully.

“They are still a bit reluctant. Kira will stand in for them in the meantime,” I say.

“Trust me. You don’t want me here permanently,” Kira smiles. She has been hyper-focused on Volis since he basically won’t speak. No matter what we do, he just stays silent. He feels so guilty for not telling Lilith about Fermin, even though basically everyone in that building failed to tell her. Everyone who knew has some sort of blame, but Lilith knew this was going to happen. I know she won’t blame anyone, especially Volis.

“I’d like to know where everyone falls in regard to everything. It’s fine to differ in opinion, but we all need to be able to be civil to one another.”

“It’s nice to see some change happening,” Draik says with a smile.

“Are you always this vague?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“We have always sided with the foxes and witches; we just… minded our own business,” he says.

“Kragan. What about you?” I move on.

“We are all relieved to be included. Many of us did not agree with what Brion Morwen was doing, myself included. We just never had the power to speak up,” he says. “Morwen was a sorry son of a bitch.”

“Was?” Dad asks.

“Is,” he says, correcting himself. “Was soon enough, I’m sure.”

“Not soon enough,” Striker mumbles.

“Alasdair,” I say. He looks up but won’t meet my eyes. “What about you?”

“We are all extremely surprised, but we support the change. We do have some issues right now with making a few select packs abide by the new laws, but I am getting it under control,” he says.

“How?” I ask, sitting back in my chair.

“By jailing the ones who are repeat offenders,” he says. “I’ve made it clear that I have zero tolerance for the wolves abusing or harming anyone, no matter their species.”

“It’s my understanding that you were a member of Zypher Fallin’s pack some years back?” I ask.