(Alnilam)

We watched from behind the big screens they had installed for us to view the proceedings of all the teams.

My team had done exceptionally well. Their teamwork was impeccable. The way they cared for each other, protected each other, I couldn’t have been prouder.

But what I feared the most came true. Alnitak got hurt because of Meissa’s powers and Amaia threw all caution to the wind. She took off her pendant revealing to the world that she is a Fae.

My heart lurched almost sprinting out of my chest. The secret we had worked so hard to guard was finally out, revealed to the whole Istrale to witness.

Everyone around me gasped. My father’s worried eyes found me with questions but I couldn’t give him answers. The other kings had the same reaction, everyone was left stunned to see a living breathing Fae, who was also my mate.

Natianu clenched his hands, his jaw setting in stone as he watched my mate pulverise his whole team apart from his daughter. Immediately, the guards were sent to retrieve the precious princess.

I told them to get my brother as well, knowing Amaia had healed him and we would be able to treat him better.

They didn’t let any of us see the injured recruits they had retrieved. Only a few had survived out there, the rest were killed or the harsh weather took their lives.

I watched in horror and anticipation as they faced the final hurdle. Knowing I will have to fight to protect her once the Guild Wars conclude.

But that twist with the monster had my eyes wide and unblinking. I stared at the screen, unable to believe what I was witnessing. My whole body went rigid like a tree. My brain refused to process what my eyes were showing me.

The monster was not a monster but a person. Not some ordinary person, he was Amaia’s brother whom she thought had died during the attack by the Dread Army.

Aziel...I remember finding his name in her room, scribbled on the wall.

That meant, they had not only been killing but also kidnapping Fae people and experimenting on them. Turning them into monsters.

Is that how they were controlling them?

Did that mean all the monsters we had killed, we had been made to kill were real people? My students have ripped apart so many. Had we been murdering real people?

The thought sickened me, almost made me puke. The Istrale’s atrocities were going beyond anything humane with the passing of every single day.

Since Amaia refused to kill her brother, the Guild Wars were declared over without any winners. Aziel whispered something in Amaia’s ear which we couldn’t pick up before she fainted from the gas they used.

And that was the end of the Guild Wars.

***

I am summoned instantly once the Guild Wars are over. The emergency meeting is being adjourned by the five kings.

I know what they want to ask and I am prepared to answer and protect.

They are sitting around a semi-circular royal blue marble table with Natianu in the centre.

I stroll forward with my hands behind my back and spine straight, facing them boldly.

"Alnilam Orion, we have summoned you here to ask about your recruit; Amaia Zhāng. Did you know she was a Fae?" Natianu questions with his hands crossed on the table.

The others intently watch, intrigued. Only my father has his facial muscles stretched, revealing how tense and angered he is. I know he is going to blast at me later.

"I did," I calmly answer without elaborating just to piss off this pig with large ears.

King Xamian appears as if he has seen a ghost; his face is as white as the winter season we have just witnessed, and he is barely holding on. King Hathial Kane, on the other hand appears amused at my answer, he seems to approve of my approach.

"And? You didn’t deem it fit to report her as an unregistered magic user. You understand that according to the treaty we had signed, every fae is supposed to be reported to Istrale. Being an enforcer it was your literal job."

I let out a mocking snort and make sure to stare directly into his eyes.

"After what we witnessed today, I don’t think any Fae should ever be reported to Istrale. Not only have you killed them mercilessly, but you have also illegally captured them, experimented on them and turned them into monsters. I am never reporting anyone innocent to you or your moral army ever again." Natianu grinds his teeth at my answer.

My father’s mouth is half open in disbelief. Ramian’s father has his brow raised at me as if he can’t believe the words I am saying. I ignore them, I don’t care and continue.

"I became an enforcer to maintain peace and balance in the supernatural world, not to give innocent people away."

"How dare you disrespect the vows you have taken. Do you understand the consequences of not fulfilling the duties that tattoo on your forehead demands," he bristles, his voice angered beyond his control.

"I do and I am all in for any and every consequence that will follow but I am not handing over Amaia to you. She leaves with me and I will be responsible for her."

My answer is followed by a dense silence. Seems like no one even challenges them.

"Alnilam, you don’t understand what you are saying. Let King Natianu decide her fate. The consequences will be brutal for you," my father harshly says but I would rather die than let them hurt her.

"Orion, I understand. She is mated to all three of your sons. His feelings are genuine for her. I can’t even blame him for trying to protect her," Natianu casually says but that evil smile that creeps on his lips shows he knew all along that she is my mate.

"Is that true? Is she your soulmate?" Hathial Kane questions with a hint of curiosity.

"Yes!" There is no point hiding it.

He offers one nod in answer.

"Should we take a vote on what his punishment should be for hiding an unregistered magic user, who is also a Fae?" Natianu asks others and they offer their agreement.

This is a standard procedure and I knew this was coming. I am to be held accountable for never reporting her and I have no regrets.

"I will accept whatever fate will be decided but Amaia leaves with me. If anyone tries to hurt her or stop me from taking her along, that will mean war between Istrale and Orion. I don’t think you will want an uprising, considering we know your deepest darkest secrets now," I give my final answer.

The rage descends in Natianu’s eyes. Kane almost appears amused at my answer, more like surprised.

"It’s decided. Orion you will sit this one out, since he is your son you will be partial and your vote won’t be counted," Natianu decided for my father who offered an angry grunt but his enraged eyes remained on me. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

I already knew he didn’t fancy Amaia but these proceedings are going to truly hurt him.

"Given the circumstances and considering every angle. Alnilam Orion is no longer fit to be an Enforcer. He will be stripped of his title, the tattoo removed and will not be allowed to use magic for a year." He menacingly smiles before uttering the last words.

"Since his magic is contained in his hair, they will be removed with a special spell and won’t be able to grow back before the year is complete. Raise your hands if you agree with the punishment."