The Grand Assembly Hall was a cathedral of power, carved entirely from cold, black mountain stone. Rows of Alphas and high-ranking officials filled the tiered seats, their Auras humming with ambition and political tension. In the center, a massive, runic projection screen displayed the Academy's seal.
Harry Westwell, the Golden Alpha, stood at the podium, projecting an image of calm, reliable strength. He was making a smooth, devastating argument against Adrian's recent actions.
"...The actions of Alpha Wolfhart have led to unexplained magical toxicity at the Falls and unauthorized military action in the Fifth Sector," Harry declared, his voice ringing with false concern. "This level of chaos is unacceptable."
Adrian and Lila entered through a side door, a deliberate move that drew every eye in the hall. Adrian was a figure of absolute command, his armor flawless, his posture demanding deference.
But it was Lila who drew the most intense focus. She walked beside him, pale but resolute, protected by the formidable shadow of his presence. Adrian did not walk ahead of her, he kept her precisely by his side, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back—a gesture of ownership and partnership that left no doubt about her new status.
Adrian's silver eyes scanned the room, his gaze fierce for anyone who dared disrespect her. When his eyes settled on Lila, however, they instantly softened, filling with that singular, quiet devotion.
Adrian ignored the Alpha Assembly's demand for him to take the central floor. He led Lila directly to the command table.
"I will waive my right to address the Assembly first," Adrian announced, his voice cutting through the rising murmurs. "The recent chaos was not due to incompetence, but due to a direct, treasonous attack on the Academy's structure, orchestrated by a highly placed internal threat."
Harry Westwell stepped forward, his smile confident. "Alpha Wolfhart, your claims of conspiracy are becoming tiresome. Unless you can present immediate, verifiable evidence, I move we proceed with the vote of no-confidence."
Adrian didn't look at Harry. He looked only at Lila.
"The evidence is here," Adrian stated, pushing Lila gently forward, closer to the central runic projection platform. "I present the testimony of my Consort, Lila Blackwood, who was placed at the center of this conspiracy."
The word "Consort" hit the Assembly like a physical shockwave. It was an archaic, powerful title that meant absolute claim and elevated political status, far above 'Asset.'
Lila took a steadying breath, feeling the last traces of the heat's exhaustion. She ignored the hundreds of judgmental eyes and focused on the data slate Adrian had given her.
Lila's voice, though quiet, was amplified by Adrian's control panel, ringing clearly through the vast hall.
"My status is irrelevant," Lila began, looking directly at Harry Westwell. "My experience is not. Harry Westwell, you orchestrated a complex magical and political trap at the Black River Falls, using my identity to lure Alpha Wolfhart into a neutralizing pheromone trap."
Harry laughed—a smooth, rehearsed sound. "Absurd. She is clearly a confused Beta under your influence, Wolfhart."
"I am an Omega, Alpha, and I deal in facts," Lila countered sharply. "Your plan had two phases. The first, to physically eliminate Alpha Wolfhart at the Falls. The second, to destroy the Academy's political structure through the Fifth Sector Data Repository."
Lila tapped the data slate, and the massive runic screen behind her flared to life. It didn't display complex code, it displayed clear, concise graphics.
"Your assassin, Harry, used an ancient, high-grade magical power supply," Lila stated, pointing to the screen. "This power supply was only accessible through the Ancient Texts Fund, which you control."
She then pulled up a financial ledger, highlighted in sharp green and red.
"This data, retrieved from the destroyed Fifth Sector Data Repository, shows three months of unexplained large transfers—labeled 'Restoration Fees'—funneled from the Ancient Texts Fund directly into bank accounts linked to the Shadow Council's political operatives."
Lila looked up, her gaze steady, piercing the Golden Alpha's façade. "The payment for the toxic materials and the subsequent political maneuvering were funded by Academy money, under your specific authority, Harry Westwell. You funded the attempt on Alpha Wolfhart's life, and you funded the subsequent political coup."
Harry Westwell's composed facade finally cracked. He took an angry step forward. "This is manipulated research! Wolfhart planted this Asset—"
Adrian stepped fully in front of Lila, shielding her completely. His silver eyes were blazing, but that underlying protective softness was visible only to her.
"The testimony is concluded," Adrian's voice was a devastating thunder. "The evidence is verifiable. Harry Westwell used his trusted position to execute treason and an assassination attempt. The Chaos you decry, Alpha, was the chaos you designed."
Adrian turned to the Assembly, his voice commanding absolute focus. "I demand an immediate investigation and the detainment of Harry Westwell, effective immediately."
The Assembly erupted into a political firestorm. While many Alphas began to argue, a small, select group of powerful Alphas—Adrian's long-standing allies—immediately moved to surround Harry Westwell.
Harry, trapped and exposed, tried to bolt, but Adrian's men were faster. He was apprehended instantly.
The coup was over. Adrian had used the truth, delivered by Lila, to turn the Shadow Council's attack into his greatest victory.
Adrian didn't acknowledge the chaos. He simply turned back to Lila, his powerful hand returning to the small of her back.
"Flawless, Consort," Adrian murmured, his silver eyes fixed on her, filled with that private, intense adoration. "Your logic delivered the perfect blow."
He leaned down, his mouth near her ear, his breath warm and protective. "Now, we leave. Before anyone else attempts to claim your time."
Adrian led Lila out of the Assembly Hall, leaving the political fallout behind. He had risked everything—his political power, his safety, and his control—for her. And now, she was not just the woman who survived the heat, she was the political partner who had secured his rule.