Chapter 21
"Hybrids are what they are, hybrids. And therefore they should not be governed under the same laws nor receive the same treatment as pure bloods!" Marcus Spade bristles, spitting venom across at Luther Starlight, who jumps up to counteract feeling the sting of the powerful Lycan's words. The very sight of him was irritating the Lycan.
"Pure beasts like us are saved a world of problems when there is a clear disparity between us and these half breeds." Most council members nodded their heads in agreement. Spade knew they hated to be called half breeds. But that's what they are half breeds and they should never forget it. Spade was trying to rile them up. He despised the idea of them even having the opportunity to even set foot inside the council hall. It was ridiculous, these filthy abominations.
Marcus Spade was a big barreled Lycan councilman with a thinning hairline. His eyes were a bright startling blue much unlike his character. There was nothing cheery about Marcus Spade. His immaculate light brown suit was open as he stood on the platform towering above his seated council members. He'd been on the council for as long as Arthur could remember and he was well respected for the most part.
Hybrids were a touchy subject in the beast community. Some believed they were lesser than because they were not fully beast. Others believed they were just as much beast as any other pure bred. What was clear was that laws had to be put in place and this needed to be over soon as he was getting tired and newly annoyed of it.
"There is no definition of what a full beast is." Luther Starlight was trying his best but Spade was clearly in his element. The council man wasn't a top Lycan for anything.The Lycan council's meeting room was large, grand and rigid. Gold paneled separation for the seats on either side that continued into a raised circular platform. The hybrids on one side were quietly sitting down allowing their leader Luther to do his part showing their full confidence in him.
"Once you can change into a beast should be the end of the discussion. A person doesn't choose what he is to be born." Luther Starlight shook his head, his black hair swaying back and forth as he leaned his tall gangly frame heavily across the wooden platform trying to make his point.
"Then their parents should have taken this into consideration." Laughs Spade, gesturing his large hands towards Luther who was fighting internally to not stoop low and release his anger. His words burned at the half witch, half werewolf. The other hybrids leaned forward anger clear on their faces but they dare not to make a sound in the King's council.
Luther was a thin man wearing a large black gown as to his witch faction. He had come here with heavy fear in his heart but it was necessary. He tried not to look at the cold heart curling emotionless face of the king of beasts. Having been born half witch and half werewolf he was all but aware of the distasteful treatment hybrids received and he wasn't going to allow Spade to derail him.
This was what Spade wanted to prove, his ridiculous argument and if he won the costs to the hybrid community would be detrimental. Everyone was now staring at him using him as their example of whether or not hybrids were worthy to be let into their precious community.
"This is a perfect representation of why laws need to be made to contain this cross breeding."
Luther glared at Spade across the wide open space. The swine. He had enough.
"These laws are nothing more than to contain your fears and harm what you do not understand!" Luther spat.
"They cannot be trusted!" Marcus boomed passionately. "Your majesty, these other factions that they are mixed with are a hindrance to our luxurious kingdom. Vampires, witches and dare I say humans are a major hindrance to our safety." Marcus Spade touched his chest looking around. "We have to keep ourselves safe. Who knows what side a hybrid will choose when he wants to fit in. They belong to whatever other side they are combined with not with the beast kingdom."
Spade's blue eyes focused on them like they were Science experiments gone wrong. Saying they belong to the other side was discrediting them of having werewolf blood running through their veins.
An uproar went up with both sides bursting into fits of anger and Spade smiled confidently. Arthur released a low threatening growl and the room silenced immediately. The Lycans and hybrids bared their necks, bowing before the King.
The grappling fear and respect was there as everyone waited for King Arthur to speak.
Arthur was polished and there was a certain smoothness to him which he had been born with.
This was a delicate area that had to be threaded lightly. This has been going on for a few months now with the new suggested laws being put from booths sides and now it was time for arguments before voting. At the end of the day his priority was to his kingdom. "Valid examples have to be brought before us from both sides to solidify your arguments." Arthur told both men.
Arthur considered himself fair, if anything.
Luther shifted uncomfortably, bowing lowly. Spade looked at him wondering what he was up to and the members started to peer at him even more curiously. What could the hybrid have to say to their king?
"My king", Luther began and Spade frowned at him calling their King their own. "We have reports that a Lycan here has probably unfairly harmed one of our own. This is the very thing that we are striving against."
Arthur averted his dark grey eyes to the cowering hybrid.
"Proceed" his deep voice sent chills through the council hall.
"Indigo Bellatreaux is a half witch, half werewolf." He paused and directed his eyes to the blonde hair man sitting beside his father "She has been missing ever since Castor Whitlock son of Pearlor Whitlock visited her haven last week. Who knows what has been done to her."
"This is madness!" shouted Pearlor dumbfounded they'd try to drag his son into their petition for equality. Castor almost passed out beside his father. The accusation from Luther crippled him with fear and he calmly masked himself. He had to find a way out and fast. How the hell did they know he had gotten to her? The damn bitch! If he did not play his cards right his entire family could be dead by the time this meeting was over.
He stood up confidently and all eyes were on him on the platform as he focused on Luther. And to think he hadn't cared much what happened to the half breeds.
"Mr. Starlight I find your accusations a feeble attempt to mar my character." He turned to face the king. "I did visit Ms.Bellatreaux."
The entire council room went berserk but one look from the King silenced them all.
"But my intentions were pure against my better judgment so as not to hinder your campaign in all fairness and until I acquired all the right information." he paused and tapped the wooden panel solemnly " I seek forgiveness my king for not bringing this to you sooner and will take any penance given."
Castor paused and sighed greatly his eyes misting over. He swallowed hard. This was his greatest performance to pull off and by the moon goddess he was going to deliver.
"Seeing as this was very dear to my heart I let my feelings get in the way and I acted wrongly. This does concern someone I love deeply, more than anyone in the world." his voice sounded grim fading low with pain.
The council was quiet hanging on to his every word. He stared hard at Luther Starlight who was looking on confused.
"I received an anonymous tip that Indigo Bellatreaux was planning on going against the beast kingdom. Under whose command and leadership I am not sure. Instead of informing the council I went ahead against my better judgment in search of her. This is why I believe your majesty that all hybrids be killed. What she was conspiring your grace is something so heinous not even the moon goddess can forgive. No one no matter what specie can argue that this in itself isn't beyond disturbing."
You could cut through the silence with a knife. Castor leaned forward on the bannister as the council waited with baited breath for what could be so vile, their eyes wide open.
"Your grace Indigo Bellatreaux was planning on chaining the Lycan Princess's beast!"
A deafening growl then immediately shook the very foundation of the building from the fearsome Lycan King.