Marcellus's expression darkened.
"She told me that your mother planned to change the laws of succession while you were away on war." he said slowly. "With the council's full support I mean."
"How?"
"So that even if you returned alive," Marcellus continued, "you will never reclaim the throne. Power would remain in her hands."
Silence fell over the room.
"They weren't just trying to rule in your absence," Marcellus said. "They were making sure you could never fully take back the throne."
Thornak's jaw tightened.
"Even Maravelle is not capable of this," he said coldly.
Marcellus shook his head. "I am lost for words myself," he said. "Dissolving the council was the best decision you could have taken."
Thornak rose and walked towards Marcellus.
"We are facing extinction," he said. "And those old Alphas are still clinging to power like frightened men."
Marcellus gave a grim nod. "Then what will you do about your mother?" he asked carefully.
