Lucent released a breath that he's been careful not to let show he was even holding in, the moment he was finally able to relax back into his seat. This had been the tricky part. None of the exiles trying to start a riot, even if it meant their lives, had been uncertain. Getting Savic to agree to this at all had been it's own chore, only attained through promises that t would all work out to their advantage in the end, and that any difficulties presented would be dealt with.
And then there was Khlia. While the slightest glance towards his sister told him she was unhappy, apparently, she wasn't unhappy enough to start killing, if only to remind him that he wasn't her boss. He wouldn't put it past her, and unlike anyone else in this room, Khlia truly wasn't beholden to him or anyone else, and any action she took to prove that would only permanently damage his reputation, and everything he was trying to build on it.
All had gone as well as Lucent could possibly hope, and what came after was the easy part. He redistributed the territories and populations of the packs who's leaders he'd exiled to his new Alphas, and also granted a few of them command of those who had been chosen for neither exile nor advancement those who wouldn't remain under the direct leadership of himself or Savic. And they spent a while discussing strategy, before finally departing, one by one, warriors detailed to hep them collect their new subjects, oblivious to what had happened, without a fuss until all could be explained.
The new arrangement of their alliance had been chosen specifically to cover all gaps in the defense of their territories, the new Alphas forming a buffer zone between the core of Fang/Evertail territory and the rest of the city. And now that defending that territory was their own responsibility, not so many of he and Savic's forces would be wasted leading patrols and scouting the borderline. If any of them failed in this duty, the fighting would leave the other packs untouched and ready to counterattack, a potential rival to them all would be eliminated. None of them would mind that.
"There will be blood over this. Alpha's want everything, never settle for less. Not even Lucent can change that." Khlia stated in ow tones to Elisabeth, still seething over her brothers decision. It ran counter to what she thought was the whole point. Lucent becoming THE Alpha, the only authority, herself second to him. She supposed at least she'd have a greater challenge when it finally came time to deal with these new claimants, but even Khlia Mane knew she couldn't fight everyone at once, and still didn't trust Savic, though she would never say this Elisabeth's face. How long before this new band of 'equals' decided they would be better off without 'savages' in their number? It troubled her. Lash chose this moment to give up a few of her precious words, very quietly.
"Whatever your thinking, Lucent knows. He has plans, and plans behind those plans. It's his way. The best servants are those who think they serve only themselves when doing your bidding." The smaller female stated bluntly and Khlia considered this. Still, there would be an argument later. Her brother should now to trust her, by now. And yet somehow, Elisabeth had gotten more hints as to what was about to happen than she had.
Eventually, everyone was gone but a much-diminished contingent of Fangs and Evertails, Lucent speaking quietly to Savic about particulars. Evetually, the two leaders shook hands and moved to collect their people and return to their territories, but before that, Lucent walked over to Elisabeth, gesturing towards the side door. Clearly, he wanted a word alone with the fiery lieutenant while his counterpart was busy discussing the nights events with his mate.
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