Chapter 263

• “Lord Jakal is correct,” Lord Belzebob added, rising to his feet, his chair scraping harshly against the stone floor. “We understand she is your destined mate, Your Grace, but this will truly be difficult for our people to accept. Humans are our sworn enemies. Their treachery has cost us dearly. Should we not be focused on eradicating their kind rather than elevating one to a position of power over us?” He bowed deeply, his head nearly touching the table before him. “Please reconsider, Your Grace.”
• “Please reconsider, Your Grace!” came the shouted chorus from others in the room, their collective voices tinged with desperation and unease as they bowed.
• An oppressive silence followed.