Griffin said, "I get that we’re all in this for Violet, but creating a fifth house for rogues? That’s like shooting ourselves in the foot, and creating future problems for Violet once she takes over." He addressed Violet and the girls, " Humans aren’t rogues. That was our mistake in the first place, and I apologize for treating you that way. But trust me, Violet, rogue wolves are dangerous. I can’t support this if that’s what we’re building."
"Griffin’s right," Alaric added. "Our parents would never agree to it. Not to mention the Alpha King. It could be a failed project before it even starts."
"Of course I thought about that," Asher replied with a bit of annoyance. "You didn’t think I’d expose our girlfriend to that kind of danger, did you? That’s why we’re getting rid of the entire concept of a Rogue Pack."
He smiled. "Instead, we establish a smart compromise: The Sanctuary Accord. The fifth house will be created not as a rogue faction, but as a neutral refuge, a sanctuary. The shack will be renamed ’The Sanctuary Quarters’. It will serve as a safe haven for human students who feel unsafe or unwelcome in the four houses and it will fall under Violet’s leadership. So tell me, is that not enough to satisfy everyone?"
The room fell silent as everyone thought it over. Violet and her girls especially took time to reason it through.
"I don’t think it’s a bad idea," Daisy shrugged. "I mean, shifting the name from Rogue Pack to Sanctuary Quarters is a brilliant PR move. It removes the stigma and dangerous connotations of the word ’rogue,’ and we’d seem less like outcasts to the wolves."
Ivy added proudly, "If this transition elevates Violet from an accidental rebel to a peacemaker, then she’ll be politically powerful. And guess who’s going to be at her side as second-in-command? Moi!" she grinned excitedly.
Although Daisy rolled her eyes at Ivy calling dibs on a role that hadn’t been created yet, all three of them turned toward Lila, waiting for her input.
"Just speak up already, Lila. Don’t keep us hanging," Ivy nudged.
Lila was reluctant but eventually said, "As long as this avoids the dangerous optics of a full-blown uprising and keeps Violet from danger, I’m fine with it. And..."She looked in the cardinal Alpha’s direction, "it’s nice to see you all cleaning up your mess for once."
Roman narrowed his eyes. "Why do I feel like you have a personal problem with us?"
Before Lila could respond, Violet immediately stepped in. "No one’s having any problems with anyone here." Then she turned to Asher. "Just humans, huh?"
"Didn’t the humans feel neglected?" Asher replied. "Now they’ll have a house exclusive to them. Wolves can’t function without hierarchy, it’s how we’re built. And the same rules would apply to humans who choose to stay under our houses. If you’re with the wolves, you follow wolf customs."
"And the rogues?" Violet asked quietly.
"That concept dies once the Sanctuary Accord is approved," Asher answered firmly. "There will be no more lone wolves in Lunaris Academy. Any werewolf who goes rogue again will be expelled. Period. It’s time we take back control of our academy."
And from the fierce look on the other cardinal alphas’ faces, it was clear they stood with him.
Violet stepped close to Asher, saying, "You do know this is not going to be easy."
"I know," Asher replied.
She continued, coming closer slowly.
"There’ll be lots of rules."
"Rules are meant to be broken, baby," Asher said, making her break into laughter. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
Now standing in front of him, Violet added, "I’ll expect the shack house to be rebuilt, just like your houses, and those are not coming out of my purse. Not that I have any money in hand." She laughed hard. "I’m broke... unless Roman, of course, gives me full rights to make money in his animal form considering the previous event was a massive success "
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