carry an array of connections and lost their position either to Aurelia or potentially isn't on the list to ascend to this High Court position," he explained. "What concerns me is that we're being targeted before this fashion show."
"What's the big deal about the fashion show?" Onyx inquired. "It's exactly that. Sure, celebrities and royals are invited, but it's not like anyone else can't attend. I got my invite today."
That had all eyes on him and he frowned at the obvious attention.
"What?"
"The fashion show is for royals only," Viktor revealed, clearly catching on to what we were talking about. "It's not a normal event. It's a warning."
"Warning?" Saint asked. "Warning in regard to what?"
Dimitris looked at Viktor and gave him a slight nod to reveal the truth.
"The fashion show is an event that warns royals of high ranks in the human and supernatural realms that the end of an era is coming and a new one is beginning," Viktor revealed. "Meaning, one of the higher positions in the High Court is about to become vacant."
"Why would they warn people about that?" Onyx questioned.
Neo leaned further back into his seat and lifted his right leg to rest upon his left. That move alone made me realize the shift in the room. All eyes were on Neo as he smiled in delight.
"They aren't warning us." Neo's voice was deep and threatening, which immediately confirmed that Nico was entering this chat. We all remained quiet, waiting for him to continue. "They're confirming that someone of power is about to step down and give their place to another. It's not a place for debate. The decision has already been made."
Already been made?
I was confused, as were Saint, Onyx, and even Viktor.
"You don't recall that minor detail?" Nico asked Viktor.
He didn't seem to like being called out from his obvious disapproving expression, but he answered, "No. I'm going based on the mention of this event from my forgotten memories that I haven't sorted through yet. I'm only aware of this invite because of Roberto's invitation."
"Is he still in a coma?" Dimitris asked.
Viktor nodded slightly. "If he doesn't wake before the show, I'll be attending in his place. However, if I do, the pack will know of his absence and that's going to cause problems."
"It won't," Nico announced. "No one is going to defy Willow being Alpha after that show."
"Why not?" Saint asked. "Why does it feel like you know something we don't?"
Nico chuckled and placed his hands behind his head.
"Are you not connecting the dots?"
"I don't think you're giving us enough dots to connect," I voiced.
"The fashion show isn't a warning, but an event that underhandedly acknowledges the newly selected suitor for the chair. Meaning the decision has already been made, solidified, and will be executed when the right triggers are unlocked."
"Triggers?" Onyx whispered.
"There are special requirements an individual has to meet to be considered worthy of the throne," Nico revealed. “Those requirements are triggers that have to occur months in advance before an individual in the current seat of the chair can consider stepping down."
"Wait a minute," Onyx began and turned his head to look at Nico. "You're not implying that we've been lead to this moment."
"If you want to think of it like that, you can,” he admitted.
"You're implying Willow is the chosen suitor," Viktor muttered. He clearly wasn't beating around the bush with this.
"Wouldn't it make perfect sense?" Nico suggested and lowered his arms to place them on his knee. He then leaned forward as if he were about to reveal some sort of secret.
"Let's think about it, shall we? Willow was born of royalty, or we can play it down as half royalty. At a certain age, she was forced to remain in Roberto's care, and obviously, Viktor's memories were wiped. Years went by and Willow was neglected, tormented, tortured, and dealt with a bunch of bullshit. She was basically outcasted from every avenue. She wasn’t a wolf because she was a 'late bloomer'. Not a witch because of her instability. Not a human obviously because she carried traits of a wolf and witch. Surely if you're outcasted to be nothing, you’d eventually give up and disappear, right?"
He had a point, and we nodded at the idea and watched Nico's eyes darken tremendously.
"So what if those were all trials? Tests to see whether she'd survive the endless turmoil that hit her left and right? Trials that were overseen by this High Court to determine if she'd be a worthy enough candidate