WebNovelKlel76.00%

76

Ahote raises a hand to silence the cries of support and derision. "The old ways of claw and fire are long over. If we attack these humans, they will crush us underfoot and it will be the end of us. And not just us as individuals. We as a species will die out forever. Would you stand responsible for the extinction of our race?"

Haken growls, his upper lip curled back, nose twitching in rage. "You would have us remain alive as slaves! You would hide the humans' tortures from our pups until they're subjected to it just as we were. The bloodletting, the experiments! And for what? To preserve their innocence?"

Gasps of shock echo around the room from the younger pups in attendance and more than one set of adult eyes glowers at Haken.

"I would have us fight as werewolves! If we fight, we may well die, but it would be better than this, this…purgatory! Why prolong the inevitable?" His eyes fall on you as you make your way through the crowd. "You there, Klel. You try to withhold your rage and your fire, but like all of us, you know what must be done!"

Ahote interjects. "We hide the truth from the youth so they can grow up without fear, so they can be children. So they can learn and grow without being afraid. A child doesn't always understand. Should we tell them earlier? Maybe we should. But now is not the time to be distracted!"

"Enough talk!" an anonymous wolf in the crowd calls out. "Time for the vote!"

One by one, each wolf is polled publicly, asked if they support either Ahote or Haken's plan of action. By the time your turn has come, the majority seem to favor peaceful protest over all-out war. Nonetheless you consider your options carefully before speaking.