Chapter 27: Breaking the Chains_1

The speaker cleared his throat, calling for order. "We will now hear the response from Vice-Chancellor Henry's side."

A councilman from Henry's faction started to rise, but Alaric stopped him with a subtle move. His well-tailored suit seemed to shine in the overhead lights as he stood with a confident stride that carried him to the center of the room and his face was the ideal mix of authority and appeal.

But before he could speak a voice cut through the tense atmosphere. "Excuse me," Aiden's calm yet sharp tone interrupted as his words cutting through the murmurs like a knife.

Alaric stopped in the middle of a step and turned his head a little. He smiled slightly, but it didn't reach his eyes. When he asked, "Yes, Major General Aiden?" he used a polite but bristly tone.