The Speech

Syrana looked to Myranda with a smile, "See - he wasn't repulsed by you, he hasn't rejected you."

"Okay, but... then why is he with that other wolf?" Myranda questioned in hopes her older sister knew anything.

"It could be a forced marriage, Myranda; it happens a lot - my point is that we still have time to formulate a plan to make him yours again, and with my help and soon access to the palace, I can finally do something for you that you truly deserve. You'd be a fantastic Luna, too. It will happen - we can do this," Syrana cheered lightly as they walked back into the shop.

" -- and thanks for not helping. Worst brother ever," Syrana teased and did a full-on raspberry in Jyriah's direction.

If only his sisters knew exactly how much he had done for the both of them, those words would have never been lobbed at him so cruelly. He'd dismiss it today, but when their sister became crowned, and Jyriah revealed as one of Metas' original supporters, he was going to give her a huge ribbing - and he was going to milk it for as long as he could until the end of their days.

"You know. One day, you're going to regret being so mean to me. You're going to miss me when I die, that's all I'm saying," Jyriah mused out.

"Yeah, uhuh..." both females denied in jest.

*******

Metas had to hide the smile that wanted to creep up his face. He was so releaved to be that close to her. He hoped he wasn't too affectionate, but also not too harsh to where she thought he wasn't interested.

This whole situation was a monstrous pain. Had Silas not had such a big influence in the upper crust, he could have just done everything traditionally - meet her, challenge his father for the Alpha position, marry Myranda, and reform society together. Easy. ....well, easier than this.

Joss put his hand on Metas' shoulder and looked to him for a cue. He was also trying to show Metas how proud he was to serve at his side, because everyone needed a good hype before a speech - even Alphas.

"Are you ready? The leaders are here, and expect more to trickle in. You're going to do great" he finished with a confident smile.

"Thank you, Joss. You're a fantastic friend and ally," Metas replied and put his hand on Joss' briefly and gave him a strong nod. "I'm ready. Will you warm them up for me?" he requested, and entrusted him with a very important task.

"I was honestly hoping you would ask. I practiced just in case," Joss revealed with a little too much giddiness and bowed softly to Metas.

"Don't bow to me, Joss. It's not fitting for you - and it feels awkward being that I view us as equals," the Alpha King said with sincerity.

"Okay, enough stalling. Let's get some allies," Joss cheered softly and walked to the center of the stage proudly. He waited until everyone quieted down on their own accord, and even let the moment hang in the air with tension before he sucked in a breath and delivered words that he truly believed in.

"Elders, Alphas, Leaders, Family, Friends, and fellow citizens: thank you for coming tonight. I realize that for some of you, it was quite a feat to get here, and we will not make your trip a waste. For centuries the upper wring of society has kept us below their feet. They've used us, punished us, exploited us, and denied us equality. They have even banned us from being with our mates if we are separated by class. This isn't right - and it needs to stop," Joss paused to take a breath, but his tone did not waver.

"The rumors are true if you've heard them - Silas is indeed promised our rightful Alpha King's place," he stopped as boos and hisses came from the crowd.

"I assure you, the sentiment is shared. We've never had anyone from the higher classes stand up for us. None of them have been willing to risk it. Not even our own King and Luna. We have been forgotten by all of them - except for one."

There were gentle murmurs in the crowd, as some of them already knew what was going on, and had to fill their neighbor in.

"Metas. The true Alpha King, and the only one willing to see us for the wolves we are. I and a few others have already pledged our allegiance to him, and are willing to not only put our lives on the line, but our reputations with those we hold closest as well. I have seen his actions - and not just words. I believe his promises - and I know he is worthy of your support," Joss paused again to scan the crowd and gauge their faces, but a lot of them were hard to read, although there were a few smiles, too.

"Titles mean nothing without support, however - and the upper echelons don't want you to remember that. They want to keep things the same, and because Metas has been so bold to speak against him, they have decided to go beyond our traditions to satisfy their own needs. It's time to change that - it's time for a revolution, and we finally have a leader to get us there."

A few cheers and whoops came from the crowd, but again - many were reaction-less, and he didn't blame them. He didn't believe any of this either until he saw Metas himself.

"He needs our support, and we need his. If you don't believe my words, then judge for yourself. He has come here to our homes in order to call us to a bigger cause - our future. Please welcome the Alpha King I have already pledged to, Metas" Joss finished and gestured to the Alpha, who joined Joss on stage.

They shook hands, and Joss walked off without bowing to him as he had requested earlier. It actually surprised a few people in the crowd to see one of their own walk away from a royal without proper 'tribute' and not be punished.

A handful of the younger wolves looked impressed and engaged, but the elders did not look swayed.

"Thank you, Joss. Your support and friendship is moving, and I appreciate how much you put yourself on the line to have me here. I would like to reaffirm promise I made to you in front of your own friends and family so that it will be recognized and known to all. I will repay your loyalty with whatever you'd like, and you will forever stand in my closest circle until the end of my days."

It was Metas who now bowed to Joss - and it wasn't brief or 'fake'. As he kept his body bent, the entirety of the room looked over to the silver-haired man who waved shyly.

The rightful King returned upright and started to speak when enough people had turned their heads back to him.

"My fellow citizens - as hard as it is to believe, I am on your side. My mate lives amongst you, and because I want to be with her - my parents have found someone who they think can defeat me and take power for himself. Silas has been deemed that champion. I am tired of the old regime, it makes no sense and weakens us as whole. I know many who have been denied their rightful jobs and places in our own military because of nepotism."

"I have seen and heard atrocities that are degrading and wrong. I have heard their plans to subvert you all, and I know that Silas is under Harbinger's influence instead of his own. He is not fit to rule anyone, for he looks after his own interest, and his goals are Harbinger's. I don't want that for us. It is path to ruin, and weakness. If you align with me and support our cause, I promise that all citizens of Lycania are treated with the respect and honor they deserve. We should rise on our own merits - and not of bloodlines," Metas paused and tried to read the room. It was nearly impossible, but instead of being dismayed, the true Alpha went on boldly.

"This place our ancestors built was not built on a system, or silly laws that serve no purpose other than to oppress you. Enough is enough. We rise together, destroy our enemies and self-serving aristocrats, and start a new way of life where we all thrive and decide our own destinies - not the ones planned for us," this time he had to pause as a few whoops and cheers peeped out from the crowd. Metas returned to his speech with even more vigor now.

"I promise to all of you that I will stop at nothing until all of us are free, and never again shall the Moon Goddess have to watch our destined mates being torn away because of titles and riches. Will you help me take them down?" He finished and attempted to appeal to them.

"I will!"

"Anything for our rightful king!"

"Down with the tier system!"

"Silas is a puppet!"

Then more people chimed in with their own praises and cries of support. The soft murmur became a rumble, and then roiled. Applause rolled through the crowd like a wave as the excitement from the speech and the new idea of hope became infectious.

"Thank you - I swear to repay your loyalty and work with a bright future, and justice for every citizen. My Luna of choice will be a perfect fit to help me with this task. She too, is not a fan of the upper wrings. Together, we'll smash it to pieces and use the shards as weapons if need be. We fight until we win or die!" Metas cried with glory, and that pushed the once tame cheer into one that more than likely rang up through the tunnels.

No one cared - let them try to stop the excited mob. They felt empowered to fight anyone who came down to tell them to quiet themselves, and now with an actual leader who had a plan, things were not just nonsense talk or platitudes. It was really going to happen if they all followed their Alpha King into battle.

The winds of change were upon them, and Metas was the gale to heat the coals into a full-fledged fire. His words had immediate impact as many bent their knees and swore fealty to a leader they, the people chose to follow.