Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 58

Chapter 58: Chapter 28: A New Path Forward_1

Before Henry could answer, there was a sudden ruckus close to the room’s closed doors.The heavy oak doors swung open with a thunderous crash, silencing the room. A figure strode in, his boots clicking against the marble floor with a deliberate, unhurried rhythm.

The speaker yelled at the intruder and turned his angry face toward him. “Who is brave enough to break up this meeting without permission? Guards—”

The man didn’t pay any attention to the speaker at all; instead, he fixed his intense look on Chancellor Helen. The guards moved to stop him, but Helen quickly raised her hand to tell them to stop.

As the guy walked toward the Chancellor’s seat, the room became very quiet. He had a commanding appearance, and his broad shoulders and military bearing gave him an air of power. He slicked back his salt-and-pepper hair, and his dark eyes were cold and sharp. The emblems on his clothing made it clear that he was not a normal officer, even though he was dressed in a Federation military uniform.

Helen’s eyes narrowed, though she betrayed no fear. “General Varek,” she said, her voice even. “Your arrival is unexpected.”

A shadow of a smile played on Varek’s lips as he inclined his head. “Chancellor Helen,” he said in a smooth voice that echoed through the hall.”My apologies for the abrupt entrance but I thought it best to address this situation personally.”

Vice Chancellor Henry’s expression shifted from fury to alarm. “General Varek,” he said, his voice suddenly uncertain. “What brings you here at this time?”

Varek turned his gaze to Henry, and his smile vanished. “I’ve been sent here to convey few instructions from elders,” he said curtly. “And I’m here to ensure that this council doesn’t make a decision it will regret.”

The weight of his words sent a ripple through the room. Varek was one of the Federations most respected military leaders a figure whose authority and influence rivaled even the council itself.

His presence alone was enough to shift the balance of power in the chamber.

Aiden who was standing at attention exchanged a brief glance with Varek. Though no words were spoken there was a clear understanding between them.

Varek then turned back to the assembly as he said. “As you were now aware of the Elder’s decision to approve Major General Aiden’s request for his unit to run independently.”

The hall was silent save for the occasional murmur among the council members. Vice-Chancellor Henry’s expression darkened, his fingers tapping impatiently on the polished table.

“I am here not only to ensure that this decision is respected but also to convey the Elder Councils instructions regarding Major General Kareb.” He paused for a brief moment and continued. “It has been determined that his actions during the recent crisis—specifically his failure to mobilize the central military in time were not only negligent but also insubordinate. This coupled with his involvement in the unauthorized mission that led to the loss of lives that leaves no room for tolerance.”

As Varek’s words settled over the chamber as a wave of tension rippled through the Vice-Chancellor faction. Alaric was leaning back in his chair had his smile replaced by a hard line while Henry’s fists clenched his knuckles white against the table.

“Major General Kareb will be removed from his position right away and will be placed under custody until a proper verdict is reached.” Varek kept talking with a steady voice. “For now I have been tasked with overseeing his responsibilities until a suitable replacement is identified.”

Aiden watched as Varek’s gaze swept the room daring anyone to object. No one spoke even Henry, though visibly furious, seemed to understand the futility of challenging the Elder Council’s decree directly.

Turning to Aiden, Varek’s tone shifted, carrying a weight that was impossible to ignore. “Major General Aiden, while your unit’s independence has been granted, you are still required to surrender your prisoners—both Kereb and Cain Rienfeld. Their cases will now fall under my jurisdiction.”

Aiden’s shoulders stiffened. He exchanged a quick glance with Tommy, whose lips pressed into a thin line. Aiden didn’t like this. He didn’t trust that justice would be served once these individuals left his custody, especially not with the Vice-Chancellor’s influence looming over the process. But he also knew Varek’s authority was absolute for now.

With a reluctant nod, Aiden responded, his voice calm but edged with restrained frustration. “Understood, General Varek. I will comply.”

Varek’s piercing gaze lingered on Aiden for a moment, as if searching for any hint of rebellion. Satisfied, he gave a curt nod. “Good. Ensure this is handled swiftly.”

After which Varek turned and strode toward the exit, his presence leaving a vacuum in the room, Chancellor Helen rose to address the assembly. Her voice, though calm, carried a weariness that mirrored the growing fractures within the council.

“This meeting is now adjourned,” she said, her words concise. “All decisions made today are to be implemented immediately.”

The council members began filing out, some with murmured conversations, others in silence. The tension in the room was palpable, thick enough to cut with a blade. Aiden and Tommy made their way toward the exit, their steps steady but their expressions heavy with the weight of what was to come.

As Aiden neared the doorway, he felt the weight of a gaze burning into his back. Glancing over his shoulder, his eyes met Vice-Chancellor Henry’s. The man’s expression was a mixture of seething anger and cold calculation, his lips pressing into a thin line before curling into a tight, humorless smile. It was a look that promised retaliation, a silent vow that this fight was far from over.

Tommy noticed the exchange as he leaned closer to Aiden when they stepped outside. “He’s not going to let this go,” he muttered as his tone mixed with concern and irritation.

Aiden who was walking in the direction of their headquarter choose to not respond.

As the council room emptied. Vice-Chancellor Henry remained seated, his hands folded under his chin as he stared at the vacant podium. Alaric approached him, his usual smirk absent.

Alaric said as broke the silence.” Well this complicates things.”

“Aiden might think he’s untouchable he’s wrong.” Henry’s eyes narrowed as he muttered. “As he made an enemy he can’t escape.”