"Even if we set aside the matter of his soul being pulled to the underworld, he would still die," Evanthe reiterated, her tone serious. "Without the stability that a mate bond can bring, his core will slowly degenerate, leading to a slow death. He would never be able to use his powers again and would die like a human. To keep him alive, having a bond is essential."
As a Queen of one clan and a council member, it was her duty to state the facts related to the matter being raised. She could not afford to be biased.
"Can we have any other female to establish a mate bond with him?" Halifax asked.
Evanthe shook her head helplessly, "It's the hellfire that is protecting his core so it shall be Ember. If he tries to create a mate bond with someone else, hellfire would never let it established."
The silence enveloped the council hall.
Erlos guided shocked Ember back to her chair and stood by her side, offering his support.
In addition to what Evanthe said, Agraleus, the chief of the Divine Eagle Clan, stood up. "I would like to say something as well, Your Majesty."
Draven, caught between his mate's tumultuous emotions and his responsibilities as a king, gave him an approving nod.
"Apart from what Elder Halifax and Queen Evanthe have stated, I have something else to add," Agraleus began. "According to the rules of the beast clans, if any male saves a female, he has the right to make her his mate. Morpheus saved Lady Ember from being stabbed by the divine weapon, so he already holds the right to make Lady Ember his mate."
This was the rule always being followed in among beast clans and there was no denying to it.
Ailwin, the Chief of the Divine Fox Clan, stood up as well. "I would like permission to say something as well, Your Majesty."
Draven nodded, allowing him to speak.
"I would like to mention the ancient records, where a rare incident of a divine beast protecting his mate's core with their own elemental attribute was documented. This happened only once in ancient times, and we have never witnessed or heard of any other such act in thousands of years after that. This underscores its rarity and importance.
Erlos stepped out with Aureus, not knowing what to say. The weight of the situation hung heavily in the air, leaving them both deep in thought.
"I will head back to my uncle," Aureus said.
Erlos nodded but then asked, "What do you expect Ember to do?"
"I am not the right person to ask this question," Aureus replied and flew away.
Of course, he wanted Ember to save his uncle at all costs, but he was not going to say it and pressure her. Morpheus was his uncle, and he would be selfish to want to protect him.
Draven took Ember back to her bedchamber. He made her sit on the bed and offered her water. Once she had taken a few sips, Draven put the glass aside and sat next to her. His strong arm wrapped around her, pulling her into a comforting embrace, which was what she needed at the moment.
She buried her face against his chest and allowed herself to calm down while inhaling her mate's scent.
"You were aware of this?" she finally asked.
Holding her closer, as if he would lose her if he let go, he responded, "Hmm."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Forgive me, but I didn't know how to bring this to you. It all happened so suddenly, and even the council meeting was decided last minute. Also, I wanted you to be calm and listen to all of them first."
"I do not blame you. I could feel your emotions when they all were talking about me having another mate. I know you are deeply hurt with just the thought of it."
His hold tightened around her and he refrained from saying anything. She was right, the thought of having another mate for her was killing him inside. The dragon inside him wished to show up and turn the entire world upside down if he could.