The Elders entered from a side door and took their seats behind the mahogany conference table on the stage.
Xavier stood. "In light of the grave decisions to be made today, we will begin with this most pressing matter and continue on with other discussions if time permits." His unforgiving eyes found the object of his displeasure. "Elisabeth Sidwell, you have brought shame to your pack and the whole of your species. How do you defend yourself?"
Elisabeth caught the sympathy on Artemis' face as she stood. He had always been a grandfather-like figure to her. She focused on him for encouragement while speaking, "I have nothing to defend. I bear no guilt, unless love is a crime."
"You cannot love a vampire."
"Why not? There are no laws against it, even in the ancient scripts."
"No written laws exist because none are needed. Nature's law provides proof. Snakes do not mate with lambs. Birds do not mate with spiders. And werewolves do not mate with vampires." Xavier slammed his fist on the table. "It is forbidden!"
Despite the dread filling Elisabeth's mind, she found her voice, "The mating of a vampire and a werewolf effected the destruction of Victor."
A collective gasp echoed through the hall. Elisabeth had not shared this information with anyone, even her family. She had planned to wait until she had furthered her cause, but Xavier's adamancy could easily sway the pack. Hopefully, her wild card would be enough to derail him. He gripped the table with both hands and Artemis seized the opportunity, standing and placing a hand on Xavier's shoulder. "If I may?" The two locked eyes in an unspoken challenge, but Xavier ceded to the more mature Elder.
Artemis rubbed his chin, appraising Elisabeth with kindhearted eyes. "Please, explain your statement, child."
Elisabeth related the story of her abduction, Jackson's staking, and Victor's death to a silent hall. When she finished, Artemis moved from the stage and paced the aisles while speaking, "It seems an important element has been added to this scenario. No one can deny that we owe gratitude to this particular vampire for a second time in our history." He paused, glaring at Xavier, while the crowd murmured in discussion. "Given this new information, along with the trusted testimony of both Miriam Sidwell and Samantha Russell, it is clear to me this union has benefited our species significantly. How can we, in good conscience, forbid it?"
Xavier stood, scowling with his arms crossed. "Surely you are not condoning a cross-union?"
"I am not condoning a cross-union; I am condoning this cross-union."
Elisabeth relaxed upon hearing the rumble of agreement from the crowd.