With a groan, the Council Hall's heavy oak doors closed behind the final attending alpha. The etched crests of Nightwind, Tailwind, and Whitedawn—symbols of strength, legacy, and uneasy peace—were illuminated by the long shadows cast by the flickering torches along the stone walls.
At the center, Serafina stood with her eyes steady and her chin up.
"We need to start tracking down any known rogue movements that are close to our borders," she stated. "We need scouts in the abandoned areas, the outer wilds, and the old tunnels if the Hollow Alpha's followers are spreading."
Whitedawn's Alpha Marcus folded his arms. You talk as if we've never had to deal with rogues. Every generation considers its conflict to be the worst.
Roman stepped forward and said sharply, "Back then, they weren't carving cursed sigils into sacred lands." "This is more than just rogue issues. This is well-planned. ceremonial. Additionally, it has precedent.
Tailwind's Alpha Samuel gave a slow nod. Roman is correct. Strange fires have been spotted by our patrols close to the Ironroot Hills. Voices in the wind are mentioned by wolves. Until now, I believed it to be superstition.
However, what if this is just an internal issue with Silverwind? Marcus looked at Jacob and challenged. "A broken bond, a failed marriage. Perhaps this is the chaos that results from your pack disintegrating.
Jacob gave a cold, low growl. "Be mindful of your tone."
Leah yelled, "Enough," her voice resonating like a bell throughout the room. "Now is not the moment to be arrogant."
Regaining the floor, Serafina held up her hand. "Territories are not at issue here. or wounded pride. I didn't want that marriage, you know. As you are aware, I upheld it for the benefit of our partnership. But now, we have to deal with something much more sinister than political repercussions.
At last, Tailwind's Luna Henrietta spoke. "Then let's address it honestly. What specifically did you discover underneath Silverwind?
Roman moved forward and laid a rolled-up piece of charcoal on the council table, rubbing the cult markings and sigils they had discovered. During the Great Sundering, the Hollow Alpha employed similar symbols. The acolyte we met had been observing us for years and was familiar with our names and ancestry.
Alpha Marcus's face was rigid as he leaned in. "You're claiming that our walls contain a sleeper cell?"
Serafina stated, "I'm saying there could be many." "Darion was only the first one."
Tension crackled in the room.
Leah then touched Serafina's shoulder. "This council is not being dominated by our daughter. She's attempting to keep it intact.
Samuel let out a long sigh. We need a defense strategy if the Hollow Alpha's creed is coming to life. and of reality.
Henrietta gave a nod. After that, we have to move in pairs. Send out dependable scouts. And most importantly, keep our archives safe.
Marcus nodded, albeit slowly, but he still didn't seem convinced. "I'll comply. However, if this proves to be a false alarm…
"It won't," Jacob stated in a firm tone.
Turning back to the middle of the table, Serafina unfolded a last map, this one showing the locations of the long-forgotten sealed paths and ancient dens.
She muttered, "The forest remembers." "We must now do the same."
And under the firelight, the allies leaned in, like wolves getting ready for the storm beneath their feet, rather than as alphas of divided lands.