Allies and Traitors
The grand chamber of the Council of Alphas vibrated with sounds, the voices of powerful wolves clashing like a thunderstorm. The alphas, seated in a semicircle, represented the strongest packs in the region, but unity was an illusion—fractures ran deep.
Elyra of the Silver Moon Pack, her chestnut hair shimmering under the torches, stood with fiery determination. “Tobias and Seraphine are threats not just to Crimson Fang but to every pack here,” she declared, her voice echoing. “Their power grows unchecked, and once they’re done with Draven, they’ll come for the rest of us. If we don’t act now, none of our packs will survive.”
Garren of the Iron Fang Pack leaned back in his chair, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. His blood-red cloak made him look like a wolf made of shadow and fire. “You assume we can stop Tobias. His rise is inevitable. Better to align with him than fight a losing battle.”
Elyra’s sharp gaze cut to him. “Your cowardice will cost more than your pride, Garren. It’ll cost your pack everything.”
The council broke into chaos, voices rising in argument. Some pledged loyalty to Draven, their faith in his leadership unshaken. Others, swayed by fear or ambition, secretly whispered about alliances with Tobias.
Meanwhile, Alaric crept through the shadows of Tobias’s stronghold. His golden eyes tracked every movement, his sharp ears catching whispers of Seraphine’s name. He found her in the heart of the fortress, her crescent mark glowing as she led a shadow wolf ritual. The wolves shivered and snarled as dark tendrils of magic pulsed around them.
“She’s siphoning their strength,” Alaric muttered under his breath, his heart racing.
Seraphine’s voice rang out, cool and commanding. “Soon,” she said, her smile cruel. “Tobias will fall. And I’ll take what’s mine.”
Alaric returned to Crimson Fang with haste, his face pale as he recounted what he’d seen to Isla. “She’s not just creating chaos. She’s using the shadow wolves to weaken Tobias’s forces. She’s waiting for the right moment to take him out.”
Isla’s silver eyes blazed with determination as she turned to Draven. “We can use this,” she said, her voice firm. “Let her betrayal fracture their army. When she makes her move, it’ll be our chance to strike.”
Draven’s jaw tightened as he processed her words, his amber gaze locked onto hers. “And if you’re wrong?” he asked, his voice low but full of tension.
“Then we lose everything,” Isla said, meeting his gaze unflinchingly.
Draven growled softly, the sound reverberating in the room. “Then we make sure you’re not wrong.”
________________
