"But where are we going?" Zordan inquired when Calvin instructed him to pack his belongings for the day along with some necessary items for their trip.

"Can't you just accompany me without asking so many questions?" Calvin retorted.

"Still, mate, I need to inform Mom and Dad about it. They need to take care of the pack while we're away."

"Exactly. That's precisely why I'm not telling you, Zordy. Uncle Bruce is close friends with Dad, and he would spill everything if he asked him anything." Calvin responded.

"So, in short, you're not hiding the destination from me but from Uncle Brandon," Zordan deduced, beginning to piece together the puzzle of why Calvin was keeping certain information from his father, Brandon Haysbert.

"You're going to a place Uncle Brandon doesn't want you to go, either because it's dangerous or forbidden," Zordan said, a sudden realization dawning on him about where exactly Calvin intended to take him.

"We're headed to the Black Council," he stated more than asked, to which Calvin remained stoic. Calvin retrieved a map and stowed it in a bag. "Alpha, there's a chance we might not return from that place."

" CHANCES!! It's not a certainty," Calvin reminded him. "And remember, Liara resides there, so we might make it out unscathed."

" MIGHT? Seriously?" Zordan feigned a laugh.

"I won't force you to join me then. If you prefer, stay here and oversee the pack. I'm going regardless," Calvin affirmed, picking up his bag and walking out of the packhouse, Zordan following suit. Calvin tossed his bag into the jeep, and Zordan did the same.

Noticing Calvin's raised eyebrow, Zordan spoke, "I can't just stay put here knowing you're heading towards danger."

"Come on, then. If need be, we'll face it together," Zordan said, taking the driver's seat with a smile. Deep down, both of them felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension, as they were about to venture into one of the most dreaded places for werewolves—the Black Council.

True to its name, the Black Council was a dark and sinister hub of rogue werewolves, a place where rules held no sway. Only the strongest werewolves could survive in its lawless environment.

Calvin felt a knot in his stomach, knowing that his beloved sister once resided there. No one had maintained contact with her for a while, and now he was abruptly journeying to that place. He wasn't sure if he would even have the chance to meet her, but he had to try.

He chuckled inwardly, realizing his own selfishness—he hadn't tried to reach out to her all this time, yet now that he needed her assistance, he was setting off to meet her.

***

After over twelve hours of travel, Calvin consulted the map he had and followed the moon as a guide. The exact location of the Black Council was unknown to most, as not all werewolves visited it. Those who did had to undertake additional tasks to find it, especially in the heart of rogue territory.

"Damn, the fog is so thick here due to the river," Zordan grumbled, narrowly avoiding a tree. They had left the jeep a while back, as the hilly route demanded trekking.

"Watch your step," Calvin warned. The dense fog obscured their surroundings, even though his wolf could see more clearly. "I think we're close. They say you can smell sandalwood when near the Black Council." He added.

For another hour, they pressed on, finding nothing but trees, fog, and mountains.

"I think we're lost."

"No, I don't think so. Keep moving. I'm certain your wolf can detect their foul scent."

"Wow, passing judgment on our scent as you enter our territory," a voice echoed. Calvin and Zordan turned towards the source of the voice but saw nothing through the thick fog. The voice seemed to come from atop a mountain. Their heightened hearing allowed them to catch the words distinctly. Suddenly, a man—clearly a werewolf—leapt from the mountain's peak and landed on the ground, dressed entirely in black, even his face.

"I..."

"The Doctor will be glad to see a family member," the man interjected, cutting Calvin off. He didn't realize how quickly the man recognized him. Both Calvin and Zordan watched as he dislodged a stone from the mountain, revealing a passage.

"Holy cow! Who would have guessed the Black Council was inside the mountain?" Zordan mindlinked Calvin, sharing his astonishment.

Their bags were entrusted to the enigmatic black-clad man. They then underwent a security check upon entering the mountain-like council.

They were soon joined by another man, who reeked of dirt but appeared relatively fresh, wearing only boxers. After all, what else could one expect a werewolf to wear at two in the morning?

"Does your esteemed father know his son is here to meet his estranged daughter?" he asked in a cold tone, more of a taunt.

"No, he doesn't. And please, don't inform him," Zordan replied instead of Calvin. The man didn't offer a response. After some more walking, they reached an open area. Mountains surrounded the clearing from all sides.