The council hall was filled with a tension that buzzed like a swarm of angry bees. Seraphina stood at the head of the table, her piercing blue eyes scanning the faces around her. The Alphas and elders watched her, some with anticipation, others with open hostility. Lucian Nightshade, his smirk ever-present, leaned back in his chair, twirling a silver ring on his finger. Magnus Ironfang stood in the corner, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp and watchful.

Seraphina took a deep breath, her mind racing through the events of the past few days. The assassination attempt, the violent confrontation with Lucian, and now this council meeting that had erupted...