Thornak paced the stone floor of his office. His golden eyes burned with purpose as tension coiled tight in his frame. The moment Kael finished relaying the scouts' report, he turned sharply to Ruvan, who stood silent and ready by the arched window.
"Summon the council," Thornak ordered, his voice low but laced with steel. "I want everyone in that room before the sun sets."
Ruvan bowed his head. "At once, my King."
"And send a raven to the eastern mountains. Bring Ninzu."
Ruvan's brows rose slightly. "The sorceress?"
"Yes." Thornak's voice left no room for question. "If this truly is blood magic, I want her eyes on it. No one knows the old ways better than Ninzu."
Kael raised an eyebrow as Ruvan departed. "You think she'll come? She's not exactly… fond of thrones."
Thornak moved to the great table, staring down at the map marked with fresh warnings. "She'll come. She's bound by oath to Vargorath, and she won't let dark magic take root in our lands again."
Kael gave a low whistle. "Then the storm's really here, brother."
"Am afraid it is brother."
....
The Grand Council Chamber of Vargorath was a large room made of stone and full of history. Its ceiling rose high like a cathedral, and the walls were covered in old symbols. In the center stood a huge crescent-shaped table made from black stone. Around it were tall chairs for the leaders who helped rule the kingdom.
At the front stood King Thornak. He wore dark green and silver clothes, with a wolf symbol on his chest. He didn't sit, suggesting the tension in the air.
To his right sat Queen Maravelle, regal and cold, her crimson gown flowing like blood over the seat. Beside her sat her brother, Lord Edrion, an ever-smirking tactician whose words often cut deeper than steel.
The council included three leaders of the strongest werewolf clans: Alpha Harkan of the Icefangs, whose hair and beard were as pale as snow. Alpha Veyra of the Stormclaws, fierce and impatient, and Alpha Ren of the Bloodhowl, quiet and composed as always.
Across from them sat two human representatives. Ambassador Thane, a polished diplomat with keen eyes and a sharp tongue, ever seeking the balance between peace and power and Lady Merel, a historian and seer, her layers of jewelry jingling softly whenever she shifted, her insight often shrouded in riddles.
Prince Kael leaned casually near the chamber doors, observing. He gave Thornak a small nod of encouragement.
Thornak finally spoke, telling them about all his observations including the missing lycans. His gaze swept across the council. "This was no random rogue attack."
The room shifted uncomfortably.
"Bring it in," Thornak said, his voice echoing in the chamber.
A guard stepped forward, carrying a cloth bundle wrapped in protective linen. He approached the table and slowly unfurled it in front of the council. Gasps followed.
"This was found near the western pass," Thornak said grimly. "Not just signs of a struggle but of a summoning."
Lord Edrion leaned closer, frowning. "These markings are ancient. Older than the High Wars."
Lady Merel's voice was tight. "Blood magic."
Thornak nodded once. "Most likely. Someone is practicing forbidden rituals on our lands."
Queen Maravelle's lips pursed, her fingers tapping the arm of her chair. "And you only now bring this to council?"
"I brought it when I confirmed it was more than superstition," Thornak replied coldly.
Her brother, Lord Edrion, folded his arms. "We need answers quickly. If someone is summoning creatures on our borders, we could be facing more than just rogue wolves."
Thornak's jaw clenched. "I faced one of them. A man,or something like a man. Cloaked in gray, his face was hidden beneath a hood. He stepped out of the woods like he was waiting for me."
The room grew even stiller.
"Although he spoke as if he served something greater. He called himself the hand of a forgotten force, one that remembers what Lycans have forgotten. Then, without a step or sound, he vanished. Not ran, vanished."
Kael, standing at Thornak's side, added quietly, "We searched for him and found nothing. No trail. No scent. Not even a footprint."
Thornak's voice dropped. "This wasn't a simple rogue or rebel. He was calm and very confident. He wanted me to know we're being watched."
The silence that followed was thick with unease.
Ambassador Thane, paled. "If what you saw was a wizard, or worse… a vessel of ancient sorcery… we could be facing a war older than any of us."
"We will have answers," Thornak said. "I've sent for the sorceress Ninzu. She'll arrive soon."
"Ninzu?" Lady Merel asked. "The Silver Seer?"
Thornak nodded. "The same."
"She walks the line between what is seen and unseen," muttered Alpha Veyra. "If anyone can read those marks, it's her."
Lord Edrion leaned back, folding his arms. "If this sorceress confirms what you say, then we must prepare for more than defense. We must strike first."
"That would be unwise," Ambassador Thane said sharply. "War without knowledge is suicide. We need to know who our enemy is."
"We already know," Alpha Veyra growled. "Anyone who uses blood magic is an enemy of the realm. We should burn the western ridge to the roots and flush them out."
Alpha Ren shook his head. "Fire won't drive out shadows. It will only spread fear."
Thornak's gaze cut across the table. "Fear is already spreading. And that is why I brought this to you now. Not just to share what I saw, but to demand unity."
Queen Maravelle's expression didn't change, but her tone turned sharp. "Unity is earned, not commanded. Especially when you're hiding other truths from us."
"What truths?" Thornak asked, stepping forward.
She smiled coolly. "Like the girl in your chambers."
A hush fell and Thornak's expression darkened.
"This council is for the kingdom's defense," he said coldly. "Not for gossip."
Maravelle's eyes glittered. "Then let us hope the kingdom doesn't fall because its king was too distracted to lead."
Thornak said nothing. But the room felt colder.