Thornak paced the stone floor of his war room. His golden eyes burned with purpose, and his body was tight with tension. The moment Kael finished sharing the scouts' report,
Thornak turned to Ruvan, who stood silently by the large window.
Ruvan was Dain's second commander, a trusted warrior who rarely spoke unless necessary.
"Call the council," Thornak ordered. "I want everyone in that room before sunset."
Ruvan bowed his head. "Right away."
"And send a raven to the eastern mountains. Bring Ninzu."
Ruvan looked surprised. "The seer?"
"Yes. If this is really blood magic, I want her to look at 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."
"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."
"Am afraid it is brother."
....
The Grand Council Chamber of Vargorath was a large room. In the center was a large table with several tall chairs.
At the front sat Thornak.
To his right sat Maravelle, regal and cold. To his left was Lord Edrion, the Queen's brother, who was also the high chancellor.
Several alphas from both werewolf and lycan clans sat.
Thornak finally spoke, telling them about all his observations including the missing lycans.
The room shifted uncomfortably.
"Bring it in," Thornak said to Kael,who stood at the far end.
He brought out the voodoo doll wrapped in protective cloth. Moving to the table, he slowly unwrapped it in front of the council. Whispers and sharp gasps filled the room.
"This was found near the western pass," Thornak said grimly.
Lord Edrion leaned closer, frowning. "These markings on the doll are ancient. Older than the High Wars."
"Black magic," an alpha said.
Thornak nodded once. "Most likely. Someone is practicing forbidden rituals on our lands."
Queen Maravelle pressed her lips together and tapped her fingers on her chair. "And you are only telling the council now?"
"I brought it when I confirmed it was more than superstition," Thornak replied.
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."
"We will have answers," Thornak said. "I've sent for Ninzu. She'll arrive soon."
"Ninzu?" one councilor asked. "The Silver Seer?"
Thornak nodded. "The same. If anyone can read those marks, it's her."
Lord Edrion nodded. "If this seer confirms what you say, then we must prepare for more than defense. We must strike first."
"That would be unwise," Alpha 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 stop someone who can vanish. It will only make our people afraid."
Thornak looked across the table. "I agree. We wait for Ninzu."
Queen Maravelle raised an eyebrow. "While we wait, maybe you can enlighten us on a few things."
"What exactly?" Thornak asked, turning to her.
"Like the girl in your chambers."
"This council is for the kingdom's defense," he said coldly. "Not for idle gossip. Who cares which girl is in my bed."
Maravelle closed her mouth. Although her eyes burned with hidden anger, she said nothing.
Suddenly, the great double doors at the end of the council hall flung open and smoke slipped through the door.