THE ARRIVAL OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS

We bolted towards the entrance of the pack house, our feet pounding the pavement as we raced towards the commotion. My heart was pounding in my chest as we drew closer, and I could see Dr. Volkov standing at the doorway. The rest of the pack was anxiously making their way outside, their faces etched with worry.

As Adam and I pushed through the throngs of people, I made my way to Dr Volkov, before I could ask him what was going on, I caught sight of a group of five men dressed in long, flowing black cloaks that were fastened at the neck with gleaming silver clasps. The cloaks were adorned with intricate embroidery in various shades of silver and gold, and each member wore a wolf crest emblazoned on the back of their cloak. Their presence was imposing, and I could feel the weight of their power even from where I stood.
A handful of guards surrounded the area, their eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of trouble. The tension in the air was palpable, and I couldn't help but wonder what this mysterious group of men could wanted and why were they here at the pack house?

A figure emerged from the crowd, an elder with a flowing white robe that seemed to glow in the sunlight. His voice boomed across the clearing, commanding attention as the five men approached. Their black cloaks swirled behind them like a dark cloud, ominous and foreboding. The pack fell silent, their eyes fixed on the figures before them. The five men stood tall and proud, radiating power and authority.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the old man declared, his voice ringing out with authority. "I present to you the esteemed council members.”

As I scanned the faces of the pack, it seemed as though the very air had been sucked out of the clearing. The announcer's words were laced with deep admiration and deference, causing the pack to hang onto every syllable. Memories flooded my mind of stories I had heard about the council members when I stayed in the castle. Their names were whispered in awe and reverence, and I couldn't believe I was standing before them now, witnessing their power first-hand. The council members were legends in their own right, each one embodying a different facet of leadership and strength. It was an honour to be in their presence.

"First, we have Cedric Silverman, our senior council member and a pillar of wisdom in our community." The announcer called out.

Cedric stepped forward, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination that could have cut through steel. He was the backbone of the council, the one who had guided them through the bleakest of days and given them hope when all seemed lost
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"Next, we have Magnus Stone," the announcer boomed. "A man of few words but great deeds. He is a fierce protector of our pack, and we are lucky to have him on our council."

Magnus nodded solemnly, his eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of danger. He was a warrior, a guardian who would stand between his people and any threat, no matter the cost.

"Third, we have Reginald Blackwood," the announcer continued. "A man of great stature and a shrewd negotiator. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our council, and we value his insight greatly."

Reginald raised his cane in acknowledgement, his piercing gaze scanning the faces of those gathered before him. He was a mastermind, a strategist who could see the bigger picture and outsmart any opponent.

"Fourth, we have Landon Wells," the announcer declared. "Our youngest council member but no less capable than the rest. He brings a fresh perspective and a sense of youthful energy to our council, and we are grateful for his presence."

Landon stepped forward, a small smile playing on his lips as he surveyed the crowd before him. He was the hope of the council, the one who would carry their legacy forward into the future and ensure that their people survived.

"Last but certainly not least," the announcer boomed, "we have Adrienne Montague. A man of great charisma and charm. He is a natural leader and a staunch defender of our pack, and we are honoured to have him on our council."

Adrienne bowed gracefully, his silver earring glinting in the sunlight. He was the heart of the council, the one who could inspire his people to fight for what was right and never give up.

As the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, the council members stepped back, their expressions one of humble gratitude. It was clear that they were more than just leaders; they were warriors and defenders of their people.

Dr Volkov stepped forward to greet the council members, his face a mask of respect and deference. "Welcome, esteemed council members," he said, bowing his head in deference. "It is an honour to have you here with us today."

Cedric, the senior council member, stepped forward with a warm smile on his face. "Thank you, Alpha Volkov," he said, extending his hand. "It is good to see you again."
Alpha Volkov clasped Cedric's hand in a firm handshake, his eyes meeting the older man with respect. "Likewise, Cedric," he said. "I trust your journey here was without incident?"

Cedric nodded. "Yes, thank you. We arrived just as we planned."

Alpha Volkov turned to the other council members, extending his hand in greeting. "Magnus, Reginald, Landon, Adrienne," he said, acknowledging each member in turn. "It is an honour to meet you all."

The council members each shook Alpha Volkov's hand, their expressions serious and respectful. It was clear that they were not here for pleasantries, but for a serious matter.
Just then A stunning woman, dressed in fine regal garments, rushed towards us, her long, dark hair flowing behind her like a waterfall. I watched as she jumped into Adam’s arms, and he embraced her. Her laughter was like music to my ears, and I could not help but feel a pang of envy as I watched them embrace.

The woman's adoring gaze never left Adam's face as she traced the contours of his features with her delicate fingers. I couldn't help but feel like an outsider, an unwelcome guest in this intimate moment.

Adrienne eyes narrowed as he witnessed this encounter. "Isabella," he growled, his voice deep and rough. "I understand that you wanted to tag along, and you haven't seen your fiancé in some time, but you must show respect to the council and to the other people gathered here. Your behaviour is unacceptable." The intensity of his words was palpable, and I could feel the tension in the air as the other council members looked on disapprovingly.

Isabella's smile faltered for a moment, and she lowered her gaze in shame. "I'm sorry," she murmured softly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I didn't mean to be disrespectful. It's just that I missed him so much, and I couldn't resist the urge to see him again."

Adrenne’s expression softened slightly as he looked at her, but his tone remained stern. "I understand your feelings, Isabella," he said. "But you must remember that you are not just a woman in love. You are the daughter of a renowned council member and my sister; you have a duty to uphold our traditions and values. We cannot allow personal feelings to interfere with the safety and stability of our community."

Isabella nodded, her eyes filling with tears. "I understand, brother," she said softly. "I will do better."

Adam placed his hand on Isabella’s shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze, "I'm sorry as well," he said to the council members, his voice calm and measured. "But as Isabella's fiancé, I must take responsibility for her actions. I assure you that it won't happen again."

The tension in the air dissipated slightly, and the other council members nodded. Alpha Volkov stepped forward, his imposing presence commanding attention. Drawing everyone's attention back to him. "If we are done with all the formalities, let's proceed inside," he said, his voice authoritative yet calm.

The council members nodded in agreement, and with that, Dr. Volkov led the way, the group of council members fell into step behind Dr. Volkov, their black cloaks billowing behind them as they made their way into the pack house. The rest of the pack dispersed going their own ways. As I followed Dr. Volkov closely behind.

As we reached a room with closed doors, I could not help but wonder what urgent matters could have brought the council members to our doorstep. Whatever it was, I knew that it was bound to shake the pack to its core.

Adrienna stopped and turned his eyes fixed in mine " Who is this he asks"

Dr. Volkov stops and turns to face me "Alivia what are you doing here?"

I shifted uncomfortably under their scrutiny, feeling like an intruder in this important meeting. "I'm sorry, Alpha," I said, bowing my head in respect. "I was just curious about what was happening."

Alpha Volkov's gaze softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "It's alright, Alivia," he said kindly. "But this is a council matter, and it's best if you wait outside."

I nodded, understanding the importance of their discussion. As I turned to leave, I could not help but feel a sense of foreboding.
As I turned to leave, a guard with a little girl by his side approached us. "Mia?" I gasped, recognizing the little girl. She looked up at me with a smile, her pigtails bouncing. "Alivia!" she exclaimed, running over to me, and wrapping her arms around my legs. But as I looked at the guard, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.