The gathering

The grand ballroom of the Grimlock estate shimmered under the glow of thousands of suspended lanterns. The ceiling, enchanted to mimic the night sky, displayed an endless canvas of stars twinkling above the heads of the gathered werewolves. The air was thick with the scent of wolves from different territories, mingling in a heady mix of dominance, power, and barely restrained instincts.

Wolves of all ranks—Alphas, Betas, warriors, and diplomats—had gathered for the annual pack meeting, an event steeped in tradition. The chatter of hundreds of voices filled the space, but the moment the Alpha Prime and his mate entered the room, silence fell like a heavy blanket.

Ember and Kellan strode through the grand entrance like a storm rolling in, powerful and breathtaking in equal measure.