The Corruption of Light: Shadows among Rogues

*Capítulo Nueve*

The massive conference hall buzzed with murmurs as Lucifer and Allistair entered, the regal pair drawing all eyes toward them. The hall, located in the south wing of Casa DelFierro, was designed for such gatherings—its high ceilings adorned with chandeliers, walls lined with portraits of past leaders, and long tables arranged for council members, pack leaders, and their closest allies.

At the side of the table, next to the seat reserved for the king and his mate at the right side, sat Alexander Vaughn Fretzellis-Rosewood, his imposing figure still commanding the attention of everyone in the room. Beside him was Raine Lune Rosewood-Fretzellis, calm and composed, his sharp eyes scanning the gathering with quiet wisdom. The rest of the council members were seated in their respective places, discussing matters with stern expressions, while Allistair's sister, Allex Xaine Fretzellis, sat next to the council as the new member with her usual confidence.

Tyrel, Allistair's human friend and now the pack diplomat, sat nearby, ever observant. Marion, the head omega, and Blaine, the appointed beta, were also present next to him, with Blaine's sister Sheryn, the appointed gamma, both exuding the silent strength that was expected of them. They sat at the left side of the head table, alongside their parents: Blaine and Sheryn's father, the former beta, and their mother, the former omega; and Marion's father, the former gamma, and his other omega father, the former diplomat.

Lucifer and Allistair took their seats at the long, polished table reserved for them. The room fell silent as all attention focused on the two. Seated beside Alexander at the right side were his and Lucifer's close friends: Alpha Caius Knight Black, Damian Slovan Sletherion, Rowan Seres Velden, and Fierro Slater Daughenrov. The other six alphas were also present.

Alpha Serses Evaline Knight, of Knight River Pack, known for their swordsmanship and archery.

Alpha Cade Dauntless Evergreen, of Riverdale Pack, known for their control over water.

Alpha Shaun Lane Livingstone, of Blue Moon Pack, known for their control over nature.

Alpha Ivy Louise Parker, of Red Moon Pack, known for their poison-making and resilience to any kind of poison.

Alpha Trevor Cross Wallace, of Blood Crusade Pack, known for their control over blood and their welcoming of vampire and werewolf-vampire hybrids.

Alpha Saillus Khaillan Falls, a hybrid elven-alpha werewolf of the Green Fall Pack, known for their elven magic and diverse supernatural inhabitants.

But Alpha Mikael Heaven Cassius, the mysterious and gentle alpha of Light Saint Pack, known for their light magic and a home for humans, was notably absent.

After a moment, Alexander cleared his throat, his gaze intense. "We have an urgent matter to address today."

Raine glanced at his mate before speaking, his voice calm but weighted with concern. "Several of our warriors have reported strange occurrences among the rogues."

The council members murmured in low voices, exchanging uneasy glances. Allistair's brows furrowed in confusion as he turned to his father. "What kind of strange occurrences?" he asked.

"One of our scouts saw a group of rogues who seemed to be... more organized than usual," Raine explained. "At first, we thought it was just a random gathering. But then something changed."

Alexander leaned forward, his gaze dark. "They regained a semblance of control. Sanity, even. It's as if they're not the wild, feral beings they once were."

Lucifer's eyes narrowed. "Rogues, regaining sanity? That's unheard of. What's causing it?"

A council member, an elder with decades of experience, spoke up, his voice gravelly. "We don't know. But there's something unusual in the air, some kind of energy. It's as if the rogues are being... manipulated or empowered by something. Something powerful."

Allistair's mind raced, his gaze flickering to Lucifer. "Energy? What kind of energy?"

Marion, the head omega, shifted in his seat, his voice soft but firm. "Our pack warriors have felt it too. There's something off about the air, especially near the areas where these rogues have been seen. It's subtle, but it's there."

"It's not just our pack," Blaine added. "Other packs have reported the same thing. The rogues are organizing, forming something that resembles a pack of their own."

Lucifer's expression darkened as he considered this. "If rogues are forming a pack, they must have a leader."

"Exactly," Alexander replied. "And that leader, whoever it is, has access to something we don't yet understand."

Allex, ever the sharp and strategic mind, leaned forward, her golden eyes glowing with curiosity. "Could this be the work of another supernatural force? Something beyond our usual enemies?"

Tyrel, the human diplomat, nodded thoughtfully. "It's possible. We've seen strange things in the past, but this... feels different."

A silence fell over the room as they all pondered Tyrel's words. Allistair's heart pounded, his mind flashing back to the vague memory he had earlier—the man dressed in angelic robes. Could there be a connection?

Lucifer, sensing Allistair's unease, placed a hand on his mate's shoulder. "We'll find out what's happening, *Amica Mea.* But we need to be cautious."

"We can't act rashly," Alexander added, his deep voice cutting through the tension. "We need more information before we make any moves."

Raine nodded in agreement. "We've sent scouts to observe the rogue movements, but something tells me we're dealing with more than just an organized group of rogues."

Damian, one of Lucifer's closest friends, smirked darkly. "There's always something in the shadows, waiting to strike. We just need to figure out who—or what—is pulling the strings."

Lucifer leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing in thought. "It's possible that there's an outside force influencing them. Something powerful enough to give them back their sanity. And if that's the case, we need to be prepared for whatever is coming."

The room fell into a tense silence, each person lost in their own thoughts.

Caius, usually the quiet one, broke the silence. "There's something familiar about all of this. Something ancient."

Allistair's heart skipped a beat. He looked at Caius, his eyes searching. "Ancient?"

Caius nodded slowly. "I've felt this kind of energy before, but it was a long time ago. Before I joined this pack."

Lucifer's eyes flickered with realization. "Angelic energy. But it's corrupted, tainted in some way."

The room stiffened at his words. Lucifer, noticing Mikael's absence, spoke up, "Where is Mikael? Why is he not here?"

As if on cue, the doors of the conference hall opened, and Mikael Heaven Cassius entered, his white robes flowing gracefully behind him, representing purity. The room fell silent as he approached the table, his presence serene yet commanding.

Mikael's eyes met those of the council members, and he spoke with a calm certainty. "I sensed the same energy you described. It is indeed angelic in nature. But it is pure yet corrupted, a distortion of its original essence."

Lucifer's eyes widened. *How did Mikael know about this?* he wondered, a deep sense of familiarity gnawing at him. There was something about Mikael's presence that struck him as oddly familiar, though he couldn't place why.

"I also sensed something oddly familiar with this person Lucifer." Morgan his wolf said in his mind

"Tsk what I feel about him is his irritating, his presence irks me for some unknown reason and you felt it too Lucifer also something is not right with the heavens and even hell, we might need to go back." Lucan added

"That's what I've been thinking too. I also need to find how Lilith and my mate is connected to each other and this tainted angelic energy that I took can feel." Lucifer replied in his mind

Mikael nodded solemnly. "Yes. The energy carries a purity that is tainted, suggesting it has been manipulated or twisted. This could be the work of a malevolent force using angelic power for dark purposes."

The council members exchanged anxious glances, the gravity of Mikael's confirmation settling heavily upon them.

Allistair's breath caught in his throat as his earlier vision flashed through his mind again. Angels. Could they be involved? Could this energy, this manipulation of the rogues, be their doing?

Lucifer, sensing Allistair's thoughts, squeezed his hand gently under the table. "We'll find out soon enough."

"We need to be vigilant," Alexander said, his voice breaking the heavy silence. "Whatever is happening, we need to be ready. We don't know what we're up against, but we can't afford to be caught off guard."

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement.

Lucifer stood, his powerful presence drawing everyone's attention. "We'll increase our patrols and keep a close watch on the rogue movements. I'll personally oversee the investigation into this strange energy."

Raine stood beside his mate, his calm demeanor reassuring. "We will protect our pack, our people, and our allies. Whatever is coming, we'll face it together."

Allistair glanced at Lucifer, his heart steadying. Together, they could face anything. But deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something far more dangerous than they had ever imagined.

As the meeting concluded and the council members began to disperse, Allistair caught a glimpse of the worried expressions on everyone's faces. The unease hung in the air, thick and palpable.

Lucifer leaned in and whispered into his ear, "Whatever happens, I'll keep you safe, *Amica Mea.* Always."

Allistair nodded, but the feeling of dread lingered in his chest. Whatever this energy was, it was ancient, pure yet corrupted, and it was coming for them.

After the meeting, Allistair took a deep breath and looked toward theAs Lucifer and Allistair stepped toward the exit of the conference hall, they exchanged a glance. Now was the moment to address the decision that would shape the future of the Rosewood Pack.

"Wait," Allistair said, turning back to his father, Alexander Vaughn Fretzellis-Rosewood, who was deep in conversation with Raine and the council members. "Father, we need to speak with you before we proceed."

Alexander's sharp eyes met Allistair's, sensing the importance in his tone. He motioned for Raine and the council to pause their discussions and turned his full attention to his son and Lucifer. Raine, ever the calm presence, looked at them with quiet curiosity.

"What is it, Allistair?" Alexander asked, his voice both patient and firm.

Lucifer stepped forward, his regal presence commanding the room's attention once more. "As you know, there is a growing threat with the rogues and the unknown force behind them. Given these uncertain times, we believe it is best for Allistair and I to remain here at Casa DelFierro." His voice carried the weight of his authority as the king and Allistair's mate. "Since Allistair is the Alpha of the Rosewood Pack, we've also decided that it would be safest to relocate the pack to the lands surrounding the palace."

A murmur swept through the remaining council members, and Alexander's gaze flickered briefly to Raine before resting back on his son. He didn't seem surprised, though a thoughtful expression crossed his face.

"Relocate the pack to Casa DelFierro?" Alexander echoed, his voice steady but probing.

"Yes, Father," Allistair affirmed, stepping closer. "It's the best option. Casa DelFierro is heavily protected, and with the threat looming, it would give us better control and safety. We'll begin the arrangements right away, but we wanted your approval."

Alexander studied his son for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he glanced at Raine, who gave him a nod of silent understanding.

"As your father, I want nothing more than your safety, and that of our pack," Alexander said, his voice softer now. "If this is what you and your mate have decided, then I'll support it. You're the Alpha now, Allistair. It's your decision to make. And I also can't help it that your mate is the king." Alexander said with a little hint of bitterness in his tone. He still can't forgive Samael for what he's done.

Allistair felt a surge of relief and pride at his father's words. "Thank you, Father. I'll make sure the pack is well taken care of."

Raine stepped forward then, offering a calm smile. "We'll begin making the necessary arrangements immediately. Our warriors will ensure the pack's transition goes smoothly. The land around Casa DelFierro is vast; there's plenty of space for the Rosewood Pack to settle."

Alexander gave a resolute nod. "I'll speak with the pack council and make sure everything is in order for the relocation. We'll waste no time."

Lucifer, standing tall beside Allistair, added, "Rest assured, the Rosewood Pack will be well-protected under Casa DelFierro's watchful eye."

Alexander smiled faintly, pride flashing in his gaze as he looked at his son. "Then it's settled. The Rosewood Pack will be relocated near Casa DelFierro. I trust you to lead the pack well, Allistair."

With that, the decision was made. The wheels of change began to turn as the Rosewood Pack prepared to make Casa DelFierro their new home—secure in the knowledge that, together, they would face whatever threats lay ahead.