Caelan POV:
I stand at the centre of the clearing because the responsibility for calling this gathering belongs to me. Across the clearing stand the others.
Rourke, steady as the land that shapes his territory.
Darius of the Southern pack, his posture relaxed but his attention sharp. Beside him stands his Beta, Merrick, whose watchfulness misses little.
Garrick of the Western territory, broad-shouldered and observant, his gaze moving between the leaders present. Harlan, his Beta, standing with his arms folded, his eyes unblinking.
And Alaric of the Northern pack, composed and tall beside his Beta, Tarek, both of them watching the gathering with the focus of wolves who understand that northern history has always been tied closely to the council’s influence.
Five Alphas. Five territori
