Chapter 5 The Council's Decree

Kade burst into the council room, his anger still boiling from his clash with Selene. The disclosure of his son-his successor-had caused a tempest within him, yet there was no moment to reflect on it now. The Elder Council had called for him, and their requests were never insignificant. The room was softly illuminated, the atmosphere heavy with the aroma of scorching herbs. The five elders occupied their tall-backed chairs, their faces inscrutable. At the core was Elder Alaric, the most aged and intimidating of them all, his silver hair sharply contrasting his keen, analytical stare.

"Alpha Kade," Alaric acknowledged, his tone serious. "You made us wait." Kade nodded slightly but refrained from saying sorry. "I was... dealing with pressing issues." "Certainly." Alaric interlaced his fingers. "Selene Nightshade has come back to Ravenstone." The heaviness of their united gazes pressed upon him. They were aware. Certainly, they were aware. Everything inside these walls was observed by the council. "She does," Kade verified, maintaining his tone steady. Elder Miriam, the sole woman in the group, raised an eyebrow. "And she did not come back by herself." Kade's jaw clenched. "Negative." A whisper circulated among the elders. Alaric's intense stare remained unwavering. "You possess a son." Kade stood up straight. "I agree." Miriam's eyes shone with an indescribable expression. "This is unparalleled." "A kid born from the previous Luna, concealed from the pack... Are you aware of what this implies, Kade?" "He is my successor," Kade declared assertively. "The veins of the Raventhorn Alpha carry his blood." Elder Dorian, the most conservative of them, mocked. "A successor brought up beyond our regulations." A child born out of wedlock. A faint growl echoed in Kade's chest. "Be cautious with your words, Elder." Dorian remained undaunted. "Do not confuse fact with insult, Alpha." The child was unacknowledged, not brought up in our midst. "That's an issue." Alaric raised a hand, quieting any additional disagreement. "There are more significant issues involved." "The presence of the boy alters the power dynamics." Kade's hands tightened into fists. He understood the direction this was headed. Alaric bent forward. The pack needs to have its Luna restored. "It is the sole method to ensure legitimacy for both the child and yourself." Kade let out a quick breath with a sharp exhale. "Are you commanding me to bring Selene back as Luna?" Miriam agreed with a nod. "It's not only about you." Other factions will perceive this as a sign of weakness, a fractured control. Alpha Darius has already started taking action against us. "Should you not take action immediately, he will exploit this to your detriment." Kade's thoughts swirled. He had dedicated years to persuading himself that turning down Selene was the correct choice. And now, destiny had returned her-with their child. He breathed out gently. "What if she says no?" Alaric's face grew somber. "Then you have to make sure she doesn't."