Chapter 5

GABRIEL’S POV

I stepped up to the building, my senses prickling with a strange, unsettling feeling. The air felt heavier than usual, thick with anticipation and something darker lurking just beneath the surface. The building’s exterior is a mix of ancient gothic and modern design, crafted from a dark, enchanted stone that shimmers with a hint of iridescence under moonlight. As I approached the entrance, a wide staircase, illuminated by lanterns that flicker as if alive, leads up to a grand set of double doors made of deep mahogany and reinforced with shimmering silver inlays. The doors bear the emblem of the Council. A serpent entwined with a vine, signifying unity among supernatural beings.

Upon entering the hall, visitors are greeted by an expansive atrium with a high vaulted ceiling that seems to stretch into infinity. Glimmering chandeliers made of crystal and moonlight hang from above, casting soft, colorful light across the room. The floor is composed of polished obsidian tiles that seem to ripple like water as the light plays across their surface.

The main chamber features a circular arrangement of chairs made from woven vines and enchanted wood, ensuring comfort for the diverse attendees. Each chair is uniquely designed to reflect the essence of its occupant.

The entire structure is protected by a potent magical barrier, ensuring that only those with the council's approval can enter. We have the witches to thank for that. The Celestial Citadel stands as both a sanctuary and a powerful symbol of cooperation among the supernatural realms, where we come together to discuss, deliberate, and uphold the balance between our worlds.

Emergency meetings were rare for us, and when they did happen, it was never for good news. My gut clenched as I scanned the room, knowing that whatever was about to be discussed wouldn’t bode well. Across the room, I spotted Landon from the neighbouring pack, Nightfall Clan. He is a reliable second representative, calm and steady as always. I nodded in greeting, and he responded with a slight tilt of his head. We both knew the gravity of this moment, and there was no need for words.

We took our seats at the long, imposing table, the silence stretching out as everyone prepared for what was to come. Then, the doors swung open, and a ripple of tension swept through the room. The vampires entered first, their presence commanding and cold, followed closely by a group of witches, their eyes flickering with magic and suspicion.

The vampires and witches rarely crossed paths without conflict, and tonight was no different. As they settled into their places, I felt the weight of history pressing down on us all. This gathering was a reminder that alliances could shift in an instant, and danger lurked just beyond the shadows.

I clenched my fists beneath the table, my mind racing with questions and fears. Whatever this meeting had in store, I knew it would be a turning point. The room stayed silent, waiting for the first words to be spoken, waiting for the storm to break.

The room grew even more tense as Gwendoline’s voice cut through the silence, calm yet resolute. She was the first to speak, her presence commanding the attention of everyone present.

“First things first,” she said, her voice steady and clear. “I’m retiring from the council, as we previously discussed.” She reached into a satchel beside her and pulled out a neatly organized files. “I’ve brought the documents you all requested. Everything you need to know about my successor, Nora.” Gwendoline handed out copies of the file to each of us, her eyes briefly lingering on the room’s members as if to emphasize her trust in her choice.

“I have every faith in her,” she continued. “I believe she’s capable of carrying on the work we’ve done, and I trust you all will come to the right decision by next week’s meeting.”

I took the file and flipped it open, scanning the details about Nora. Her skills, her background, her strengths. The room remained silent, each of us pondering the future, weighing whether Nora was the right choice or if more potential candidates should be considered.

The weight of this decision pressed down on me. The council had always been a delicate balance of power and trust. If we chose correctly, it could bolster our strength; if not, it could bring chaos.

Landon’s eyes met mine briefly, a silent exchange of the gravity of the moment. We would have to vote soon…decide whether Nora would step into Gwendoline’s shoes or if we’d seek others more suited for the daunting role ahead.

I cleared my throat, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. “Let’s get to why we are all gathered,” I said, voice steady but with a hint of urgency. I turned slightly to face the vampire representatives Darius and Magnus whose expressions were unreadable but tense.

“I believe the vampires called for this meeting,” I continued, my gaze locking onto theirs. “So, what’s going on? What’s the reason for this urgent assembly?”

The room fell silent, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Darius shifted slightly in his seat, a flicker of something I couldn’t quite place in his eyes. Magnus, ever more composed, nodded slowly before speaking.

“It’s about the recent disturbances,” Magnus said, voice calm but firm. “There have been strange occurrences. Unexplained disappearances, strange shadows lurking at the borders, and whispers of an old threat rising once again. We didn’t want to alarm everyone prematurely, but it’s clear that we’re facing something bigger than individual factions.”

Darius rose slowly from his seat, his movement deliberate and almost theatrical. He paused behind the witches, his gaze intense and piercing. As he spoke, his voice carried a commanding weight, “Word is,” he continued, “the witches are behind whatever is happening.” His words hung in the air like a thunderclap, deliberate and provocative.

Judith and Gwendoline’s heads swung around sharply at his words, their expressions sharp with disbelief and anger. Judith’s eyes widened, and she spat out, “Outrageous! What proof do you have?”

Darius paused, a faint smirk playing on his lips, then slowly sank back into his seat as if dismissing the matter. Magnus took the floor once more. “There is no proof yet,” he admitted, “but I thought it prudent to bring this to our attention before it’s too late.”

A murmur of tension rippled through the room. The accusations were serious, and the absence of proof only made them more dangerous. Magnus’s words hung in the air, a reminder that sometimes, caution must be taken even without concrete evidence.

I listened intently, my mind racing. This wasn’t just a routine meeting about leadership or alliances; it was about a looming danger that could unravel everything we’d fought to protect. The pieces were falling into place, and I knew that whatever was coming, we’d need to stand together or fall separately. As I glanced around the room, I could see the flicker of concern in the others’ eyes. This was no ordinary gathering. It was a call to arms, and I was ready to face whatever storm was headed our way.

Gwendoline, visibly upset, rose sharply to her feet. Her voice trembled slightly, but her resolve was clear. “We will get to the bottom of this,” she declared, her eyes blazing with determination. “Judith and I will investigate whether these claims hold any truth.” Her voice rose with a mix of anger and resolve. “This council should not jump to conclusions without proof. We owe it to everyone to find the truth.”

With that, Gwendoline turned sharply and strode out of the room, her cape swirling behind her as she disappeared through the door, leaving a trail of unsettled silence in her wake.

As the door closed behind her, the remaining members exchanged uneasy glances. The meeting had ended abruptly, the air thick with suspicion and unresolved questions. The shadows of doubt stretched long, and I knew that this was only the beginning of a darker storm brewing on the horizon.