Chapter Twenty-One

The council room exuded an icy chill, its atmosphere crisp and penetrating. The room was well lit, the brightness cascading down upon the old souls that filled the room. They were not mere individuals, but rather elders who had graced the earth with their presence for nearly a century. My father, Alpha king Benetton, was seated beside the esteemed sage Bernadette. While I sat in between Alexander and Calixto, trembling with the weight of the moment, and the honey scent emanating from Calixto just made me more uncomfortable.

A hushed silence enveloped the room, everyone aware of the importance of the gathering. All eyes were fixed upon sage Bernadette, awaiting for her to say the first words. Her eyes were closed, creating an aura of mystery and contemplation, while her scepter was held against her face. It seemed as though time held its breath, waiting for the sage to break the silence.

I glanced over at Alexander. His eyes were set on the old sage, and I noticed the crimson gleam in