Chapter 19: Chapter 19: A Larger Threat

The pressure became very intense, and then Gabriel led Aveline into his private quarters. The room was surprisingly modest for an Alpha, with simple furnishings and a large table filled with maps and documents. A single lantern produced flashes of light, creating shadows that moved on the walls.

Gabriel gestured for Aveline to sit as he placed the bloodied scroll on the table. "We need to decode this quickly," he said, his voice steady but filled with urgency.

Unwrapping the scroll, they examined the secret message written in bold, rough script:

"Two packs stand divided, but neither will survive the storm to come. The Shadow Council rises, and the war you fear is only the beginning."

Aveline's eyes scanned the text, her pulse started racing. "They're mocking us. This isn't just a threat—it's a game to them."

Gabriel nodded with his jaw tight. "It's more than that. They want us to destroy each other. If we don't act soon, they'll succeed."