#Chapter 262: The Monster’s Return

Nathan With a heavy heart, I made my way to the Council building. The sun hadn’t fully risen yet, but the damage the marauders had done to the historic building was evident even in the early morning dim. The Council building, which had stood for generations as a symbol of our pack’s strength and unity, was now defaced. The entrance, which was built from the finest marbles, was vandalized with distasteful graffiti mocking our lineage. Windows which had withstood centuries of wear were shattered. Walking through the halls felt like traversing through a forgotten war zone, with every footprint echoing loss. I was met with the steely gazes of the three Elders—Mingan, Corbin, and Amara. Mingan’s silver hair, usually neatly pulled back, looked slightly disheveled. Corbin’s broad shoulders seemed more hunched than usual. And Amara’s normally sparkling eyes bore an angry fire. Behind them stood Freya, her auburn hair cascading over her shoulders. She was silent a