#Chapter 49: Shifting Alliances

Dawn revealed the full extent of the damage—outer buildings reduced to smoldering ruins, defensive walls breached in strategic locations, and the once-immaculate gardens trampled by combat. Yet despite the destruction, casualties were surprisingly few—as if the attack had prioritized chaos over killing. Alpha Dominic called an emergency council meeting in the only undamaged hall, pack members filling the space with tense anticipation. Maps of the attack were spread across tables, markers indicating breach points and rogue movements. "The attack was precisely coordinated," the security chief explained, indicating the pattern. "Three simultaneous breaches, timed with explosives placed at communication towers." "This was no random raid," I added, stepping forward to indicate the precision of the attack pattern. "The explosions hit communication towers first, followed by defensive positions—all timed exactly with the treaty signing when leaders would be gathered in one location." R