#Chapter 43: Dangerous Liaisons

The grand council chamber of Swift River Pack impressed even by traditional standards. Ancient tapestries depicting territorial wars hung from stone walls worn smooth by centuries of use. Ceremonial weapons lined the entrance, silent reminders of alliances forged in both peace and battle. Formal negotiations began with elaborate rituals—sacred herbs burned at the four corners, ancestral names invoked for wisdom, witnesses called from both packs. I took my place as Luna, though Raymond had positioned Giana unnecessarily close to him, where she whispered constant comments in his ear. Elder Walsh circled the perimeter with smoldering sage, chanting invocations in the ancient language. "We call upon those who walked before, whose blood nourishes the land we defend, whose wisdom guides our paths." When the rituals concluded, Alpha Dominic's deep voice filled the chamber. "Swift River extends formal greetings to Blood Moon Pack. May our deliberations honor our ancestors and serve our d