At the emergency council session, Xanthe and Lynam stood before the elders, their eyes burning with determination.
"We have been falsely accused," Xanthe began. "But we are not here to defend ourselves—we are here to expose the truth."
Lynam stepped forward, laying a stack of documents on the table. "These are the real financial records. The transactions you've been shown are forgeries, orchestrated by someone who wishes to see the pack divided."
"And who is that?" an elder asked.
Xanthe's gaze swept the room. "Elias Redwood, my brother. He has been working with outsiders to destabilize our leadership."
The room erupted in shocked murmurs.
"You have no proof!" Elias shouted, stepping from the shadows.
Lynam smirked. "We do now." He motioned, and two of his allies entered, dragging a rogue werewolf with them.
"This rogue confessed," Lynam said. "He was paid by Elias to stage the attacks and frame us. His confession is recorded, and we have the payment records."
Elias paled, quickly masking his fear. "This is absurd!"
"Enough," one elder said, silencing the room. "We will review the evidence. If what you say is true, Elias will answer for his crimes. But if it's not…" He left the threat hanging.
Xanthe and Lynam exchanged a glance. They had bought themselves time, but the battle was far from over.
In the aftermath of the council meeting, Alex and Michelle regrouped, oblivious to the supernatural forces at play.
"This isn't working," Michelle fumed. "They're onto us."
Alex's expression was grim. "Then we need to escalate. We'll spread rumors that Xanthe's leadership is cursed. Superstition is powerful—they'll fear her more than they trust her."
"And Lynam?"
Alex's eyes hardened. "We'll make sure he's seen as a traitor. They'll never trust an outsider like him. Once they've turned on both of them, the pack will be ours to control."
Michelle smiled darkly. "Let's make them fall—once and for all."