King Louis XV's stern expression commanded attention as he entered the grand chamber. The parliamentary members rose, bowing in unison. "Please, take your seats," the king said, his voice firm. "Today, we gather to address a grave concern. The Beast of Gévaudan's reign of terror continues, and intelligence suggests a new werewolf has emerged in the region." The king's gaze swept the room. "We must decide on the best course of action." Duke de Saint-Pierre, a seasoned statesman, spoke up. "Your Majesty, sending more hunters to Gévaudan seems the most prudent decision. The local hunters, though valiant, are no match for these creatures." "Agreed," Count de Clermont added. "But we must also consider arming the existing hunters with better weaponry. Silver bullets, perhaps?" "Or," interjected Abbé de Lalande, "we could offer a substantial reward for information leading to the capture or killing of these beasts. The locals might be more inclined to cooperate." Marquis de Lafayette shook his head. "Rewards will not suffice. We need trained soldiers, familiar with the terrain and the enemy. I propose deploying a special unit from the royal guard." The king nodded thoughtfully. "Your suggestions are noted, gentlemen. However, we must also consider the potential consequences of increased military presence. Panic could spread, and innocent lives might be lost." "We cannot ignore the threat," Duke de Saint-Pierre pressed. "Two werewolves now roam Gévaudan. The people demand action, Your Majesty." "I understand their fears," the king replied, "but rash decisions will only exacerbate the situation. We require a strategic approach, balancing force and discretion." As the debate continued, the chamber grew thick with tension. The fate of Gévaudan hung in the balance, and the parliamentary members knew their decision would shape the course of history. The debate raged on, with each member presenting their case. Duke de Saint-Pierre emphasized the need for swift action, while Abbé de Lalande cautioned against reckless decisions. Marquis de Lafayette advocated for a combined force of soldiers and local hunters. "I propose we send in our finest troops," Marquis de Lafayette said. "The Gardes du Corps and Musketeers of the Guard are the best France has to offer. They will bring order to Gévaudan." "But at what cost?" Count de Clermont countered. "We risk alienating the locals, who may view our actions as an occupation." King Louis XV listened attentively, weighing each argument. Finally, he rose from his throne, his expression resolute. "Gentlemen, the decision is made. We will send two special units to Gévaudan: the Gardes du Corps and Musketeers of the Guard. Their expertise will be invaluable in combating these beasts." The room erupted into murmurs of approval and concern. "Furthermore," the king continued, "I hereby increase the bounty on the Beast of Gévaudan and the new werewolf by tenfold. One hundred thousand livres to whoever brings me their heads." Duke de Saint-Pierre nodded vigorously. "An excellent decision, Your Majesty. The people will be reassured, and the hunters will have the resources they need." Abbé de Lalande spoke up, his voice laced with caution. "But, Your Majesty, have we considered the potential consequences of such a large reward? Desperate men may take reckless risks." "I understand your concerns, Abbé," the king replied, "but desperate times call for desperate measures. We must act decisively to protect our people." As the meeting concluded, the parliamentary members filed out of the chamber, their faces set with determination. The fate of Gévaudan had been decided. * The barracks buzzed with excitement as the Musketeers gathered around the large wooden table. Their commander, Captain de Treville, stood at the head, the King's order in hand. "Gentlemen, we have received our orders from the King," Captain de Treville announced. "We are to depart for Gévaudan immediately, tasked with eliminating the Beast of Gévaudan and the new werewolf." Murmurs of anticipation spread through the room. Athos, Porthos, and Aramis exchanged eager glances. "And what of the reward?" Porthos asked, his eyes shining with greed. "One hundred thousand livres for the heads of the beasts," Captain de Treville replied, his expression stern. "But let us not forget our duty to protect the people of Gévaudan." Le Chevalier Noir, the infamous Black Knight, stepped forward. His piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into the souls of his comrades. "I vow to bring the King the heads of these abominations, no matter the cost," Le Chevalier Noir declared, his deep voice commanding attention. "We will not rest until Gévaudan is safe." Athos nodded in agreement. "We have faced danger before, brothers. This will be no different." Aramis spoke up, his voice laced with curiosity. "What do we know of these werewolves? Are they truly beasts, or merely men cursed?" Le Chevalier Noir's expression turned grim. "It matters not. They will die by my hand, and I will bring peace to Gévaudan." The Musketeers erupted into a chorus of affirmations, their determination palpable. As they began to discuss strategies and logistics, a young Musketeer, D'Artagnan, approached Le Chevalier Noir. "Sir, may I ask, what drives your resolve in this matter?" D'Artagnan inquired. Le Chevalier Noir's gaze turned inward, his eyes clouding. "A personal vendetta, D'Artagnan," he replied, his voice low. "One that will be settled in Gévaudan." The Musketeers continued their preparations, ready to face the unknown dangers awaiting them in Gévaudan. * [Gévudan] Deep within the forest, under the silvery glow of the full moon, Marriate stood in his majestic wolf form. His black obsidian fur seemed to absorb the light, while his piercing blue eyes shone like stars. Beside him, a gray wolf with fiery red eyes regarded him with a stern expression. "Marriate, your methods are reckless," the gray wolf admonished, his voice low and gravelly. "You leave bodies in your wake, without regard for discretion. This will attract the King's attention, and our kind cannot afford such scrutiny." Marriate's ears folded back, his tail lowering in submission. "Yes, Father," he replied in an obedient tone, "but what about Lucius?" The gray wolf's red eyes narrowed. "Lucius is a complication, but one we can manage. Your actions, however, threaten to expose us all. You must learn restraint." Marriate's blue eyes gleamed with a hint of defiance, but he bit back his retort. "I understand, Father. It won't happen again." The gray wolf's expression softened, his voice taking on a paternal tone. "You are my son, Marriate, and I want to protect you. But you must learn to control your impulses. We cannot risk our pack's safety." Marriate nodded, his ears perking up. "I'll be more careful, Father. I promise." The gray wolf's gaze lingered on Marriate, as if searching for conviction. "See that you are. Now, tell me, what do you know of Lucius's intentions?" Marriate's ears folded back, his expression thoughtful. "He seeks to defeat me, Father. But he's no match for my power." The gray wolf's red eyes flashed with warning. "Do not underestimate Lucius. He may yet prove to be a worthy adversary. Keep a close eye on him." Marriate's tail twitched, his blue eyes burning with anticipation. "I will, Father. And when the time is right, I'll take care of him." The gray wolf's expression turned grave. "Not without my permission, Marriate. We will deal with Lucius together." Marriate's obedient tone returned. "Yes, Father." The gray wolf nodded and began to shift back into his human form. In place of the gray wolf stood a middle-aged man. Lucius would have been extremely shocked if he had seen who the gray wolf Alpha truly was.. for it was none other than.. Monsieur Von Doom