**The Elders' Council Meeting**
The **Council Hall** was heavy with tension, the kind that seemed to seep into the very stone walls. Flickering torches illuminated the carvings of Lycandor's werewolf ancestors, their proud, fierce visages watching over the four Elders seated in a semicircle. All eyes were on **Kael**, standing at the center like a lone soldier before a tribunal.
Kael, the trusted Beta of **Fenrir Bloodfang**, held his ground despite the oppressive weight of the Elders' gazes. His fists were clenched behind his back, his jaw tight, but his voice remained steady.
"The Alpha's decision about his mate has stirred uncertainty," **Elder Ulrich** began, his deep voice carrying the authority of a man who had seen countless moons. "Kael, surely you understand this is no simple matter. The pack's survival depends on this choice."
Kael inclined his head, his tone measured but firm. "Elder Ulrich, the Alpha has always put the pack above all else. This will be no different."
"Will it?" interjected **Elder Liora**, her silver hair gleaming in the dim torchlight, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Kael, you must understand. An Alpha's mate is more than tradition—it is the foundation of our strength. Without a proper mate, the pack's faith in Fenrir will waver."
Kael straightened his back, his shoulders squared. "Elder Liora, the Alpha's leadership is unquestionable. His strength alone is enough to unite the pack."
Elder **Jarek** slammed his staff against the stone floor, the loud crack echoing through the chamber. "Strength alone is not enough!" he bellowed, his fiery eyes boring into Kael. "Our traditions have sustained us for centuries. To defy them is to risk everything. Without an heir, Fenrir leaves us vulnerable."
Kael's composure wavered briefly, but he held his ground. "The Alpha does not intend to defy tradition. He seeks something deeper. His choice will strengthen the pack—not weaken it."
"Deeper?" Liora scoffed. "This is not about emotion, Kael. This is about legacy. If Fenrir cannot fulfill his duty, then…" She paused, her sharp gaze flicking to the others, "perhaps another Alpha should take his place."
A ripple of tension filled the room. Kael felt his pulse quicken, though he kept his voice calm. "No one can challenge Fenrir's rule. His strength is unmatched, and his leadership has brought us prosperity. He understands the weight of this decision."
It was **Elder Mara**, the most reserved of the council, who finally broke the stalemate. Her voice was soft but carried a warning. "Kael, we do not doubt Fenrir's strength. But strength without wisdom can lead to ruin. Remind him of this responsibility. If he falters, the consequences will affect us all."
Kael nodded slowly, his throat tightening under the weight of their words. "I will relay your concerns to the Alpha. I trust he will not disappoint you."
Ulrich's voice returned, heavy with finality. "Ensure he does not, Kael. Or he will lose more than our support."
The council fell silent. The unspoken ultimatum hung in the air as Kael bowed respectfully and left the chamber.
---
The wind howled softly as Fenrir stood on the balcony of his palace, the sprawling city of Lycandor below him. His red eyes gleamed in the moonlight, surveying the territory that was his to command. His massive frame was still, yet the tension in his jaw betrayed the storm brewing within.
Behind him, **Kael** stepped into the room, his boots clicking softly against the stone floor.
"My lord," Kael began, bowing slightly.
Fenrir didn't turn. "They question me, don't they?" he said, his voice a low rumble that carried the weight of certainty.
Kael hesitated before answering. "The Elders… have concerns. They believe a mate will solidify your rule and ensure the pack's future."
Fenrir chuckled darkly, a sound that sent a shiver down Kael's spine. "They think I need a mate to prove my strength?" He finally turned, his glowing red eyes locking onto Kael. "Have they forgotten who I am?"
Kael lowered his gaze briefly. "No, my lord. But they fear the pack's unity may waver without the stability an heir brings."
Fenrir's lips curled into a faint snarl. "Unity built on tradition alone is fragile. I will not choose a mate simply to appease them. A bond that is forced becomes a weakness, not a strength."
Kael swallowed hard, choosing his next words carefully. "And yet, my lord, the pack looks to you for guidance. They need assurance that our future is secure. Without it, doubt may spread."
Fenrir's gaze softened slightly, though the intensity remained. "Do they think I have not considered this? I know what they expect of me. But I will not rush this decision."
He turned back to the balcony, his voice quieter now. "A mate is more than a partner. It is a bond that transcends strength and status. If I choose wrongly, it could destroy everything I've built."
Kael stepped forward cautiously. "Then what do you seek, my lord?"
Fenrir didn't answer immediately. His claws extended slightly as his hands gripped the balcony's edge. "I seek someone who can match my soul. Someone who understands the weight of my crown and the fire that burns within me."
Kael nodded, though he didn't fully understand. "I will ensure the candidates are prepared. Werewolves, humans… anyone you deem worthy."
Fenrir glanced over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. "Good. But remember, Kael—this is not just about them proving their worth. It is about me finding what I need."
---
The moon hung high in the sky as Fenrir stepped away from the balcony and into the open air. His breathing slowed, his chest rising and falling rhythmically. With a low growl, he let the transformation begin.
Muscles rippled beneath his skin as his body contorted. Bones cracked audibly, his limbs elongating and his skin giving way to thick, jet-black fur. His jaw extended into a fierce snout, lined with razor-sharp teeth that gleamed in the moonlight. Claws erupted from his hands, and his glowing red eyes burned brighter, reflecting the raw power of his Alpha form.
Standing fully transformed, Fenrir let out a thunderous howl that echoed through the valley.
**"Aaaawooooo!"**
The ground seemed to tremble beneath the force of his cry. Below, the werewolves of Lycandor paused, bowing their heads in unison, acknowledging their Alpha's unmatched strength.
Without hesitation, Fenrir leapt from the balcony, landing with a powerful thud that cracked the stone below. He sprinted into the forest, his massive form disappearing into the darkness.
Whatever he sought—be it a mate, power, or something unknown—Fenrir would stop at nothing to find it.
---
**End of Chapter**