"Are you sure?" Garrett asked. He didn't want to believe it to be so but Brandy did have wolfsbane. No sane werewolf or werefeline would ever grow any plant that would negatively impact their own kind.　　"I saw that curse carved into my father's chest. No one but them would say anything so horrid." The memory of that vile message etched into his father's lifeless body haunted his dreams for years. The memory of it made his jaw clench in anger.　　Garrett contemplated Ethan's words for a moment. "Not unless someone is trying to make us think it's hunters to get us off their trail."　　Before they could delve deeper into their discussion, there was a sharp knock at Ethan's door, breaking their concentration. Ethan's irritation was evident as he slammed his glass down on the counter. "Who the hell is it now?"　　His private doctor entered the room, his expression grave, and concern etched into his features. He handed Ethan a report, his voice laden with unease. "I've examined Adrian again,

　　Lily felt like cold water had been poured over her. The confession hung heavily in the air, freezing her in place as if time had slowed down. Her heart raced, pounding in her chest like a drumbeat of dread. The room seemed to spin around her, and she struggled to make sense of the emotions surging within her.　　"No," Lily finally managed to utter, her voice trembling with disbelief and denial. She stumbled backward, her movements unsteady, and Tiffany quickly rose to her feet, reaching out instinctively to offer comfort. But as their hands touched, Lily jerked away as if burned. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, but one thing was clear—she couldn't accept this truth.　　"No, this can't be true," she repeated, her voice growing increasingly desperate.　　'But it is true. Remember she mocked us and said she knew our mother. This would make sense,' Dina said, 'Please calm down. Just breathe Lily.'　　"No, NO! I can't believe this!" Lily said, her voice rising.　　'Lily, give me control.

　　Murmurs filled the air as the assembly filed into the Moonlit Sanctum, a grand hall reminiscent of a theater. Rows of booths stretched before them, each separated by fancy railings, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and intrigue. Lily sat in a booth to herself, a sense of unease tugging at her.　　'Calm down. We need to maintain our composure. We have to show that we are strong. We need to keep a clear head,' Dina said within her.　　In the booth across from her, Brandy and Mandy were chained to their seats, their expressions a mix of resignation and defiance. Mandy glared at Lily, but Brandy looked defeated as she stared at her feet. She didn't like that they were chained there like that and noticed the bruises on them. Had they been beaten?　　'They are getting what they deserve,' Dina growled. 'Don't focus on them.'　　On the stage, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through stained-glass windows, sat the eight elders, their presence commanding reverence. Elder Richar

　　The sound of flesh slapping against each other could be heard throughout the quiet dungeon. Soft grunts and moans were muffled as Matthew thrust quickly into Brandy. He gripped her hips, yanking her backward toward him with each thrust.　　"Oh, goddess, Matthew, I missed you so much," Brandy moaned. She had been surprised that Matthew snuck into the dungeon to come to see her. The last time they spoke, he told her that she wasn't good enough.　　Matthew grabbed a fistful of Brandy's hair and yanked her backward so he could whisper in her ear, "Tell me you love me."　　"I love you," Brandy gasped as she could feel her orgasm approaching.　　"Say it again properly," Matthew growled, thrusting faster and harder.　　"I, Brandy Bray, daughter of Kenneth Bray and Mandy Bray, accept you, Matthew Hunter, as my mate and owner of my mind, body, and soul!" Brandy screamed out. Matthew bit her hard on her back as he climaxed, and Brandy followed soon after.　　Brandy attempted to mark Matthew back, bu

　　Elder Dominic accepted the folder from the scout with the Alpha King's crest, his mind swirling with questions. The scout quickly retreated down the hallway, leaving Dominic alone with the weight of the documents in his hands. He couldn't help but wonder why Ethan hadn't used the usual mind link to contact him. Ethan had always reached out through that channel for matters of importance.　　Closing the door behind him, Elder Dominic wasted no time. He carefully unfolded the folder, revealing a trove of letters, ledgers, transcripts of phone calls, and reports. His eyes scanned the contents, his initial confusion giving way to anger as he pieced together the disturbing puzzle before him.　　Meanwhile, within the private chamber where the Elders deliberated on decisions, Elder Richard found himself under the stern gaze of his fellow council members. Suspicion had simmered for years, with rumors of favoritism and covert dealings with Alpha Kenneth circulating throughout the pack. Today, th