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Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: Shadows of Betrayal

The moon hung low over Sanctum Hold as the castle slept beneath its ancient stone. But inside its deepest halls, shadows stirred with restless intent.

Damien Thorn paced his private chambers, dark eyes flickering with fury and calculation. His fingers drummed impatiently on the armrest of his black leather chair.

The Council had bowed to Selene's claim. The Royal Seat was hers. But that throne was a prize he refused to relinquish.

The crown that had been stolen from his family — stolen by a girl who should have remained a forgotten secret.

"Elira," he muttered. "She has the fire to burn it all down... and the cunning to match."

The door creaked open, and Elira slipped inside, her smile as dangerous as a blade's edge.

"You summoned me, Damien?"

He stood, crossing the room with a predator's grace.

"Yes. The Queen's coronation changed everything. The packs see her as their hope. But hope is fragile."

Elira leaned against the cold stone wall, arms folded. "Then let's shatter it."

Damien smirked. "Exactly."

He circled her like a wolf stalking prey. "The Shadow Fang grows restless. We've lost ground, but the war isn't over."

Elira's eyes gleamed. "I've planted whispers in Nightmist, sown doubt in Ironclaw. Their loyalty is shaky."

Damien nodded slowly. "Good. But it's not enough to fracture them—we must destroy the unity before it's fully forged."

He stepped closer, voice dropping to a whisper. "Tonight, I will strike a blow they'll never forget."

Elira's grin widened. "And what's the target?"

"The Council."

"The heart of their power."

Damien's lips curled. "Exactly. If we eliminate the Elders loyal to her, the fragile alliance crumbles."

Elira reached into her cloak and withdrew a small vial filled with black liquid.

"Shadow venom," she whispered. "A poison that dissolves flesh and spirit alike. One drop in the Council's sacred wine, and they'll all be dead within the hour."

Damien took the vial, turning it over thoughtfully.

"We'll disguise it as a peace offering—an alliance toast. No one will suspect a thing until it's too late."

He met Elira's gaze, dark and unwavering.

"Prepare your agents. Tonight, the throne's light will flicker. And from its ashes, we will rise."

Elira's voice was cold as ice. "I'll make sure the ashes burn."

Meanwhile, high above the city in the Queen's tent, Selene sat quietly with Jace, studying the flickering flames of a small fire.

The night air was heavy, thick with tension.

"We can't underestimate Damien," Jace said. "He's desperate. Dangerous."

Selene nodded, her silver eyes reflecting the firelight. "He's lost everything—his pack, his throne, his pride. He has nothing left to lose."

Jace frowned. "Which makes him unpredictable."

Selene sighed. "I need to protect the Council. If they fall…"

Jace's jaw clenched. "Then we fight."

A sudden rustle at the tent's entrance made them both tense.

A shadow slipped inside—a messenger, breathless and wide-eyed.

"Alpha Queen," he said, voice trembling. "The Council has received a sealed invitation from the Shadow Fang. An offer of truce... and a celebration."

Selene exchanged a glance with Jace.

"A trap," she said immediately.

Jace's hand went to the hilt of his sword.

Selene rose, voice firm. "Prepare the guards. We'll attend—but on our terms."

Her wolf growled softly within.

"The Shadow Fang think they can play with fire."

Selene smiled, cold and fierce.

"They don't know who they're dealing with."

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