Chapter 30 The Tribunal Of Shadows

• The Council Chambers of the Crimson Moon Pack were carved from the heart of the mountain, a vast, circular cavern adorned with ancient carvings depicting pack lineage and triumphs.
• A massive stone table, smoothed by centuries of wolf-paws, dominated the center, surrounded by the ceremonial seats of the Alphas from the five major packs and their trusted advisors. The air was thick with the scent of old stone, worn fur, and the palpable tension of gathered power.
• Marcus Thorne sat at the head of the table, his face a mask of controlled authority. His gaze swept over the assembled Alphas: the stoic, grizzled Alpha Borin of the Ironhide Pack; the sharp-eyed, intelligent Alpha Lyra of the Nightshade Pack; the elegant, but fiercely traditional Alpha Rhiannon of the Moonclaw Clan; and the cunning, perpetually-smiling Alpha Valerius of the Sunstone Pack, whose eyes held a disturbing, almost predatory glint.