BOUND TO THREE ALPHAS
Chapter 48: THE COUNCIL OF SEVEN

Chapter 48: THE COUNCIL OF SEVEN

Chapter 48: The Council of Seven

Dawn broke gray and poisonous over the Alpha farm. The magical storms had turned the sky an unnatural purple, and the air smelled like burned metal. Liana stood in the great hall, watching seven Alpha members file in with their advisors. The stress was thick enough to cut with a knife. "This is madness," Alpha Garrett of Bloodmoon muttered, eyeing Alpha Chen warily. "Silvercrest killed my Beta’s son last spring." "Your Beta attacked our supply convoy," Alpha Chen shot back. "We defended ourselves." "Enough!" Liana’s voice carried her new Luna power, making both Alphas step back. "Old grudges won’t save us from Celeste’s magic."

But even as she spoke, she could feel the hostility radiating from the gathering leaders. Decades of fighting didn’t disappear overnight. Alpha Marcus from Eastern Pack leaned forward. "How do we know this isn’t a trap? Shadowfang could be planning to eliminate us all at once." "Because we’re dying too," Kael said from his wheelchair, still weak from the shared curse. "Look outside. Our land is as poisoned as yours." Through the tall windows, they could see dead trees and withered grass. A flock of ravens lay scattered on the grass, victims of the toxic magic in the air. "Speaking of dying," Dr. Rivera entered quietly, "we’ve had twelve pack members fall ill from the magical contamination in the last hour." The room fell silent. This was worse than any of them had imagined. "What exactly are we facing?" Alpha Sarah from Moonridge Pack asked, her normal confidence shaken. Elder Mira opened an old tome. "I’ve been studying all night. The convergence points aren’t just collecting power—they’re awakening something." "What kind of something?" Jace demanded. "An thing called the Shadow Devourer.

It was imprisoned three hundred years ago by the first Luna using her life force." Liana felt ice form in her stomach. "Imprisoned where?" "Here. Directly beneath this land." The Alpha representatives looked around anxiously, as if expecting the floor to crack open. "Celeste isn’t just trying to become Luna," Mira added. "She’s trying to free this creature and bind it to her will." "And if she succeeds?" Alpha Brett from Northern Peaks asked softly. "Every living thing within a thousand miles dies. Plants, animals, people—everything becomes food for the Shadow Devourer." The room erupted in worried voices until Liana raised her hand for quiet. As she did, silver light emanated from her skin—her Moonshadow bloodline reacting to her emotional state. The light had a surprising effect. The anger and doubt in the room began to fade, replaced by a sense of calm cooperation. "How did you do that?" Alpha Garrett asked, his hostility replaced by interest. "Moonshadow Luna bloodline," Marcus revealed proudly. "Royal wolves can ease strife and promote unity. It’s why the old packs followed them." "So you’re magically forcing us to cooperate?" Alpha Chen sounded suspicious again. "No," Liana said quickly, letting the light fade. "I’m just helping you feel what you already know—that we need each other." And it was true. Without her power, the Alphas could still choose to fight. But for now, they were listening. "When will Celeste attempt the final ritual?" Alpha Sarah asked. Elder Mira flipped through more pages. "Tomorrow night.

During the moon eclipse." "That’s less than twenty-four hours," Rowan pointed out, his face pale. "Where exactly beneath the estate?" Kael asked. "The old support stones. This house was built on the site of the old Luna’s temple." Jace stood up suddenly. "The basement. There’s an area we never use because it gives everyone nightmares." "That’s the temple ruins," Mira confirmed. "The Shadow Devourer is sealed directly below." "Then we guard the basement," Alpha Garrett said simply. "Surround it with all our warriors." "It won’t be that easy," a new voice spoke from the doorway. Everyone turned to see Alpha Diana from Westwind Pack entering late, her silver hair sparkling despite the dim light. "Diana," Liana said with relief. "That makes all seven packs." But something felt wrong. Talia, who was resting in a chair nearby, suddenly gripped Liana’s arm. "Something’s off about her," Talia whispered anxiously. "My seer instincts are screaming." Before Liana could reply, Diana continued speaking. "Celeste has more than just magical power. She’s been gathering information about all of us for months." "What kind of intelligence?" Alpha Marcus asked warily. "Troop numbers, defensive strategies, the location of your families." Diana’s smile was cold. "She knows everything." "How could she know our private information?" Alpha Brett demanded. Diana’s form began to shimmer slightly. "Because I told her." The room exploded into chaos as Diana’s look shifted like water. Her silver hair turned black, her kind eyes became cruel, and her complete body structure changed.

Standing before them was a stranger—a shapeshifter who had been imitating Alpha Diana. "Where’s the real Diana?" Liana shouted, silver light bursting from her skin in anger. "Dead," the shapeshifter said easily. "Three days ago. I’ve been giving Celeste information about your alliance from the beginning." Alpha Garrett lunged toward the fake, but she was ready. Dark power poured from her hands, slamming him into the wall. "Did you really think Celeste would let you form this precious alliance without surveillance?" the shapeshifter laughed. "She knows every plan you’ve made, every weakness you’ve discussed." Jace and Rowan moved to flank her, but she raised her hands threateningly. "I wouldn’t, if I were you. One word from me, and Celeste’s forces attack every one of your territories concurrently. Your families, your elders, your children—all vulnerable while you’re here playing alliance." The Alphas froze, realizing the trap they’d walked into. "What do you want?" Kael asked through gritted teeth. "Simple. Liana comes with me now, willingly, and your packs are saved. Refuse, and everyone you love dies while you watch." "Don’t listen to her," Talia warned. "I’m seeing flashes of the future. If Liana goes, something terrible happens." But before anyone could react, the shapeshifter pulled out a communication device. "Celeste, the Council of Seven is gathered. Ready to continue with the backup plan?" Celeste’s voice crackled through clearly: "Perfect time. Luna Eclipse starts in eighteen hours. If they won’t give me Liana freely, we’ll take her by force." The shapeshifter smiled cruelly. "You have until sunset to decide. Liana’s freedom for your packs’ safety. Choose wisely."

She began to dissolve into shadows, but not before delivering one fatal blow: "Oh, and Alphas? The real Alpha Diana wasn’t the only one I replaced. One other person in this room isn’t who they look to be." With that terrifying revelation, the shapeshifter disappeared, leaving the Council of Seven staring at each other with new suspicion. Who else among them was a spy? And with less than eighteen hours until the moon eclipse, how could they possibly save both Liana and their packs? The council meeting had become a nightmare, and the war for life was about to begin.

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