Mellifuous ✔

Chapter 23: Elder Town

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The convoy sped down the winding roads leading to Elder Town, the sleek black SUVs cutting through the morning mist. Conall sat in the lead vehicle, his jaw clenched as he stared out the window, his thoughts a turbulent storm. Beside him, Will and Santiago were silent, their expressions equally grim. Behind them, several more vehicles carried members of the Lycan council and a team of elite security personnel. Each member understood the gravity of the situation; their world was on the brink of something that hadn't been seen in decades. The kidnapping of the Eli, was more than an attack on their pack—it was an attack on the very fabric of their society.

The three-hour journey was punctuated only by the occasional crackle of the radio as updates came in from Lycan territory. Reports of casualties and wounded trickled through, a grim reminder of the devastation they had left behind. Conall's thoughts kept drifting to Eli—the boy who had been thrust into a position of unimaginable importance simply by existing. He was one of now thirteen omegas in the world, and the youngest by far. His very existence had offered a glimmer of hope to their kind, but now, that hope was in jeopardy.

Elder Town came into view as they rounded a final bend. The sprawling, ancient city was unlike any other place in their world. Its neutral ground had remained untouched by feuds, wars, or territorial disputes for centuries. Towering stone buildings lined the streets, their intricate carvings and silver inlays gleaming faintly in the pale sunlight. It was here that all packs, regardless of their histories or grievances, were equal. This was the seat of the Elders, the arbiters of their laws and the protectors of balance. No blood had ever been shed on its sacred grounds, and none ever would be. The Elders ensured that.

The SUVs came to a stop outside one of the largest buildings in the town, a monolithic structure with towering columns and enormous wooden doors reinforced with silver. As Conall stepped out, he was struck, as always, by the sheer weight of the place. It wasn't just a physical weight, but the burden of history, of countless decisions that had shaped their world. Will and Santiago flanked him as the group made their way up the stone steps, their boots echoing in the stillness. Behind them, the rest of the council and security team followed, their movements purposeful and solemn.

The guards stationed at the doors were unmistakable as Elders' men and woman, their faces concealed behind silver masks that bore no expressions. Without a word, they pushed open the massive doors, revealing the grand hall beyond. The meeting room was a sight to behold—vast and cavernous, with a domed ceiling that seemed to touch the heavens. Murals adorned every surface, depicting the history of their kind: the formation of the packs, the Great Alliance, and the Feral War. The air was cool and heavy, amplifying the sound of footsteps as Conall and his entourage entered.

The room was already filled with figures of authority. Alfas, betas, and representatives from nearly every pack in the world stood or sat in tense clusters. Conall's eyes swept the room, quickly picking out familiar faces. Alfa Markus of Bane Pack, a massive man with a face weathered by decades of warfare, stood near the center. Alfa Selene of Kotus Pack was nearby, her piercing gaze fixed on the newcomers. At the far end of the room sat Alpha Orion of Ambersy Pack, his imposing figure exuding an air of barely restrained power. Conall noted the absence of a few familiar faces—leaders who had clearly sent representatives in their place. This, he knew, would not be a meeting anyone could afford to ignore.

At the center of the room stood the Elders, their silver robes shimmering faintly in the light. Seven of them formed the council, each radiating an aura of unassailable authority. Elder Thalia, the leader, raised her hand for silence as Conall and his group approached. The murmur of voices died instantly, leaving a stillness that felt almost oppressive.