Page 16

“The pamphlet actually has a section on clan competition,” Colt drawled, flipping pages. “Please refrain from excessive power displays when attempting to impress potential fated ones. There’s a whole subsection on proper fireball etiquette.”

“And a strongly worded note about not using shadow portals to kidnap them,” Jin Lee added, squinting at his copy. “That’s… oddly specific.”

“That was added after the Great Courting Disaster of 1872,” Lord Thanatos said smoothly. “We don’t talk about it.”

“But the scorch marks are still visible in the old council chamber,” Archer stage-whispered.

“The point is,” Zane cut in before the elders could start another century-old argument, “we need to be vigilant. Politics aside, if Dark Haven, Storm Gate, or Silver Crown is moving?—”

“They’ll try to claim any fated ones for themselves,” Gabriel Lionheart finished, his celestial light dimming with concern.

“Or eliminate them entirely,” Azrael added, shadows curling around his wings. “Some fear what such bonds might mean for the old power structures.”

“Which is why,” Lady Wei Cheng said firmly, producing yet another stack of papers, “we’ve prepared a comprehensive training program?—”

The collective groan from the younger generation echoed off the chamber walls.

“With mandatory weekly sessions—” Lady Victoria added.

“And practical exercises—” Lord Blackthorn continued.

“And role-playing scenarios—” Lady Lucia beamed.

“Kill me now,” Archer moaned.

“That can be arranged,” Lord Thanatos offered helpfully.

“Focus,” Zane commanded, though his lips twitched. “Lives are at stake, even if the presentation methods are… enthusiastic.”

“Page nineteen covers proper focusing techniques,” Lady Victoria pointed out.

“This is going to be a long meeting, isn’t it?” Dante Bellini sighed.

The sound of multiple alphas banging their heads on the council table echoed through the chamber.

“These protocols,” Ming Cheng said carefully, “they’re the same ones you’ve had us studying for decades. And yet, no fated ones have appeared.”

Several young alphas nodded in agreement. Even Ryker, usually the most diplomatic of the Whitlock brothers, shifted uncomfortably.

“With all respect to the council,” he said, “we’ve heard these warnings since we were cubs. Dark Haven’s movements, Silver Crown’s schemes… but nothing has changed.”

“Until now.” Lady Wei Cheng’s voice carried ancient certainty. “The signs are different this time.”

Archer opened his mouth, probably to make another comment about suspicious cloud formations, but Zane silenced him with a look.

“Different how?” Zane asked, his wolf suddenly alert at the change in the elder dragon’s tone.

“The ancient tomb beneath this very chamber,” Lord Blackthorn Senior said quietly. “It… awakened last night.”

The chamber fell silent. Even Archer straightened, his usual humor fading.

“The tomb has been dormant since New Vale’s founding,” Lady Victoria continued. “Its magic sealed by the first council, meant to resonate only when…” She trailed off, golden eyes distant.

“Only when the first fated one arrives,” Lord Thanatos finished, shadows curling around his wings.

Kai Park leaned forward. “You’re certain? After all this time?”

“The magic is unmistakable,” Lord Johnathan Whitlock nodded. “Ancient power stirring after millennia of silence.”