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Elder Grey’s expression softened. “The choice was made nine years ago, when your grandmother saw what was coming. The pre-marking saved his life, protected him from the Coven’s influence all these years. Without it, he would have been claimed long ago.”

“That doesn’t answer my question,” Marcus pressed. “What happens now?”

“Now,” Xander said, “he needs to be trained. Both aspects of his heritage must be developed if he’s to have any chance against the Coven when it returns.”

“The wolf aspect is your domain,” Liam added. “But the dragon blood requires different expertise. The White Tiger Clan can help with that.”

“And us?” James gestured to himself and his brothers. “We have resources, knowledge from our archives that could prove useful. An alliance would benefit everyone.”

“What you’re proposing isn’t just an alliance,” Elder Rivers observed, his diplomatic instincts clearly engaged. “It’s a fundamental shift in pack politics. The Stones and Blackwoods working together after generations of enmity? The implications are far-reaching.”

“Perhaps that’s exactly what’s needed,” Elder Standing Bear said thoughtfully. “The old ways have not prepared us for threats like the Coven. New alliances, new strategies may be our only hope.”

Marcus exchanged glances with his brothers, their pack bond allowing them to communicate without words. Derek’s tactical assessment, Caleb’s intuitive read on the Blackwoods’ sincerity, their shared concern for Kai—all flowed between them in an instant.

“We’ll consider your offer,” Marcus said finally. “But understand this—Kai’s well-being comes first. His choices, his comfort, his safety. If he doesn’t want your help, you’ll respect that.”

“Fair enough,” Xander conceded with a slight nod. “Though time may be a luxury none of us have.”

“The Coven was significantly weakened by the binding ritual,” Elder Grey reminded them. “It will take time for it to regain its strength. How much time, we cannot say.”

“And the Crimson Serpent Society?” Derek asked. “What do we know about them?”

“They’re human practitioners of blood magic,” Elder Black Hawk explained. “They’ve hunted dragon bloodlines for centuries, believing that consuming dragon blood grants them power.”

“Which, unfortunately, is true,” Liam added. “Dragon blood does enhance magical abilities in humans. The Serpents are dangerous precisely because they’re willing to kill for that power.”

“So we’re facing ancient evil fog monsters AND human blood mages,” Caleb summarized. “Wonderful.”

“Don’t forget Victoria and Lord Edmund’s loyalists,” James reminded them. “Our father may be unstable, but he still commands significant resources and respect within certain circles.”

“A three-front war,” Derek said, his military mind already calculating strategies and contingencies. “Against enemies with very different strengths and weaknesses.”

“Four, if you count the Knox Pack,” Caleb added, though his tone suggested he found their new devotion to Kai more amusing than threatening.

“The Knox Pack has pledged themselves to Kai’s protection,” Elder Rivers pointed out. “They could be valuable allies, if properly managed.”

“So could the White Tiger Clan,” Elder Standing Bear added. “Their knowledge of dragon bloodlines and defensive magic would be invaluable against both the Coven and the Serpent Society.”

“We’re talking about a complete restructuring of supernatural alliances,” Marcus realized, the implications hitting him fully. “With Kai at the center.”

“Precisely,” Elder Grey confirmed. “The twice-blessed child has the potential to unite disparate supernatural factions—or to divide them further. Much depends on how he chooses to embrace his dual heritage.”

“And how we choose to support him in that process,” Elder Redwood added, his gaze fixed on the Stone brothers. “Your influence on him cannot be overstated.”

The great hall doors opened, and Luke stood there. “He’s awake,” he announced.

The council members rose as one, the gravity of the moment not lost on any of them.

“Go,” Elder Grey urged. “We will continue this discussion later.”

Marcus didn’t need to be told twice. He was already moving toward the door, Derek and Caleb close behind him.

“Is he alright?” Marcus demanded as they followed Luke through the corridors.

“Physically, yes,” Luke replied, his pace quickening. “Mentally… he’s a bit overwhelmed.”

“Understandable,” Derek said grimly. “Finding out you’re part dragon and the target of ancient evil would overwhelm anyone.”