The Grand Council House, a formidable castle-like structure, dominated the landscape. At its very top, a magnificent glass dome crowned the building, the exclusive, private meeting space for the Council members themselves. No one else was permitted entry into that inner sanctum, a place of immense power and intricate politicking.
The Council House was vast, its interior divided into eight distinct segments, each housing a different bloodline. Unlike ordinary wolves, the Council members shed allegiance to traditional packs the moment they ascended. Their loyalty, then, resided solely within their own bloodlines, a singular pack unto themselves. These figures were the quintessential politicians of the wolf world—cunning, conniving, constantly maneuvering not just for the greater good of their kind, but, inevitably, for their personal gain. A significant number of them were driven by a fierce, almost desperate desire to cling to whatever vestiges of power they possessed.
A palpable frenzy gripped the Council House, far busier than Carly, the newest and youngest addition to the Council, had ever witnessed. Upon her arrival, the usually serene castle structure buzzed with activity: the rush of feet, the rustle of papers, and a cacophony of hurried voices echoed through its ancient halls.
Carly had anticipated an early arrival, knowing the Council meeting wasn't scheduled for another ninety minutes. Yet, her excitement about the impending arrival of a new Red Made Queen—the first she would serve—drove her to prepare diligently, even reviewing historical protocols for welcoming a new monarch. Carly was still so young, a touch of naiveté lingering in her idealism, genuinely striving to do what was right. To her surprise, she seemed to be the last to arrive. The small parking lot, typically accommodating around thirty vehicles, was completely full. As her driver and cousin, Benedict, parked their car in the designated spot, Carly stepped out, clutching her late mother's well-used briefcase.
"I told you we should have gotten here earlier, cousin," Benedict grumbled, opening her door. Over a decade her senior, he still had to defer to Carly, a stark reminder that within Council bloodlines, power flowed to the next direct descendant. He had urged her to arrive at dawn, a suggestion she had, as usual, brushed aside. Benedict had practically begged Carly to bring him today, understanding that with a new Queen arriving, allies would be crucial. Everyone sought an advantage, striving to become the new Queen's confidante, and currently, his family felt at a distinct disadvantage.
"We are all eager for the new Queen. Come, we have a lot to go over," Carly said, entering the main floor. The general staff, tasked with maintaining the building's organization and secrecy, greeted her. The Council House was far more than just a meeting spot; it was a sacred, historical site. Every decree ever issued by a Red Made Queen, the complete genealogy of each Queen, and meticulous records of their associates and contacts were all meticulously preserved within its walls. The historical impact of every royal order was also documented, transforming the building into a revered repository of the Goddess's chosen Queens.
Each Council member maintained their own section within the building, a sort of ledger detailing how they had swayed past Queens, their dealings, and their ultimate goals, serving as a guide for future family members. Since her mother's passing, Carly had diligently studied all her mother's work, confident in her knowledge yet always seeking more.
As Carly walked across the dark stone floors, she observed the bustling activity in every Council member's designated area. Only direct bloodline family members, acting as assistants and staffers, were permitted inside, all sworn to absolute secrecy. Like the sitting Council members, these family members were forbidden from joining packs, their bloodline serving as their sole allegiance. Carly noted with intrigue as someone from Marcus's area approached Philip, papers in hand, seemingly engaged in a discussion. Marcus, an authoritative presence on the council, had been around for ages. He firmly believed that membership should be based on skill and merit, not solely on bloodline. Philip, on the other hand… well, Carly knew from her mother's old ledgers that Philip's bloodline was undeniably influential, a family that had always held sway. But Philip himself? He seemed to lack the gravitas of his predecessors. His father, the previous Council representative, had been regal and responsible, but Philip, conversely, desired the prestige of his position without the accompanying responsibilities, and he constantly fretted about being overlooked within the Council.
Someone from Marina's camp seemed to constantly mill about each section, openly listening in, seemingly trying to glean vital information. Marina, responsible for the Russian territory packs, presented herself as sweet and humble, a gentle smile always playing on her lips. Carly knew, though, from whispered histories and the careful notes in her mother's ledgers, that Marina's pleasant facade hid a cutthroat and bloodthirsty core. Her cunning was a trait shared by her entire bloodline, known for their prowess as information mongers. In certain respects, Carly expected more from her. She was young, yes, but like everyone else, she had access to knowledge. It was funny, Carly mused, how Marina had deluded herself into thinking that Carly was helpless.
Passing Angus's section, Carly observed a quieter atmosphere. A few individuals sat poring over maps, while another searched business records. Angus, the longest-serving Council member, had been personally appointed by a former Queen over a century ago. His loyalty to this deceased Queen remained absolute. Carly surmised Angus was actively trying to locate the Queen, having likely noticed something she had missed that would directly aid his search. As if sensing her gaze, Angus turned, offering Carly a respectful nod before subtly flicking his eyes to one of his people, who promptly and deliberately closed their door.
"Hello dear." Marina, leaving her own family to their tasks, approached Carly with a wide smile, the picture of warmth. Marina knew she needed an advantage; the new Queen was reportedly in Carly's territory, and she intended to subtly influence Carly. Marcus, already insufferable, could not be allowed to gain control.
"It's good to see you, Marina," Carly replied with a polite smile.
"Exciting times, aren't they?" Marina offered.
Carly merely nodded, as Marina continued to follow beside her.
"It seems the new Queen is in your and Marcus's area. The Goddess smiles on you."
Carly had suspected the new Queen might be in her area but wasn't certain. Marina seemed to need no verbal prompting, her words flowing freely—an unusual loquaciousness for her. The air in the Council House thrummed with a nervous energy, a shared dream having hinted at the new Queen's identity, sending everyone scrambling to be the first to find her.
"I wonder what this Queen will be like. We've had kind Queens, vicious Queens, figurehead Queens... But I don't believe I've ever had a defective as a Queen," Marina mused, as if casually pondering aloud.
Carly froze, turning to Marina. How did Marina know the new Queen was a defective? Why would she say such a thing? "What makes you—" she began, but Marina swiftly cut her off.
"You must have noticed. She's young, too young to be a wolf wandering around in the human realm. Why would a wolf be with humans?" Marina countered, posing her own question rather than directly answering Carly's. It clicked for Carly almost immediately: only exiled defectives would associate with humans, especially at such a young age for a wolf. No pack ever exiled young she-wolves; it was unheard of, and this situation was undeniably perplexing.
"Poor girl! Our job will be so much harder. It's not just about guiding this new, young, impressionable Queen, but keeping her safe. She looks about your age; I bet you'll relate to her very well. The rest of us seniors will have to take a note from you." With a polite, humble smile, Marina left Carly with that information, her inner self chuckling at the young wolf's earnestness. She was so easy to sway, so quick to believe the façade, Marina thought. Perfect for setting up Marcus. She hoped Carly was not only young but ambitious.
Carly felt a surge of gratitude for Marina's unusual enthusiasm. Without Marina's willingness to openly discuss this, Carly wouldn't have fully grasped the gravity of the situation.
"Benedict!" A fire ignited within Carly. They needed to find the Queen quickly. This Queen was unlike any before her and clearly in need of their protection. Then, a crucial detail came to mind: all defectives had been brought back to their home packs. With any luck, the new Queen would now be safe within her own pack. From what they had gleaned from their shared dreams, she had not yet fully manifested her powers.
"Call the family, all of them. We need to find the Queen."
With renewed determination, Carly entered her area and sat at her desk, opening her computer. There was a defective database, and within it, reports on every captured defective, including where they were found, who was with them—everything. In one of those reports, she would find their new Queen.
Marcus, slipping on his Red cloak, pushed open the meeting room doors—the Council Chamber, reserved exclusively for them. He moved with a renewed stride, easily making his way to his chair. As he settled comfortably, an almost imperceptible smile played at the corner of his lips. He couldn't believe his good fortune.
Marina sat opposite Marcus, observing him. He was too pleased. She knew he hadn't found the new Queen yet, but he clearly had a plan. She had heard that Marcus had arrived at the Council House in the middle of the night and had been working tirelessly since. He was ahead of them all; he wasn't just worried about finding her, he was focused on what he would do after he found her.
Unusually assertive, Angus was the first to speak, his voice cutting through the unspoken tension. "I'm working on locating her right now. I have a couple of details, not enough to pinpoint exactly where she is, but it's a start. I need everyone to send me what you noticed in the dream. I'll compile it all together, and it'll help us find her faster."
With her tablet in hand, Carly wasted no time, instantly sending him the information she had already compiled into a file. The light 'ding' from Angus's tablet was notable; he looked down, saw it was Carly, and gave her a grateful nod before looking to the rest of them. He knew they all had similar files prepped, even if they weren't inclined to share them.
Marina had to suppress a twitch in her eye at Carly's seemingly idiotic behavior. Yes, we all work together, but not really, she thought, a private smirk. We're all working for ourselves, for our own vision of wolf prosperity. Carly acted as if this were a true collaboration, when in reality, they were all trying to manifest their own realities. With a gentle smile, Marina begrudgingly did the same, offering Carly an approving smile before raising an eyebrow at Marcus.
Marcus didn't even blink, sending off the information without a struggle. He didn't care who found her; he was already ahead of the game. No matter what, he would have more access than anyone else at the table. She was in his territory, and Carly wasn't a fighter. Marcus wanted to burst out laughing at Marina's assumption that he had anything to hide.
Philip felt a pang of resentment. It had been ages since his territory had seen a Queen, and here he was again, at the bottom of the ranks, even behind a pup like Carly. He needed to get closer. From the dreams, he knew she wasn't in his territory; his lands were currently experiencing winter.
Sitting up straighter, he tried to exude an air of authority while simultaneously ingratiating himself with the others. He was banking on Marina being her usual ass-kissing self; she never wanted to appear as a dissenter, which often led others to agree with her proposals.
"I think we should make some groups," Philip suggested. "The new Queen is most likely in Carly or Marcus's area. We should make an appearance at each pack in hopes to find the new Queen." He looked towards Marina, hoping she would be an easy sell. Like himself, she was also on the periphery of this expedition; neither of them could enter the other's territory without express permission. This was their chance.
Marina feigned interest, as if deep in thought. Internally, she was overjoyed. Who knew that idiot could think anything beyond his lower region? she mused. "It does seem the best way to share in our resources," Marina agreed softly.
"Hmm." Marcus wasn't so sure about that. It was one thing not to care who found her because he could ultimately see her regardless, as she was in his territory. But to allow the others access gave them a level of reach Marcus didn't want.
"In such an unusual situation, I think it's a great idea. My Queen's a bit more vulnerable than any before her," Carly offered her opinion. She didn't see the harm. A cold knot formed in Carly's stomach as she considered Angus. He was the longest-serving member, put on the Council by a previous Queen who had instituted the rule of exiling all defectives. How would Angus react to a Queen who was herself one of the exiled? His loyalty to the deceased Queen was absolute, and he harbored significant apprehension about this incoming Queen, viewing her as antithetical to everything his former monarch stood for. This situation would undoubtedly be a challenge for him, and for all of them, navigating such deeply ingrained traditions.
Marcus knew that with Carly's approval, they had a fifty-fifty chance of finding her in Carly's territory. Those odds weren't high enough for him. If he agreed, he would also be able to scour her territory without any pressure, and he could strategically place his allies with Carly as well.
"Yes, myself and Carly will discuss the groupings privately. When we've come to a decision, we will speak to you all."
Marina watched begrudgingly as Marcus twisted the situation to his own benefit once more, acting as if he were in command. All she could do was bow her head in a show of fake civility.
A small smile graced Philip's lips. He had just moved one step closer, no longer on the periphery. He, too, would get his chance to mold the Queen.