Shadows of the pack novel Chapter 77

Shana's gaze remained fixed on Rebecca, her lips curling in a snarl. Her fingers twitched at her sides, a clear sign of the struggle to restrain herself. Just as she took a step forward, Aria's voice cut through the charged atmosphere like a blade.
"Shana," Aria's tone was commanding, her Alpha authority resonating in the air. "Hold on."
Shana's gaze snapped to Aria, her eyes flickering with a hint of resentment before she reluctantly stepped back, her nostrils flaring with suppressed anger. Aria's gaze locked onto hers, a silent message passing between them – a reminder of the pack hierarchy and the need for control.
Aria's focus remained on Shana, her expression neutral but her eyes assessing. "You looked like you wanted to say something important to Knox."
Jackson, who had been standing behind Shana, finally spoke up. His voice was calm but firm as he glanced around the room before his eyes settled on Knox, who stood with an air of authority. "We need to talk."
Knox's jaw tightened, but he nodded in agreement. The exchange between the two alphas was laden with unspoken understanding. He gestured towards the hallway that led to his study, wordlessly signaling for Jackson to follow.
As they left the room, Shana's gaze remained locked on Rebecca. Aria approached her, a concerned look on her face. "You're not leaving?"
Shana's eyes returned to Rebecca, her glare unwavering. "Not until I get an explanation."
 Melody, who had remained quiet, spoke up, her voice gentle but matter-of-fact. "Aria is making Knox let her stay because of the pup."
All eyes turned to Melody. Aria's gaze sharpened as she looked at her friend, disbelief etching her features. "You are really going to throw me under the bus?"
Melody shrugged, her expression unapologetic. "Just stating the facts."
Seraphina, who had been silent throughout the ordeal, tried to chime in, but Aria shook her head subtly, urging her sister to stay out of it.
Shana turned back to Rebecca, her gaze flicking to the slight bulge of her stomach. Her voice held a mixture of skepticism and disdain. "Well, it seems the pup was born already. You can go."
Rebecca's voice held a note of pleading as she continued, "I understand your anger, Shana, but I really don't have anywhere else to go, and neither does my pup."
 Aria's arms were crossed, her expression a blend of irritation and begrudging understanding.
In a quiet moment, Shana's gaze shifted to Melody, a silent understanding passing between them. Melody nodded subtly, and the two she wolves turned without another word, exiting the kitchen as if in agreement on their next steps.
Rebecca, left standing in the center of the room, sucked in a tired breath. Seraphina turned to her, her own eyes reflecting a weariness that had settled in. "I think it's better if you just stayed in your room from now on."
Rebecca nodded, the weight of the situation clearly taking a toll. "I understand."
Aria's gaze met Seraphina's before she turned around, her shoulders squared. "I need to find Knox." She turned around and walked out of the kitchen.
Seraphina's voice was gentle as she addressed Rebecca. "You should rest and hope that they done around eventually. I'm still trying to gone my place here."
With that, Seraphina followed Aria's footsteps, leaving Rebecca alone in the kitchen.
Meanwhile, in Knox's study, the atmosphere was just as charged. The door closed behind them, muffling the outside world. Jackson's gaze met Knox's, his expression earnest. "There's a new threat on the horizon, one that might require all of us to unite."
Knox's brows furrowed as he leaned back in his chair, his gaze intense. "Tell me everything you know."
 Jackson leaned forward, his eyes unwavering as he began to recount the ominous news. "It's called the Celestial Eclipse, Knox. A rare astronomical event that happens only once in a thousand years. During this eclipse, the connection between the wolves and their ability to shift will be severed temporarily."
Knox's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the information, his fingers unconsciously tapping against the arm of his chair. "Severed? You mean they won't be able to shift at all?"
Jackson nodded grimly. "Yes, that's right. For the duration of the eclipse, which is said to last for three full moons, the wolves will lose their ability to shift. It's like their connection to their wolf spirit will be temporarily severed."
Knox's jaw tightened, his mind racing to comprehend the implications. "This would be the perfect time for those that seek to eliminate wolves."
Jackson's gaze held a mixture of concern and determination. "Exactly, but it's not just that. The eclipse also marks a time when an ancient evil can reconnect with its wolf spirit."
Knox nodded at him to continue.
Jackson's voice took on a somber tone. "There is still so much I don't know but according to Shana, Malachi's spirit was severed from him long ago, and he was bound to prevent him from causing chaos. But during this Celestial Eclipse, the bonds that hold him might weaken. If he manages to reconnect with his wolf spirit, the consequences could be catastrophic."
Knox's fingers drummed against the armrest, his mind churning with the weight of the information. "And you're certain this is not just a myth?"
Jackson's gaze never wavered. "My father is sure of it and so is Shana. I think that shows enough truth to it."
Knox leaned forward, his elbows resting on his desk. "So, what's the plan?"
Jackson exhaled slowly, his gaze steady. "We need to prepare. Strengthen the bonds within our pack and forge alliances with others. If Malachi returns, he'll likely seek to gather power and followers. We need to be ready to stand against him."
Knox's eyes bore into Jackson's, a fire igniting within them. "And what about the wolves' spirits that will be temporarily severed from us?
Jackson shook his head, "We might get able to fight but we are used to coexisting with our wolves. "Let's only up our enemies don't learn about it because it will lead to a lot of bloodshed."
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The underground chamber was shrouded in an eerie stillness. At the center of their gathering stood Antonio, his presence commanding attention as he prepared to reveal the latest development in their ongoing campaign against the wolves.
"Listen up, everyone," Antonio's voice resonated through the chamber, cutting through the silence. The hunters' eyes were fixed on him anticipating his next words, "We have a new plan, one that will strike at the heart of the wolves' strength."
Nicholas, standing nearby, watched with a satisfied gleam in his eyes. This was the culmination of their careful plotting and strategic thinking.
"Recently," Antonio continued, his tone steady, "we've come across crucial information that could tip the scales in our favor. The wolves are facing a unique vulnerability – the Celestial Eclipse. During this event, their ability to shift will be severed temporarily."
Murmurs of surprise and intrigue rippled through the gathered hunters. A few exchanged glances, their interest piqued.
Antonio's gaze swept over the group, his voice gaining an edge of determination. "But we're not just going to stand by and watch. We're going to exploit this weakness, turn their own creation against them."
A hunter named Sarah raised her hand, her brows furrowed in curiosity. "How do we do that, Antonio?"
Antonio's lips curled into a calculating smile. "We know that a pup, born of a powerful lineage, is due to arrive before the eclipse. Our plan is to kidnap it."
Marcel stepped forward. "Kidnapping a pup? How is that going to help us?"
Antonio's gaze fixed on Marcel, his eyes sharp with authority. "The pup's lineage holds potential power that we can exploit. We'll manipulate it, make it a weapon to target the wolves who remain after the eclipse."
A woman named Isabella spoke up, her voice tinged with skepticism. "But won't that risk revealing our plans to the wolves?"
Antonio's smile turned sinister. "Not if we execute flawlessly. We gather information on the pup, its birth, its location. We anticipate every move, every obstacle."
Nicholas stepped forward, his presence reinforcing Antonio's words. "This plan is our chance to turn the tide. We use the wolves' own vulnerabilities against them, and when the time is right, we end it."
Antonio's eyes scanned their faces, a fire burning within them. "This is a bold move, my fellow hunters. It won't be easy, but with this plan, we can bring the wolves to their knees."
Antonio's voice lowered, carrying a quiet intensity. "The time has come for us to reclaim what is rightfully ours. With this plan, we will not only take down the wolves but dismantle the very essence of their power. Are you with me?"
Marcel met his eyes before he shouted, "Death to all wolves." Cheers followed as the hunters repeated the phrase.
Antonio's smile was triumphant as he nodded. "Good. Now, let's prepare. Our actions will echo through history, and the wolves won't know what hit them."