The air inside Derrick's council room was heavy with silence. A few of the elders had gathered, whispering to one another in fear and worry.
They all looked nervous, their eyes darting toward the large empty chair that belonged to Derrick.
Elder Roland broke the silence first.
"We cannot continue to watch him prepare for a war that will destroy us all," he said quietly. "Someone must talk to him before it's too late."
Another elder sighed. "Talk to alpha Derrick? He listens to no one anymore. His eyes burn with something dark… something I cannot understand."
They all turned when the door burst open, and he stepped inside. The air grew tense immediately.
His steps slow but filled with arrogance. His expression carried pride and mockery, like a king entering his throne room.
"So," he said with a smirk, "my council now holds secret meetings about me?"
The elders quickly stood, bowing their heads in respect. "My lord, we were only—"
