The druid arrived at dusk.
His scent—old paper, herbs, and mountain ash—carried ahead of him as he crossed the final stretch toward the Dominion compound. Ronan smelled him first, subtle but unmistakable, and shifted his weight slightly as he watched the sun sink behind the Texas horizon.
Colton appeared at his side a moment later.
"Someone's coming," Colton said quietly. "I smelled him when he got close."
Ronan nodded once. Hailey Thorne, his druid, joined them seconds later. Not because she smelled anything—she couldn't—but because Ronan and Colton reacting was enough.
The robed messenger approached until he was close enough for even a human to see clearly.
"Alpha Ronan Vael," the druid said, bowing with formal precision.
Ronan extended his hand.
The druid placed a parchment envelope in his palm, thick and heavy, sealed with five state sigils. Five High Alphas had signed it. Five rulers of their states agreeing on something.
Nothing good ever followed that many seals.
Ronan broke the wax.
Hailey watched him carefully. Colton, silent but tense, stood ready for anything.
Ronan unfolded the letter.
The script was old. Ritualistic. Used only when the matter was deadly serious.
To Ronan Vael, High Alpha of Texas:
You are required to attend the Gathering of States.
Location: The Nemeton, Beacon Hills, California.
Attendance is mandatory.
Absence will be interpreted as hostility.
Bring your Second and your Druid.
— The Council Chairs
Colton exhaled slowly. "A full Gathering? All fifty? That hasn't happened in decades."
Hailey stepped closer, her voice low. "They don't summon every High Alpha unless they're worried. Or unless they want answers."
Ronan folded the letter once, the motion controlled and quiet.
"They want to look at me," he said.
Hailey's green eyes narrowed. "Because you survived something no one else has."
Colton swallowed, jaw tightening. "Because they think you're different."
Ronan didn't deny it. "They can think whatever they like."
Hailey smirked faintly. "But they think enough to call you in front of all fifty."
The courier cleared his throat, glancing between them.
"Alpha Vael," he said. "Shall I report your attendance?"
"Yes," Ronan replied. "Tell the Council Texas will answer."
The druid bowed deeper this time and hurried off the moment Ronan dismissed him.
Silence settled in the courtyard as his footsteps faded.
Colton asked quietly, "We leave at dawn?"
"Yes." Ronan turned toward the main hall. "Pack for a short trip. We won't be staying long."
Hailey crossed her arms. "You expect trouble."
Ronan didn't look back as he walked. "Fifty High Alphas in one place means trouble is guaranteed."
"One hundred fifty people total," Colton added. "Fifty Alphas, fifty Seconds, fifty druids. Beacon Hills is going to feel that pressure."
Hailey brushed auburn hair from her face. "Feel it, yes. Understand it? Not a chance."
Ronan pushed open the hall doors.
"We use the southern route," he said. "Avoid towns. No attention."
Colton nodded.
Hailey called out one more question. "And if an Alpha challenges you?"
Ronan paused only long enough to answer:
"Then they die."
The doors closed behind him with a deep echo.
The Council had called.
And Ronan Vael would answer.