The clearing didn't calm.
Even with Crowe dead and the Challenge settled, the air remained charged—too many Alphas gathered in one place, too much dominance released at once, too many eyes tracking Ronan with uncertainty and calculation.
Hailey approached him carefully, eyes sharp. "You grounded?"
Ronan nodded once. "Yes."
Colton exhaled in relief. "Good. Because the Council looks like they're trying to solve a puzzle they didn't know existed."
Ronan didn't respond. His attention was already on the five Alphas standing together near the Nemeton stump.
The Council.
The governing body of every Alpha-ruled territory in the country.
Five seats—until today.
The Colorado Alpha stepped forward, posture crisp, voice formal.
"Ronan Vael… the Council acknowledges your victory and formally recognizes your claim over New Mexico."
The air stirred.
No one spoke.
The Arizona Alpha crossed her arms. "Your accomplishment is unprecedented. No Alpha has ever claimed a second state through a recognized Challenge."
Her voice held no mockery. Only truth.
Ronan gave no reaction.
The Utah Alpha's tone was measured. "With this shift, the structure of the Council must change. Five seats are no longer enough to represent the territories."
A murmur ran through the emissaries.
The Colorado Alpha nodded. "Therefore, by authority of the Council, we extend an offer."
Colton stiffened.
Hailey arched a brow.
The Colorado Alpha continued:
"We offer you the Sixth Chair on the Council."
A historic offer.
A monumental shift.
The first seat created since the Council was formed generations ago.
Most Alphas would have hesitated.
Considered.
Calculated.
Ronan didn't.
"I accept."
The impact was immediate.
Not outrage—just shock.
The Arizona Alpha blinked. "You accept now?"
"Yes," Ronan said. "There's no purpose in delay."
Hailey smiled to herself.
Colton looked like he'd forgotten how breathing worked.
The Nevada Alpha stepped forward. "Very well. By unanimous agreement, the Council recognizes the creation of the Sixth Chair."
The Utah Alpha added, "Your responsibilities will increase. Two territories. Two borders. Two infrastructures."
"I understand," Ronan said steadily.
The Colorado Alpha studied him with an unreadable expression. "Your rise will shift everything. Some Alphas will support you. Some will fear you."
"They're free to choose," Ronan replied.
A simple statement.
Not a threat.
Not a bluff.
Just fact.
The Arizona Alpha exhaled through her nose. "Then it is done. Two states fall under your hand. And you now hold a seat on the Council."
As the declaration settled, the Nemeton pulsed—
A faint thrum beneath the ground, felt through the soles of every supernatural being present.
Colton jerked at the sensation. "There it is again…"
Hailey frowned. "Power changing hands always leaves a mark. This was more than a power shift—it was a rewrite of structure."
Ronan didn't look back at the Nemeton stump.
"Are we finished?" he asked.
The Colorado Alpha nodded. "Yes. This Gathering is concluded."
Ronan turned toward the forest.
Hailey stepped beside him. "You accepted without blinking."
"There was no advantage in waiting."
Colton laughed weakly. "Alpha of two states… Sixth Chair of the Council… This is going to shake the entire country."
Ronan didn't respond.
But he knew the truth:
Today wasn't just a political shift.
It was the moment the balance of power in the supernatural world permanently changed.
Hailey whispered, "Ready to go home?"
Ronan looked into the dark path leading back to Texas.
"Yes," he said. "Home."
And the Sixth Chair walked away from the Nemeton.