The Alpha Forbidden heir

EPISODE 12 : THE COUNCIL OF WOLVES

The council chamber was unlike anything Asher had ever seen.

It occupied the oldest wing of the estate, hidden behind towering oak doors carved with wolves, moons, and ancient symbols worn smooth by time. Tall pillars supported the domed ceiling, while dozens of candles burned in silver holders along the walls, filling the room with a warm glow that contrasted sharply with the cold rain outside.

A circular table stood at the center.

Seven seats surrounded it.

Six were already occupied.

Asher paused at the entrance.

The silence inside the chamber was heavier than any words.

Every pair of eyes turned toward him.

Some looked curious.

Others looked doubtful.

One or two regarded him with open hostility.

Lucas stepped forward first.

"The prince has arrived."

No one spoke.

An elderly man with snow-white hair slowly rose from his seat. Though age had bent his back slightly, the sharpness in his silver eyes had not faded.

"So..."

His voice echoed softly through the chamber.

"The child survived."

Lucas inclined his head.

"He did."

The old man studied Asher from head to toe before nodding toward the empty chair beside Lucas.

"Come closer."

Asher obeyed, though every instinct told him to remain near the door.

"You don't need to be afraid," the old man said.

"I'm not."

The old man smiled faintly.

"A brave answer."

"But not an honest one."

A few of the council members exchanged quiet smiles.

Asher felt his ears grow warm.

The old man extended his hand.

"My name is Cedric Rowan."

"I serve as the Elder of the Moon Council."

Asher shook his hand politely.

"It's an honor to meet you."

Before Cedric could reply, a woman seated across the table leaned back in her chair.

"Honor?"

Her voice was cool and measured.

"We haven't decided whether he deserves ours."

Lucas's expression hardened.

"Lady Seraphine."

She folded her arms.

"I'm only speaking the truth."

Her piercing blue eyes settled on Asher.

"For twenty years, we've believed the royal bloodline was extinct."

She tapped her fingers lightly against the armrest.

"Now we're expected to place our future in the hands of a young man who has never led a clan, fought a war, or even known who he truly is."

The room fell silent again.

Asher couldn't argue with her.

Everything she said was true.

"I never asked for any of this," he admitted quietly.

Lady Seraphine nodded.

"I believe you."

"But history has never cared what people asked for."

Another council member cleared his throat.

He was a broad-shouldered man with a neatly trimmed beard and calm brown eyes.

"My name is Gareth Thorn."

He offered Asher a reassuring smile.

"I knew your father."

Asher's head lifted immediately.

"You did?"

Gareth nodded.

"He was a good king."

The words caught Asher off guard.

For years, his parents had been nothing more than blurry faces in forgotten dreams.

Now someone was speaking of them as real people.

"What... what were they like?"

Gareth smiled sadly.

"Your father laughed often."

"And your mother never allowed anyone to leave the palace hungry."

A faint memory stirred within Asher.

A kitchen filled with laughter.

The scent of freshly baked bread.

A gentle hand brushing through his hair.

The image disappeared before he could hold onto it.

Lucas noticed the distant look in his eyes.

"The memories?"

Asher nodded slowly.

"They come and go."

Cedric rested both hands on the table.

"They will become stronger."

"But that isn't why we've gathered."

His expression grew serious.

"Three Beast Clans have already declared their intention to capture the prince."

Another council member spoke.

"And two more remain undecided."

Lady Seraphine looked directly at Asher.

"If they discover this sanctuary..."

She left the sentence unfinished.

No one needed to hear the ending.

The room understood.

Lucas stepped forward.

"They won't reach him."

"You're certain?"

"No."

Lucas answered honestly.

"But I'll stop them."

A faint smile appeared on Cedric's face.

"I expected nothing less."

Before anyone could continue, the chamber doors burst open.

A guard hurried inside, breathing heavily.

"My King!"

Lucas turned immediately.

"What happened?"

"The eastern watchtower has reported movement."

"How many?"

"We don't know."

The guard swallowed.

"But they're carrying the Black Wolf banner."

Every face in the chamber changed.

Even Lady Seraphine's confidence disappeared.

Cedric slowly rose to his feet.

"So soon..."

Lucas looked toward the window overlooking the forest.

"They've found us."

The guard nodded grimly.

"They're less than an hour away."

The council erupted into urgent discussion.

Some argued that Asher should be moved immediately.

Others insisted the estate could withstand an attack.

Asher remained silent, listening as strangers debated his future as though he weren't standing in the room.

Lucas noticed.

He walked over and placed a reassuring hand on Asher's shoulder.

"No matter what happens today..."

His voice was steady.

"You won't face it alone."

Before Asher could respond, the deep blast of a warning horn echoed across the estate.

Once.

Twice.

Then a third time.

Every guard outside sprang into action.

The battle had reached their gates.

And this time...

The enemy had come prepared.