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26. Slade

The Shifter Sector buzzed with anticipation as I gathered my gear, readying myself for the mission to the Blackstone residence. The stress in the air was palpable, a shared acknowledgment among the shifters that tomorrow"s mission held significant risks.

As I checked over my blades, Logan, my second in command, approached with a subtle nod of respect. "Slade," he greeted, his voice low.

I acknowledged him with a grumble, my attention focused on the task at hand. The mission required precision, and every detail needed to be accounted for. The compound"s war room had been abuzz with strategy discussions, and I wanted to ensure my pack was well-prepared for whatever awaited us.

However, Logan wasn"t here for a mission briefing. He shifted uncomfortably on his feet, a hesitancy in his gaze that caught my attention.

"What"s on your mind?" I asked, glancing up from my gear.

Logan took a deep breath before speaking, "The pack"s planning a run tonight, a shift under the moon. It"s been a while since we"ve done that. Thought you might want to join us."

I paused, considering the invitation. The run was more than a physical exercise; it was a ritual that connected us to our primal selves, a reminder of our shared bond as a pack. And in times of heightened strain, such a connection could be grounding.

"Alright," I said finally, a rare hint of a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "Lead the way."

As we made our way to the open grounds of the Shifter Sector, the scent of damp earth and pine filled the air. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver glow over the shifting shadows of the compound.

The pack gathered, a diverse group of shifters with fur ranging from sleek black to snowy white. Each set of eyes held a determination that mirrored my own—a shared commitment to the safety of our people.

With a wordless signal from Logan, the transformation began. Clothes melted away as fur sprouted, and the air echoed with the sounds of bones shifting and muscles stretching. In moments, the Shifter Sector was filled with a symphony of howls, the call of the wild echoing through the night.

I let the transformation wash over me, embracing the primal energy that surged through my veins. In wolf form, my senses heightened. I could feel the soft rustle of the wind through my fur, and the cool touch of the night air on my nose.

The moon hung high in the ink-black sky as we raced through the dense thicket of the Shifter Sector. We weaved between ancient trees, their branches creating a natural canopy overhead. Moonlight filtered through the foliage, dappling the forest floor with ethereal patterns. The soft crunch of leaves underfoot provided a steady beat to our collective movement, a primal rhythm that echoed through the woods. The wind carried the distant howls of our pack, creating a harmonious chorus that reverberated through the night.

The forest offered a playground for our wild spirits. We navigated narrow trails and open clearings, our movements were fluid and instinctive.

As we pushed deeper into the heart of the Shifter Sector, the terrain became more challenging, demanding heightened agility and coordination. We leaped over fallen logs, dashed around towering tree trunks, and wove through dense thickets with effortless grace.

As we reached the climax of our run, a wide clearing bathed in the moon"s glow, the pack unleashed a symphony of howls. The collective sound echoed through the night, a declaration of our unity and strength. The clearing became a makeshift arena, where we engaged in playful sparring and racing, the thrill of the chase electrifying the air.

The moonlit forest run had left me feeling invigorated, my senses heightened by the primal energy that surged through my veins. As I approached the Council chambers, the scent of pine lingered on my fur. The residual adrenaline from the run coursed through me, lending a sharp edge to my awareness.

The heavy oak doors of the Council chambers loomed before me. I pushed them open, entering the room. The air inside was charged, a palpable undercurrent that set my wolf instincts on edge. The council members, scattered around the crescent-shaped table, regarded me with a mix of curiosity and expectation.

The room itself exuded a sense of authority. Ryatt, the orchestrator of this last-minute gathering, sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable. The glow from the suspended crystal orbs cast shadows on his strong features, accentuating the crimson of his eyes. Seraphina, elegant and composed, occupied a prominent seat. Reaghan"s brooding presence added another layer of intensity to the atmosphere, his eyes reflecting the weariness of a soldier constantly on guard.

As I took my place at the table, the heavy wooden chair creaked beneath my weight. The council members" attention shifted toward me, their eyes narrowing as they awaited the reason for this unscheduled meeting. A low murmur hummed through the chamber, a collective anticipation that hovered in the air.

Ryatt wasted no time, plunging into the heart of the matter. His words, measured and authoritative, outlined the urgency of our mission. The information we had gathered pointed to the Blackstone family"s former residence as a potential stronghold for dark mages.

The council members exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting a mix of concern and conviction. Seraphina's fingers traced intricate patterns on the table, a subtle display of her own brand of magic. Hael"s jaw tightened, his gaze flickering with a fire that hinted at the simmering anger beneath the surface.

Ryatt unfurled a map on the circular table. "Our approach needs to be swift and coordinated," he began, his voice cutting through the heavy air. "We need to surround the Blackstone estate from all directions. Reaghan, ensure your team covers the northern sector. Kique will come with you."

Reaghan"s gaze, sharp as a blade, met Ryatt"s. "Make sure we have magical restraints ready. I don"t want any surprises from these dark mages if any still linger there."

Seraphina, her fingers tracing an invisible line on the map, spoke next. "I"ll create magical barriers to prevent any escape if they are. We"ll have them cornered."

Hael, leaning back in his chair, added, "I can manipulate the terrain, and create obstacles to slow any retreats down. If anyone is still there, they won"t slip away easily."

Kique chimed in, "Based on my research, the Blackthrones are likely to have magical defenses. Be prepared for anything."

The plan was taking shape, each council member contributing their expertise.

When the moment arrived to assign teams and responsibilities, Ryatt"s gaze shifted toward me, and he asked what we would do with Remina. My voice was calm yet resolute when I stated, "Remina will accompany my pack through the southern approach. We"ll be the first to breach the property." Hael"s objection surfaced almost immediately, a low growl rumbling in his throat, but Ryatt silenced him with a raised hand. "Slade"s pack has strength in numbers, and Remina"s unique abilities will work well with the shifters."

Seraphina nodded in agreement, emphasizing the need for diversity in our approach. Reaghan voiced his support, acknowledging the strengths of my pack and the strategic advantage Remina"s dark magic could provide. Kique, his tone measured, agreed with the plan but urged caution. "The Blackthrones are formidable adversaries. We need to be prepared for the unexpected."

With roles assigned and strategies outlined, the meeting came to an end. As we dispersed, I headed back to my office to finish my preparations for the morning.

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