Chapter 77: Unanimous Decision
LUCIAN’S P.O.V.
The room was quiet now, but my mind was a raging storm. The scent of burning candles mingled with the tense air, thick and suffocating. Serena’s black eyes bore into me, her presence demanding attention as though she were a predator waiting for the prey’s next move. My thoughts roared like an unstoppable tide—Teresa, the twins, my pack... How could I risk them? But how could I not?
Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself and broke the silence. "Go on, let’s hear it," I said, my voice steady, though inside, I felt anything but.
Serena tilted her head slightly, a faint, unnerving smile curving her lips. "As expected of the Alpha," she said, her tone almost mocking. "To summon Raivo, you will drink a concoction made from the venom of a vampire—donated willingly, of course—and the root of the lunar werewood. The venom binds you to Raivo’s bloodline; the root connects your soul to the spirit realm."
"Sounds charming," I muttered, earning a sharp glance from Alpha Kevin. Ares growled in my mind, clearly unimpressed.
Serena ignored my sarcasm. "This ritual will merge your soul with Raivo’s—a wolf demon of immense power. You will become faster, stronger, and nearly invincible. Your howl will paralyze even the bravest enemies, and you will command the elements themselves."
The room erupted. Gasps and panicked whispers filled the space. Even Alpha Edmond, who usually maintained an unshakeable calm, looked rattled. "You can’t be serious, Lucian," he said, leaning forward. "This isn’t just about you anymore—it’s about the packs. Raivo could destroy us all."
"And without Raivo?" Serena’s sharp voice cut through the noise. "You’ll face Adrian Daegon and his coven as you are now. Do you think you can protect them?" She gestured around the room, her gaze piercing. "Your mate? Your children? Your packs? Do you honestly think Adrian will show mercy?"
A growl rumbled in my chest before I could stop it. "Careful, Priestess."