Jasmina looked around in awe.
This was her first time setting foot inside the famed Council Hall.
She had heard countless stories about the place throughout her childhood, yet none of them had prepared her for the sight before her.
Towering marble pillars stretched toward the vaulted ceiling, while grand chandeliers bathed the hall in warm golden light.
Nobles and council members filled the chamber, their voices blending into a low hum of conversation.
Beside her, Prince William smiled.
“I take it you’ve never been here before?” he asked, amused by the way her eyes wandered across the hall.
Jasmina nodded.
“No. I’ve heard about it, but I’ve never actually seen it.”
William chuckled softly.
“I thought as much.”
Before he could say more, a loud voice echoed throughout the hall.
An elderly councilor had risen from his seat.
The conversations ceased almost instantly.
“My apologies, everyone,” the old man began.
“I know this gathering comes after a long and tiring day, but an urgent matter has arisen—one that can no longer be delayed.”
The hall fell silent.
The councilor’s expression grew grave as he surveyed the assembly.
“As many of you know, the werewolves have become increasingly aggressive along our borders. For decades, we have attempted negotiations with their king. We have sought peace and understanding. Yet despite our efforts, they continue to encroach upon our lands.”
Uneasy murmurs spread throughout the chamber.
“Several villages have already fallen. Entire settlements have been destroyed, and many innocent lives have been lost.”
The atmosphere turned heavy.
“However, war is not our intention.”
The murmurs quieted.
“The werewolf kingdom will soon hold its Decennial Gathering, an event that takes place only once every ten years.”
Curiosity swept through the audience.
“We intend to send a select group of individuals into their territory.”
The hall erupted into whispers.
“These individuals will travel under disguise, gather information, and report back to us.”
“You are asking people to spy on werewolves?” one noble exclaimed.
The councilor raised a hand.
“Only volunteers will be considered.”
“Why not send trained agents?” another noble demanded.
The old man sighed.
“We have tried that before.”
The hall quieted immediately.
“Years ago, we sent skilled operatives into werewolf territory.”
He paused.
“None of them returned.”
A collective gasp echoed through the chamber.
Questions flew from every corner of the hall.
“What happened to them?”
“Were they discovered?”
The councilor shook his head.
“We do not know.”
Beside her, Jasmina frowned. You are reading on g.com, the official source.
“If no one has ever returned,” she whispered to William, “why send more people?”
William’s gaze remained fixed on the council floor.
“Because we are human,” he replied quietly.
“And humans do not survive by surrendering.”
Moments later, he stepped forward.
“I understand your concerns,” he announced to the gathering.
The hall gradually fell silent.
“I know many of you are frightened. I know many of you are angry. But this decision was not made lightly.”
A heavy silence settled over the room.
“This mission comes directly from His Majesty. The king himself has approved it.”
The announcement stunned the crowd.
“The crown will select a group of young people to travel to the werewolf kingdom and serve as attendants during the gathering.”
No one spoke.
Fear hung heavily in the air.
The councilor then unrolled a parchment.
“The gateway to the Werewolf Kingdom will open the day after tomorrow.”
A ripple of shock spread throughout the hall.
“So soon?”
“The journey will take only a day and a night,” the councilor replied.
“There is no time to waste.”
He looked down at the parchment.
The names were about to be announced.
And suddenly, the hall felt far colder than before.