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cil elders sat on armchairs adjacent to Alden. A shadow of unease crossed the Elders' faces as they glanced at Alden. As Alden sat, one of the elders cleared his throat abruptly and he began to speak, "Greetings, Our Alpha, We are here today for an important message." Alden sat with tension radiating from his stiff posture. The Elder studied Alden's appearance with a flicker of disapproval, "You don't look okay...I mean Silvercrest can not be led by an Alpha looking like this." Another Elder nodded in agreement, his tone heavy with expectation and pride."Since your father, Silvercrest has been the greatest of all packs and cannot afford to lose that respect." The last one leaned forward and adjusted his thin-rimmed glasses, his tone was firm, "You have to find your mate, we need an heir, even though she might have wronged you...it is the moon goddess's decree and there's nothing you can change about it." Alden clenched his jaw, the weight of their words settling heavily on his shoulders, brimming with a surge of frustration. Alden cleared his throat, "I have heard you all, Silvercrest pack must not fall... I will do my best to find my mate." *** The sun cast long shadows on the outside of Silvercrest pack. Alden sat on his Court throne, his fingers gripping the armrest tightly as if holding himself together. Unease churned within him as his eyes flint around the scene before him. The pack armies gathered in front of him, with varying degrees of loyalty and concern, with his Beta at the front of them, his posture rigid. "I gathered you all today because I need to search for my mate, the one who was banished...," Alden began his tone carrying bitterness, with a tinged of hesitation. "I know this news might be a shocking one, it was to me too..." He paused, the bitterne