The war council assembles in Hardik's cave the next morning. Maps are spread across the table, marked with intelligence about Varek's forces and territories. Wolves crowd around.
Hardik's voice cuts through the quiet murmurs. "The attack yesterday proved Varek knows our location. We need to relocate immediately."
Several wolves nod in agreement.
"I've identified three potential sites," Hardik points to marks on the map. "All more defensible and harder to find than our current position."
"Show us," I say.
He traces his finger across the map. "First option is the eastern ravines. Deep valleys with only two access points."
"Second option?" Kira asks.
"The northern marshlands. Wet terrain that would slow any attackers. But it's also cold and damp, miserable to live in."
I study the map carefully. "And the third option?"
"Near the twin peaks." Hardik taps a location west of our current camp. "Rocky terrain with multiple caves. Three different escape routes. Good vantage points to spot approaching enemies."
"The twin peaks," I say immediately. "Multiple escape routes means we won't be trapped."
Thorne leans forward to examine the location. "It's farther from the main territory. Supply runs will take longer."
"Better than being dead," Kira points out.
"Agreed," Riven says. "The twin peaks offer the best combination of defense and mobility."
Other wolves voice their support.
"Then it's settled," I say. "We begin moving camp in stages over the next week. Small groups at different times to avoid detection."
"I'll organize the schedule," Kira offers.
"Do it," I tell her.
The immediate crisis is addressed. But something still bothers me.
"Relocation solves the immediate problem," I say. "But we need a long-term strategy. Running isn't sustainable. Eventually Varek will find us again."
The cave falls silent.
"What do you propose?" Hardik asks.
I take a breath. This is the risky part. "The Winter Gathering."
Confusion ripples through the council. Riven's eyes narrow slightly.
"The Winter Gathering is neutral ground," I continue. "Sacred law protects all who attend. Every pack in the region will be there."
"You want to confront Varek publicly," Thorne says slowly.
"Exactly." I move to the map. "We expose him in front of every Alpha. Show them what he did. Force him to answer for his crimes."
"That's dangerous," one of the older loyalists warns. "Varek won't just stand there and let you accuse him."
"He'll have to," I counter. "It's sacred ground. If he attacks us there, he breaks the oldest law we have."
"Or he'll find a way to silence us before we can speak," Kira says.
"Then we make sure that doesn't happen." I look at each face around the table. "We make our case so strong that even his allies can't ignore it."
"What about the wolves still living under his rule?" Dane asks. "If we accuse him publicly, he might retaliate against them."
The concern is valid. I've thought about this.
"We arrange safe passage before the Gathering," I say. "There's a merchant named Gareth who runs a trade caravan between territories. He's sympathetic to our cause. We use his caravan to smuggle out anyone who wants to leave."
"How do you know this merchant?" one loyalist asks suspiciously.
"I don't yet," I admit. "But Thorne does. His brother's mate used Gareth's services before. He's trustworthy."
Thorne nods confirmation. "Gareth hates Varek. Lost his son to one of Varek's purges. He'll help us."
"So we evacuate sympathizers before the Gathering," Hardik says, working through the plan. "Then we present our case at the neutral ground. What happens if Varek simply denies everything?"
"He can deny all he wants," I respond. "But we'll have witnesses who survived the coup. Wolves who saw him murder Sorin and attempt to murder you."
"It's risky," Kira says.
"At least this gives us a chance to end it," I counter. "To take back what's ours."
Riven speaks up. "The Winter Gathering is three months away. That gives us time to prepare."
"What if he brings an army to the Gathering?" an older wolf asks.
"Sacred law limits the number of warriors each Alpha can bring. He can't overwhelm us with numbers."
"What if other Alphas side with him?"
"Then we fight with the ones who side with us. But at least we'll know where everyone stands."
"This could start a war between packs."
"There's already a war. We're just choosing to fight it openly."
I address each concern methodically. Explain contingencies. Show them I've thought this through.
Gradually, the opposition softens. Wolves start nodding. Seeing the merit in the plan.
Hardik watches me throughout. When the debate finally winds down, he speaks.
"This is bold," he says. "Perhaps too bold. But Alpha Arida is right about one thing. We can't hide forever. Eventually we have to face Varek directly."
"So you support the plan?" I ask.
"I support giving it serious consideration." He looks around the council. "We have three months to prepare. Let's use that time to strengthen our position. Gather evidence. Build alliances. And if the opportunity at the Winter Gathering proves viable, we take it."
"Agreed," Kira says.
One by one, the other wolves voice their support. Not all of them. But most.
By the end of the council, the strategy is set. Relocate to the twin peaks. Prepare for the Winter Gathering. Build our case against Varek.
It's not a perfect plan. But it's a plan. And it gives us something I haven't felt in weeks.
Hope.
As the council disperses, Riven catches my arm. "That was impressive."
"I know," I reply.
"You're thinking like a true Alpha now." He squeezes my hand. "Building toward victory."
His words settle warm in my chest.
Hardik approaches as the last wolves file out. "You've grown into this role faster than I expected."
"I had good teachers," I say.
"Perhaps." He studies me. "But the courage to propose this plan? That's all you. Sorin would be proud."
The mention of Sorin still hurts. But it's a different kind of pain now. Not raw and bleeding. More like an old scar.
"I hope so," I say quietly.
"I know so." Hardik nods once, then leaves.
Riven and I are alone in the cave. The maps still spread before us.
"Three months," I say, looking at the marked territories. "Three months to prepare."
"Then we make every day count," Riven replies.
It's not much time. But it's enough.
It has to be.