Aldrich led Maggie through a long corridor deep into the heart of Barrett Manor, eventually arriving at the Grand Council Chamber. The room was adorned with intricate tapestries and ancient symbols, exuding an aura of power and authority. As they entered, Maggie couldn’t help but feel both nervous and excited. Their future rested in the hands of the five esteemed Council members.
Aldrich: “Maggie, we’re here. Our future will be decided in this council chamber.”
Maggie looked around, taking in the grandeur of the room, her anticipation palpable as she nodded anxiously.
Since the death of the North Continent’s king, all affairs of the werewolf society had been under the jurisdiction of this council. Their decisions impacted the entire community. For Maggie, the outcome of Aldrich’s bid for the throne and her acceptance by the council were intricately intertwined. If she were accepted, perhaps she could stay in the werewolf world, watching her two children grow alongside her.
In a hushed voice, Maggie said to Aldrich, her voice filled with hope, “If they accept us, we can build a future together, Aldrich.”
Aldrich reassuringly tightened his grip on her hand, his gaze reflecting his determination. “We’ll give it our all, Maggie. Our family deserves this opportunity.”
Council members in their ceremonial robes regarded Maggie with a mix of curiosity and scrutiny. An elder stepped forward, his eyes shining with wisdom. He spoke, his voice carrying authority: “Maggie, the werewolf realm of the North Continent welcomes you, and we have sensed your uniqueness. Can you place your hand on the Energy Gauge? We would like to test your werewolf energy levels.”
The elder extended his hand toward Maggie, his tone a mix of command and invitation.
Elder: “Come, Maggie. Let’s see what lies deep within you. Place your hand on the Energy Gauge, and it will reveal your werewolf energy levels.”
Display Maggie’s werewolf energy levels?
Maggie grew anxious. It was undeniable that she was human, so how could she possess the power of a werewolf? If she placed her hand on that device, her human identity would be laid bare!
She hesitated, afraid to take that step forward. Aldrich furrowed his brow, contemplating the intentions of the Elder Council. They must have discovered something mysterious about Maggie, prompting this validation process.
In truth, Aldrich had also sensed an unusual power emanating from Maggie. Even before their journey into pregnancy, he had been strangely drawn to her at the hospital, nearly exposing his werewolf identity in the process. For Aldrich, this was highly irregular.
The mind link bond between them was growing stronger, surpassing any connection he had with his former girlfriend.
Perhaps Maggie held an unspeakable secret within her.
“Go on, Maggie. It’s safe,” Aldrich reassured her, nodding to encourage her to proceed.
Maggie shook her head. “But you know… I…”
Aldrich encouraged her, “Trust me, remember, you have our children.”
Maggie silently called upon her precious babies, hoping they could infuse her with strength, allowing the Energy Gauge to display a normal reading.
Maggie’s eyes were fixed on the majestic Energy Gauge, a massive obsidian slab that seemed to radiate an otherworldly energy. She felt a tinge of fear in her heart but turned to Aldrich for reassurance. He gave her a slight nod, silently encouraging her to comply with the elders’ request.
Finally, Maggie took a deep breath, summoning her courage, and placed her hand on the Energy Gauge. Her fingertips felt cool and smooth.
In the werewolf community of the North Continent, the Energy Gauge was used to measure an individual werewolf’s energy level. The higher the rank, the greater the power one possessed. Children below the age of ten usually fell within the first to the third levels. By the age of twenty, male werewolves could reach the eighth level. Aldrich and Ethan were among the community’s highest-ranking individuals, having achieved the coveted tenth level, an extraordinary feat that exceeded the capabilities of ordinary people.
Aldrich cast a hopeful look at the Energy Gauge.
Aldrich: “Let’s see what your energy level reveals, Maggie. I have faith in you.”
In the realm of equal energy, this was a sign of their comparable strengths. The Elder Council seemed to lean toward supporting Ethan, who already had three offspring, as Aldrich had no previous spouse or descendants. However, Aldrich’s arrival with the pregnant Maggie presented the council with a new option.
The council members engaged in spirited discussions, voices rising and falling. Some argued that using the Energy Orb for Maggie’s testing was unheard of, emphasizing the need to adhere to tradition. Others questioned whether they could overlook her untapped potential, suggesting that the Energy Orb might hold the answers they sought.
However, one elder noticed the necklace around Maggie’s neck, and an idea flashed through his mind. He rose from his seat and declared, “I support the idea of giving it a try.”
A hush fell over the room, and all eyes turned to the elder who proposed the idea. There was a palpable sense of doubt and curiosity in the air, and tension hung heavy around the council chamber. Aldrich and Maggie’s eyes met in silent communication, conveying hope and reassurance amidst the uncertainty.
Maggie’s heart raced, a mixture of excitement and apprehension filling her. The weight of this moment lay heavy on her, and she realized that her fate, Aldrich’s, and the destiny of their unborn pups all hung in the balance. She clutched the necklace, finding a small measure of comfort as she prepared for the unknown.
With the council’s reluctant consent, the sealed Energy Orb was brought forth. It was a relic shrouded in immense power and mystery. Its presence in the room was undeniable, as if centuries of untapped energy were held within its ancient exterior. When the elder gently placed the Energy Orb into Maggie’s outstretched hand, council members watched with a mix of concern and curiosity.
Elder: “Be cautious, Maggie. This artifact harbors tremendous power, and we must proceed with care.”
Maggie’s hand holding the Energy Orb trembled slightly, sensing the pulsating energy beneath her touch. The room fell silent, filled with an atmosphere of anticipation.