Page 142 of The Lycan King's Secret Child

Suddenly, a faint tremor rippled through the ground beneath them. The tea in their cups rippled.

Amelia: "Did you feel that?"

Xander's expression shifted to one of concern.

Xander: "An earthquake?"

Before they could speculate further, a distant roar echoed through the night—a sound both alien and unsettling.

Amelia straightened, her senses on high alert.

Amelia: "That doesn't sound natural."

From the corner of her eye, she saw lights flickering on in neighboring homes as others were roused by the disturbance. Liam appeared at the doorway, his eyes wide.

Liam: "Mom, Dad, what's happening?"

Amelia motioned for him to join them.

Amelia: "We don't know yet, but stay close."

Elder Magnus's voice resonated in their minds through a telepathic link established among the council members.

Elder Magnus (telepathically): "All council members, assemble immediately. We have an urgent situation."

Amelia exchanged a worried glance with Xander.

Xander: "I'll stay with Liam. Go ahead."

She hesitated for a moment before nodding.

Amelia: "Be careful."

As she hurried toward the council hall, the air grew heavy with anticipation. Guardians and mages were already mobilizing, their faces etched with confusion and concern.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere was tense. Elders and representatives from various factions were engaged in hushed discussions.

Elder Marisol: "Thank you for joining us, Amelia."

She took her seat at the table.

Amelia: "What have we learned?"

Elder Dorian stood, unfurling a map onto the table.

Elder Dorian: "We've received reports of unusual seismic activity along the northern border. Entire villages have been swallowed by the earth."

Gasps and murmurs filled the room.

Seraphine: "Is it a natural disaster, or something else?"

Elder Magnus's expression was grave.

Elder Magnus: "We believe it's something else. Our scouts have detected traces of dark magic—ancient and powerful."

Amelia felt a chill run down her spine.

Amelia: "But we sealed away the darkness after the last conflict. What could be causing this?"

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