CHAPTER HUNDRED AND NINETY - EIGHT - A CELEBRATION OR A MASSACRE?

Under the watchful gaze of the moon, the pack gathered in the woods, their howls and cries piercing the night. The fire's glow reflected in their eyes as they surrounded the massive stone altar. It was time for the alpha succession ritual. Mateo, his expression intense and unyielding, stepped forward, his naked body gleaming in the firelight. He was a vision of power and dominance. The pack’s elder stepped up, holding a ceremonial dagger that shimmered with magical runes. The blade caught the light, dancing with fire and promise. The elder raised the dagger to the sky, chanting words that echoed through the night. "Moon goddess, hear our plea! Accept our sacrifice and bless our new alpha!" he called. Then, he pressed the blade to Mateo's chest, tracing a symbol upon his skin. Mateo grit his teeth, the pain of the ritual clear in his expression. But he didn’t make a sound as the dagger pierced his flesh, his blood dripping onto the stone altar. A murmur of awe ran through the