CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY FIVE - RIVAL'S CHALLENGE

As the elders gathered around Alaric's box, the rest of the pack broke into small groups, voices rising in heated discussion. Anna overheard snippets of conversation, the opinions as varied as they were passionate. "How dare they barge in here like this?" "What if Alaric's telling the truth?" "This could change everything..." Erik pulled Anna aside, his expression troubled. "I don't like this, Anna. Alaric's always been a thorn in our side, but this... this feels calculated." Anna nodded, her mind working overtime. "I agree. But we need to tread carefully. If we dismiss his claims outright, it could make us look guilty or afraid." Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion near the elders. Alaric's voice rose above the din. "You see? The markings on this stone match exactly with the prophecy mentioned in your own texts!" Erik growled low in his throat, moving towards the group. Anna followed close behind, her heart pounding. "These documents appear to be authentic," Elder