Summit of Shadows

Emily's POV. My heart raced as our sleek black SUV pulled up to the imposing structure that would host the Werewolf Summit. The building, a massive Gothic revival mansion perched atop a lonely hill, looked more like a haunted castle from a horror movie than a meeting place for supernatural leaders. Gargoyles leered from every corner, their stone faces twisted in eternal snarls. "Well," Luca quipped from beside me, "I guess they really committed to the whole 'creature of the night' aesthetic, huh?" I managed a weak smile, grateful for his attempt to lighten the mood. But as I climbed out of the vehicle, the weight of what we were about to do settled over me like a heavy cloak. Leo appeared at my side, his hand finding mine. "You ready?" I took a deep breath. "As ready as I'll ever be," I replied. Alpha Christ emerged from another car, his face a mask of grim determination. Mom was at his side, her eyes bright with a mixture of anticipation and worry. And behind them, looking slightly un