The atmosphere in the meeting hall remained charged with tension as the elders and Alpha Clayton continued to deliberate on the best course of action. The messenger had been dispatched to Harvest Moon, carrying the proposal for an alliance in the face of the impending rogue wolf threat.

"But Alpha! So many of the warriors are inexperienced with fighting. We'll need to double the training!" one elder urged, his concern etched across his face.

"They can't handle that level of training! It'll backfire against us!" another elder argued, voicing a different perspective.

Clayton listened to the conflicting opinions, his brow furrowed with the weight of responsibility. Another spoke up, "Then what do you propose we do? Run away?" he retorted, the situation's urgency evident in his voice.

A heated exchange ensued, with each elder advocating for their preferred strategy. The pack's warriors were caught in the crossfire of the debate, and the need to balance training with the safety of the less experienced members became a focal point of contention.

"Silence!" Clayton's voice cut through the tumult, commanding attention. "I agree that training needs to be increased, but not at the expense of our young wolves. Our priority is ensuring the safety of those who can't fight. Or have you deemed them all fodder, Elder Zacharia?"

Elder Zacharia, called out by the alpha, bowed his head in acknowledgement and humility. The realisation of the consequences of his words sank in, and he swallowed his pride. "No, Alpha. I did not mean to imply that. Safety is, indeed, our primary concern."

Clayton nodded, his gaze sweeping over the gathered elders. "We will find a balance. Train our warriors to the best of their abilities while ensuring the safety of the entire pack. We cannot afford internal discord at a time like this."

As the discussion continued, Ethan and his mother observed from the sidelines, each carrying their own worries. The fate of the alliance proposal with Harvest Moon and the impending rogue wolf attack weighed heavily on their minds, and they awaited the outcome with a mix of apprehension and determination. The pack's unity, even in the face of internal disagreements, remained their strongest asset as they prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.

As the discussion reached a momentary lull, Luna Everest stepped forward, her voice calm but resolute. "I will care for the ones who cannot fight, Alpha. It is my duty after all."

The elders turned their attention to Everest, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and scepticism. "Luna Everest!" Elder Percival spoke up, his tone questioning. "How do you intend to do this? Our resources are already stretched thin, and we must prioritize defence."

Clayton's gaze hardened as he observed the exchange, his wife's commitment to her duty evident in her words. "Are you questioning my wife, Elder Percival?" he interjected, his voice carrying a hint of warning.

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Elder Percival faltered for a moment under the alpha's gaze, but then straightened his posture. "Of course not, Alpha. I merely seek clarification on how Luna Everest intends to fulfil her duties given the current circumstances."

Everest met Elder Percival's gaze with unwavering determination. "I will ensure that the young, the elderly, and the infirm are protected and cared for," she replied, her voice steady. "We may need to make sacrifices and adjustments, but I will do whatever is necessary to fulfil my responsibilities as Luna."

Clayton nodded in agreement, a sense of pride swelling within him at his mate's unwavering dedication. "Luna Everest speaks true," he declared, addressing the elders. "She will oversee the care and protection of those who cannot fight, while the rest of us focus on preparing for the impending threat."

The elders exchanged hesitant glances, but ultimately acquiesced to the alpha's decision. In times of crisis, the strength and unity of the pack depended on each member fulfilling their roles and responsibilities to the best of their abilities. And as Everest stepped into her role as caretaker and protector, the pack found reassurance in her unwavering commitment to their well-being.

With Everest assuming her role as caretaker for the vulnerable members of the pack, a sense of order began to settle over the meeting hall. Though still apprehensive about the looming threat of the rogue wolves, the elders found solace in the knowledge that their pack was united and prepared to face the challenges ahead.

Alpha Clayton turned his attention to the remaining matters at hand. "We will continue to fortify our defences and gather intelligence on the movements of the rogues," he announced, his voice firm and decisive. "Every member of the pack has a role to play in ensuring our safety and the protection of our territory."

Ethan watched his father with a mixture of admiration and apprehension. The weight of leadership sat heavily on Clayton's shoulders, but he bore it with a strength and resolve that inspired confidence in those around him.

The elders continued their discussions, now focusing on the origin of the precise information regarding the rogue wolves' impending attack.

"What I don't understand is how this information got to us!" Elder Samson exclaimed, his brow furrowed with suspicion. "I am aware that the rogues have been on the move, but where did we receive such precise information about when their attack would take place?"

Ethan's face shifted, panic flickering in his eyes. The weight of the unspoken truth pressed heavily on him. The elders couldn't know that he had been in contact with a Cat, that he had received a warning from Amaalie. To admit such a connection would be seen as betrayal, not just to his position as the Alpha's son, but to the entire pack. He would be branded a traitor, and the consequences could be severe, even leading to his disownment.

Clayton noticed his son's unease and exchanged a knowing glance with Everest. Sensing the gravity of the situation, he stepped forward, addressing the elders with authority. "I’ve said it before, but the source of the information is not relevant at this moment," he declared. "What matters is that we are prepared to defend our territory and our pack. We cannot afford to dwell on the details of how the information reached us."

The elders exchanged uneasy glances but, respecting the alpha's decision, refrained from pressing the issue further. The urgency of the situation overshadowed their curiosity about the origin of the warning.

As the discussions continued, Ethan couldn't shake the fear that his secret connection with Amaalie, the mysterious Cat, could unravel at any moment. The delicate balance between loyalty to his pack and the clandestine alliance he had formed threatened to tip, and he braced himself for the challenges and consequences that awaited him in the turbulent times ahead.