The newly formed Council of Alphas, while a step forward, faced its first major test. The integration of different pack customs and the differing approaches to handling Mara's lingering threat began to cause discord. Some Alphas, still wary of the Moonshadow Pack's ancient ways, expressed skepticism about their methods. Others, more aggressive, chafed under Maddox's cautious, strategic approach, eager to launch a full-scale offensive against Mara.
Elara, with her newfound understanding of emotions and intentions, felt the subtle currents of dissent growing within the alliance. She sensed jealousy, pride, and lingering mistrust among some of the Alphas, old wounds that hadn't fully healed. The challenge was no longer just fighting an external enemy, but maintaining unity within their own ranks. Maddox and Elara knew that Kael's legacy of division, though he was gone, continued to haunt them. They had to prove that true cooperation was possible, or risk seeing their hard-won peace unravel from within.