Chapter 125
Kira’s POV
The soft hum of conversation gradually faded as the guests settled into their seats around the imposing conference table. I chose a spot near the back, the perfect vantage point to observe everything discreetly without drawing any unwanted attention. My heart pounded fiercely in my chest as I watched Rocco take his place at the head of the table. His mere presence commanded the room effortlessly. Even after all these years, seeing him still stirred something deep inside me.
“Focus, Kira,” Andy’s voice crackled softly in my earpiece. “Your heart rate is climbing.”
I inhaled slowly, trying to calm the storm of emotions rising within me. I smoothed the hem of my dress, forcing myself to regain control. This wasn’t about him anymore. It never should be.
The moderator, a poised woman with striking silver hair and impeccable posture, rose gracefully from her chair. “We will begin with statements from each pack representative, starting with our host. Mr. Blackwood, please share your perspective on the recent developments within wolf society.”
Rocco stood, buttoning his jacket with that familiar, fluid motion I once knew so well. “Thank you all for being here tonight,” he began, his voice flowing over me like a long-forgotten melody. “Today, I want to address what I believe to be our greatest challenge as a species—our adaptation to the modern world.”
I studied his face intently, noting the unwavering confidence etched into his expression. This was the Rocco I remembered—commanding, persuasive, and undeniably dangerous.
“For too long, we’ve shackled ourselves to outdated traditions,” he continued, his gaze sweeping the room. “The time has come to embrace advanced technological and scientific methods to enhance our wolf abilities, even if that means breaking certain… antiquated taboos.”
My ears perked up at his words. What taboos was he referring to?
“Those who oppose research into wolf mental connections and consciousness transfer are holding us back from reaching our true potential,” Rocco declared, his voice hardening with conviction. “Progress requires the courage to explore every possibility.”
Consciousness transfer? My stomach twisted in apprehension. I glanced around the table, carefully noting the reactions. Three individuals adorned with triangular symbols exchanged subtle nods of approval—the woman wearing the pendant subtly nodded while sharing a meaningful glance with another member across the room.
“They’re reacting to the mention of consciousness transfer,” I whispered, barely moving my lips. “This has to be connected to the Triads’ core research.”
“Record all supporters,” Andy instructed quietly through my earpiece. “Especially those wearing the triangles.”
As Rocco sat down, other pack representatives began to voice their opinions. The leader of the Eastern Forest Pack, an older man with a graying beard, spoke passionately against Rocco’s stance, his voice trembling with emotion.
“Our strength comes from our blood and our deep connection to nature,” he argued. “Relying too heavily on technology will only weaken what makes us wolves.”
A representative from a coastal pack took a more balanced position. “Progress is necessary,” he said cautiously, “but boundaries must be respected. Certain areas of research require strict oversight.”
Throughout the debate, I carefully tracked who aligned with which viewpoint. The man with the triangle cufflinks spoke with carefully measured words about “research some consider forbidden” being “essential for the survival of our species.” Every phrase felt like a piece of the puzzle I’d been trying to solve for three long years.
Suddenly, my father’s condition made chilling sense—his body healing but his mind unreachable. Were they using him for consciousness transfer experiments? The thought sent a surge of fury through my veins.
When the Northern Peaks representative was called upon, I jolted as I realized it was my turn. “Emma Thornwald,” the moderator announced, “we’d like to hear your perspective.”
I rose, feeling the weight of every eye in the room fixed on me. My heart hammered so loudly I feared others might hear it, but the compound kept my scent steady and concealed.


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