#Chapter 46: Fractured Alliances

The ceremonial mapping session began with traditional invocations, Swift River's elders blessing the ancient table where territorial agreements had been formalized for generations. Parchment maps were unrolled with reverence, weighted at the corners with sacred stones from both territories. Elder Walsh moved around the table, burning sacred herbs and chanting in the ancient language only elders still maintained. "We invoke the wisdom of those who marked these boundaries with their blood and honor, whose vision preserved peace through seventeen generations." Alpha Dominic and Marcus stood at the head of the table, their postures mirroring each other's in a display of unity that clearly irritated Raymond. Swift River warriors lined the walls, ceremonial spears held at perfect attention. I stood before the table in Luna Elena's ceremonial robes, preparing to make the traditional first mark that would symbolize our pack's commitment to the process. The ink, made from sacred berries c