I tightened my grip on Graham's hand as we followed the elder through the smoky, dimly lit hallway. The pulsating bass from the dance floor faded behind us, replaced by the eerie quiet of the club's private quarters. The carved wooden door ahead loomed larger with every step, its depiction of the archangel Michael barring Adam and Eve from Eden unsettling in its symbolism.

Graham's thumb brushed against the back of my hand, an unconscious attempt to reassure me—or himself. When we reached the door, he rapped sharply on its surface. It opened moments later to reveal Lumine Nightshade, her elegant frame draped in a dark velvet dress that seemed to shimmer in the low light.

"Welcome," she said smoothly, her voice like honey laced with arsenic. "So lovely to see you."

I hesitated, catching the faint scent of cigar smoke mingling with something stronger—sherry, perhaps. My gaze darted past her to the room beyond, where ornate murals of Dante's Inferno adorned the walls. The vivid depictions of torment and hellfire made my stomach churn.

"Graham," Lumine said, turning her attention to Graham. "It is always a pleasure to see you. Efron has nothing but praise for you, dear boy."

Graham inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you, Mistress."

"And you must be Regina," she added, her piercing eyes locking onto mine. "The infamous Alpha Queen."

I nodded curtly, unwilling to give her the satisfaction of a proper response. Something about her smile—a string of perfect white pearls—set my teeth on edge.

"There is someone newly arrived in Storybrooke that Efron and I are eager for you to meet," Lumine said, stepping aside to beckon us into the room.

The air grew heavier as we entered, the door clicking shut behind us. Efron sat at the head of a long, polished table, his predatory gaze fixed on me. Sabine was perched on the armrest of his chair, her posture unnervingly casual as she swirled a glass of wine in her hand. Her leather outfit gleamed in the light, and her behavior—too soft, too compliant—only deepened my unease.

"She seems… cozy," I muttered under my breath.

Graham's jaw tightened. "Sabine can handle herself," he whispered back, though I caught the flicker of doubt in his eyes.

Efron gestured for us to sit, and I reluctantly settled into one of the high-backed chairs. Graham sat beside me, his shoulders stiff. Lumine glided to Efron's side, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder.

"We have exciting news," Efron began, his voice a smooth rumble. "A new addition to our ranks—a young alpha with exceptional potential. He's just arrived and will take on a significant leadership role."

My brow furrowed. "A young alpha? I know every pack and every leader under my jurisdiction. Who are you talking about?"

At that moment, the door opened again, and a young man stepped inside. He couldn't have been older than his mid-20s, his dark hair neatly combed, his sharp suit a stark contrast to the casual attire of most wolves. He carried himself with a confidence that bordered on arrogance, and his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine immediately.

"This is Neal Gold," Efron said, rising to his feet. "The son of one of our most trusted allies, Mr. Gold. Neal has already proven himself capable of leadership, and he will be overseeing one of the newer packs in the region."

"Newer packs?" I repeated, my voice laced with skepticism. "There are no new packs. Every wolf under my command has been through the rituals. So where exactly is this pack coming from?"

Neal smiled, a flash of white teeth that didn't reach his eyes. "I brought them with me. My pack has been operating outside the rituals, but we're ready to integrate into your system—with your approval, of course."

I narrowed my eyes. "Operating outside the rituals? That's not how we do things here. Every wolf in Storybrooke follows the same traditions, the same rules. If you want to lead here, you'll have to earn it like everyone else."

Efron's smile didn't waver, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Come now, Regina. Surely you can see the potential in Neal. He's young, ambitious, and already has the loyalty of his pack. Why waste time with outdated ceremonies when he's clearly ready to lead?"

"Because those 'outdated ceremonies' ensure loyalty and balance," I snapped. "You can't just parachute someone in and expect them to take charge."

Graham shifted beside me, his posture tense. "With all due respect, Efron, this isn't how things are done. The packs won't accept someone who hasn't gone through the rituals."

Efron's gaze flicked to Graham, his expression unreadable. "Your concerns are noted, Graham. But Neal is uniquely positioned to bring fresh ideas and energy to our ranks."

"And what about his ties to Mr. Gold?" I pressed. "This isn't just about Neal—it's about who's pulling the strings."

Neal's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered. "I'm here on my own merit. My father has nothing to do with this."

"Convenient," I muttered.

Sabine, who had been silent until now, let out a soft laugh. "Regina, you're overthinking this. Neal's pack is strong, and he'll do fine. Besides, he has Efron's blessing."

I turned to her, my eyes narrowing. "And since when did you start speaking for Efron?"

Her gaze didn't waver, but there was something unsettling in the way she looked at me—like she was someone else entirely. "I'm just saying, we could use someone like Neal. It's not a bad idea to bring in fresh blood."

I clenched my fists under the table, my nails biting into my palms. Sabine's behavior, Neal's sudden appearance, Efron's smug confidence—it all reeked of manipulation. And Graham, for all his earlier defiance, seemed unwilling to push back further.

"This isn't over," I said finally, rising to my feet. "I'll consider Neal's proposal, but I'm not making any decisions tonight."

Efron's smile widened. "Take all the time you need, Regina. We're confident you'll see the value in Neal's leadership."

As Graham and I left the room, I couldn't shake the feeling that we'd just walked into a carefully laid trap. The Keepers were up to something, and whatever it was, it wouldn't end well for us.

Regina strode down the corridor, her tension mounting with each step. Neal trailed behind her, his footsteps quickening as he tried to catch up. The club's heavy bass thudded in the background, echoing her rising frustration.

"Regina," Neal called out, his voice steady yet insistent. "Wait. Please."

She stopped abruptly, spinning to face him, her patience wearing thin. "What is it, Neal? What do you want?"

"I want to find common ground," he said earnestly, his hands outstretched as if to prove his sincerity. "I understand your concerns, but I'm not here to undermine you. I want to work with you."

Regina narrowed her eyes, her wolf instincts prickling at the edges of her control. "Work with me? You show up unannounced with an unverified pack, bypass every tradition we uphold, and expect me to take you at your word? Spare me."

Neal's confidence didn't waver. "I know how it looks, but I'm here to prove myself. Let me show you that I'm not your enemy."

Before Regina could respond, a commotion by the club's entrance drew their attention. The heavy doors swung open, revealing David Nolan and Emma Swan stepping inside. The sight of Emma in a deputy's uniform sent a ripple of unease through Regina.

"What is she doing here?" Regina muttered, glaring at Neal before moving toward the newcomers.

David's calm demeanor remained steady as he surveyed the room. Emma, however, carried an air of authority that clashed with the club's chaotic energy.

"David," Regina said sharply as she approached. "What is the meaning of this?"

David looked at her without flinching. "We received a tip about women disappearing from this club. Emma and I are here to investigate."

Regina's eyes flicked to Emma, her frustration mounting. "And you thought bringing her into this was a good idea?"

"It's within my budget," David replied, his tone measured. "Emma's my deputy now."

"That wasn't your decision to make," Regina snapped.

David frowned. "She's a deputy, and she's good at her job. That's all that matters."

Emma stepped forward, unfazed by Regina's anger. "Sheriff Nolan, we should start interviewing people."

David nodded and turned to Emma. "You take the main floor. I'll check with the staff."

Emma shot Regina a defiant glance before heading toward the bar. Regina clenched her fists, her wolf instincts urging her to lash out, but she forced herself to stay calm.

Neal, who had been quietly observing, leaned closer. "She's trouble for you, isn't she?"

"Not as much as you are," Regina replied coldly before turning to follow Emma.

Emma approached a group of Guardians lounging near the bar, her expression unreadable. "We're investigating reports of women disappearing from this club. Have you noticed anything unusual?"

The largest of the Guardians, a man with a deep scar on his cheek, frowned. "Disappearing? No, we haven't seen anything like that."

David joined her, his voice calm but authoritative. "What about anyone acting suspicious? Or out of place?"

The Guardian shook his head, though his body language betrayed unease. "This is Eden. Everyone acts out of place."

Emma gave him a hard look, then turned to scan the room. Her instincts whispered that something wasn't right, though she couldn't put her finger on it.

Meanwhile, Regina lingered nearby, her sharp senses on high alert. She felt the shift in the room before she saw it. The wraiths, restless and agitated, began to stir, their forms descending from the shadows above.

Emma rubbed her arms, shivering. "Why is it so cold in here?"

David glanced around. "I don't know, but it's definitely strange."

Regina's gaze flicked upward. The wraiths were nearly invisible to human eyes, but their presence was impossible for her to ignore. They hissed softly, their anger palpable.

"Miss Swan, Sheriff Nolan," Regina said, stepping closer. "Perhaps you've done enough for tonight."

Emma raised an eyebrow. "We just got started. What's your deal?"

Regina glared at her. "My deal is that you're in over your head. This isn't a case you can solve."

Emma folded her arms, defiance flashing in her eyes. "Why don't you let me decide that?"

Before Regina could respond, a faint, high-pitched whistle pierced the air. Emma winced, pressing her hands to her ears. "What the hell was that?"

David frowned, looking around. "I didn't hear anything."

The wraiths hissed louder, their forms growing more distinct. Graham appeared at Regina's side, his posture tense. "They're getting restless."

Regina nodded. "I know."

"Is this about the missing women?" Emma asked, her tone sharper now. "Because you seem awfully eager to keep us out of it."

"This has nothing to do with you," Regina snapped. "You need to leave."

David stepped forward. "If there's something going on, we have a right to know."

The wraiths let out a low, eerie growl that only Regina, Graham, and the other wolves could hear. The temperature plummeted, and Regina's patience snapped.

"Enough," she growled, her voice laced with alpha dominance. "You're putting everyone here in danger."

Emma narrowed her eyes. "From what?"

Regina didn't answer. Instead, she turned to Graham. "Get them out of here."

Graham nodded and stepped toward Emma and David, his voice firm but calm. "Let's go. Now."

Emma hesitated, her eyes narrowing as if she were about to argue, but David placed a steady hand on her shoulder. "Deputy, we're leaving," he said with quiet authority.

Reluctantly, Emma allowed herself to be guided toward the exit, though not without shooting one last questioning glance at Regina. The heavy doors swung shut behind them, cutting off the faint murmur of their retreat.

The moment they were gone, the air in the club seemed to shift, growing colder and heavier. Regina exhaled slowly, her attention snapping upward to where the wraiths hovered, their forms pulsating with dark, crackling energy that danced like heat lightning.

"Regina," Graham said quietly, stepping closer. His voice carried the urgency of a soldier bracing for battle. "We can't hold them back much longer."

"I know," she replied, her tone low but commanding. She stepped forward, her movements deliberate as the energy of her wolf surged to the surface. A faint, fiery glow flickered in her eyes, a warning that her dominance was awakening. "Keep them contained," she added, her voice carrying the weight of an order.

The wraiths hissed in response, their dark forms coiling like storm clouds ready to break. Regina squared her shoulders, the primal power within her simmering, ready to erupt if needed. The wraiths hissed and lunged, their smoky forms striking out like whips. Graham and the other wolves shifted, their claws and fangs flashing as they intercepted the attacks.

Regina's focus shifted to the upper level of the club. She couldn't see Efron, but she knew he was here somewhere—and she had a sickening feeling he was behind all of this.

"Hold the line," she ordered. "I'm going upstairs."

Graham nodded, his wolf growl rumbling low as he threw himself into the fray. The other wolves followed suit, their movements fluid and precise as they worked to contain the wraiths.

Regina shifted partially, her black fur rippling as her claws extended. She moved quickly, weaving through the chaos until she reached the staircase. As she ascended, the sounds of the fight below faded into the background.

At the top of the stairs, she found Sabine slumped against a wall, her usually sharp eyes dull and unfocused. Efron stood nearby, his expression calm and calculating.

"What have you done to her?" Regina growled, her voice dripping with venom.

Efron turned to face her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Only what needed to be done."

Regina's wolf surged to the surface, her claws glinting as she advanced on him. "You're going to regret that."

Efron chuckled, unfazed. "Oh, Regina. You have no idea what's coming."

The energy in the room shifted violently as Regina allowed her wolf instincts to take over. She no longer felt the need to hold back. This was her pack, her territory, and no Keeper would ever harm them without facing her wrath.

Efron took a step back, his usually calm and calculated demeanor faltering as Regina's body began to shift. Her human frame elongated and rippled as thick, black fur erupted across her skin. Her claws extended into deadly, curved talons, and her jaw transformed into a snarling maw filled with razor-sharp teeth. Her glowing red eyes locked onto Efron, and the room filled with an oppressive, primal energy that seemed to suck the air out of the space.

"You dared to harm one of mine," she growled, her voice deep and guttural, echoing with power. "You thought you could touch my pack and walk away?"

Efron's eyes widened in terror as Regina lunged. She struck with feral precision, her claws raking across his chest and tearing through flesh like paper. Blood sprayed across the room, the rich metallic scent saturating the air. Efron stumbled backward, clutching at the deep gashes that now crisscrossed his torso. His breathing was labored, a guttural wheeze accompanying each exhale.

"Regina!" Efron gasped, blood dribbling from his lips. "This is madness—"

"This," she interrupted with a snarl, "is a warning."

Her massive black form loomed over him as she lashed out again, this time sinking her claws deep into his shoulders and slamming him against the wall. The wood splintered under the force, and Efron cried out in pain. His face contorted with agony, and for the first time, genuine fear flickered in his eyes.

Regina leaned in close, her hot breath washing over him. "You will never touch my pack again. Do you understand me?" Her words were punctuated by a guttural growl that sent a shiver through the room.

Efron could barely nod, his body trembling as blood pooled at his feet. He tried to speak, but the only sound that escaped was a pitiful whimper. The once-powerful Keeper was reduced to a terrified, bloody mess.

Regina let out a deafening roar that reverberated through the entire club, shaking the walls and silencing every sound below. It was a primal declaration of dominance, a message to everyone who dared to challenge her authority. Efron's eyes widened further, his terror absolute as he realized he was facing something far beyond his control—a black werewolf with the kind of raw power he couldn't comprehend.

Satisfied with his fear, Regina stepped back, her breathing heavy as she surveyed the damage she'd inflicted. Efron slumped to the floor, barely conscious, his blood flowing freely and staining the once-pristine floorboards.

She began to shift back, her fur receding as her body returned to its human form. Her skin was flawless, unmarred by the transformation, but her eyes retained their fiery glow as she glared down at Efron.

"You live," she said coldly, her voice sharp and commanding. "But only because I allow it. Touch my pack again, and I won't be so merciful."

Efron could only manage a weak nod, his lips trembling as he struggled to remain conscious.

Regina turned her attention to Sabine, who lay crumpled against the wall, her usually sharp features pale and fragile. Without a word, Regina bent down and scooped Sabine into her arms, cradling her protectively. Sabine stirred weakly, her head lolling against Regina's shoulder.

With Sabine secure, Regina strode toward the staircase, her steps deliberate and unhurried. She exuded an aura of authority so potent that even the wraiths hovering near the ceiling recoiled, their forms retreating into the shadows.

When she reached the main floor, the room fell silent. Every pair of eyes—human and supernatural—fixed on her as if the sheer force of her presence demanded their attention. Regina didn't pause or acknowledge anyone, her focus unwavering as she carried Sabine toward the exit.

Her pack instinctively rose from their positions throughout the room, falling in step behind her like a shadowed tide. Their movements were fluid, purposeful, and left no room for doubt—they followed their Alpha Queen without hesitation. The air was thick with the unspoken understanding of her dominance, and even the wraiths, still lingering above, seemed to retreat further into the shadows.

As she approached the exit, Regina caught sight of Graham standing near the bar. His expression was a mix of guilt and apprehension as he watched her. His pack lingered near him, their expressions uncertain. They glanced between Graham and Regina, visibly torn, their instincts wavering under the weight of her commanding presence.

One of Graham's wolves, a wiry Guardian with a quick, darting gaze, took a hesitant step forward, as if ready to join Regina's pack. Another packmate reached for his arm, stopping him, and whispered something under her breath. The tension between their divided loyalties was palpable.

Regina didn't spare them a glance. Her focus remained unbroken as she passed Graham, her steps deliberate and unyielding. Her red eyes flicked toward him for only a moment, the sharp intensity of her gaze a silent rebuke. Graham stiffened under the weight of it, his shoulders tense.

Behind him, his pack shifted uneasily. Some looked as though they wanted to follow, while others remained rooted, unsure of where their loyalties lay. Graham clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he struggled to maintain his composure.

Without a word, Regina exited the club, her pack trailing close behind her like a protective barrier. The heavy door swung shut, cutting off the charged atmosphere inside Eden and leaving Graham's pack to decide their own path in her absence.

The cold night air hit her face as she stepped onto the street, but she didn't slow her pace. Sabine stirred again, her voice barely a whisper. "Regina…"

"Shh," Regina murmured, her voice softening. "You're safe now."

She carried Sabine into the night, her mind racing with thoughts of the fight, the wraiths, and the disturbing implications of Efron's actions. One thing was clear: the Keepers and Guardians were growing bolder, and their disregard for tradition and decency was becoming a threat she could no longer ignore.

But tonight, she had made her stance clear. She was the alpha, and no one—Keeper or otherwise—would dare challenge her again without facing the full force of her fury.