The sommelier looked at me and suddenly burst out laughing. “You? Rarity? Don’t make me laugh.” “And why can’t I be Rarity?” I kept my smile as I looked him straight in the face. “Three years ago, Rarity shot to fame at the International Wine Tasting Championship and was dubbed ‘The Tongue of God.’ Haven’t you seen the video? I might look a little different now, but I’m still recognizable—don’t you think?” Around us, guests had already begun pulling out their phones to search for the video. The sommelier, too, was quickly typing into his phone. The footage from that competition was still online and crystal clear. My face was unmistakable. “It really is Raelynn!” “She’s the internationally renowned wine expert? At this wine event? That’s insane!” “She’s not some hillbilly from nowhere—she’s Miss Rarity! Whoever spread those lies needs to be shot!” “Imperial Pack’s Alpha’s granddaughter is Rarity?! What an honor for the family!” Whispers filled the crowd of werewolf guests. I pinched my own cheek and leaned closer to the sommelier. “See? Is that me or not?” “This wine tasting event is fairly well-known, but most people don’t pay it any attention because it doesn’t affect their day-to-day lives,” I added, raising an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t an ‘internationally renowned sommelier’ at least know that?” His face flushed a deeper red as he bowed his head. “I’m sorry, Miss Rarity. I was wrong to doubt your judgment.” He might be arrogant, but at least he knew when to admit fault. I let it go. “Next time you evaluate wine, taste it yourself first. You’re a sommelier. Learn to use your tongue properly.” He nodded solemnly, clearly humbled. “My apologies to everyone. I now announce the winner of this event’s grand prize—our very own Miss Rarity!” He lifted the wine glass from the stage and handed it to me. “This cup is rightfully yours.” I smiled as I accepted it. “Thank you.” After that, I could feel the entire atmosphere around me shift.Especially those werewolves who’d just been treating me like a country bumpkin—they were now practically tripping over themselves to come chat me up. I shot one of them a glare and walked straight back to Wesley, tossing him the glass. “Here. Your wine glass. Don’t forget our deal.” Wesley was still frozen in shock, clutching the glass with both hands like it was a priceless treasure. “You’re actually Rarity… Guess looks really can be deceiving,” Trent joked with a laugh. I grinned. “What, good-looking people can’t be sommeliers?” Trent’s eyes sparkled as he smiled. “No, no, you’re definitely good-looking.” Just as I was about to call him a lecherous creep, someone nearby suddenly shouted. “Look! What’s that above us?!” I instinctively looked up—and spotted a drone carrying a barrel, hovering directly overhead. Suddenly, the bottom of the barrel opened, and a sharp, nauseating liquid came pouring down. My pupils contracted. I grabbed Wesley and yanked him out of the way. Trent had fast reflexes too and dodged on his own. The liquid splashed to the ground—it was slick pig lard. We had narrowly escaped, but most of the werewolves weren’t so lucky. The pig fat covered the ground. Many guests were drenched, slipping and falling left and right. Female werewolves howled as they collapsed, unable to keep their footing. I turned to Wesley. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine. But you—” He didn’t finish his sentence. His eyes suddenly widened. He yanked me into his arms. An acrid, choking stench hit me like a wave. Wesley let out a groan—and collapsed. Acid?! I felt a burning pain tear through my arm—my skin seared and blistered in an instant.Biting down hard, I looked up just in time to see a werewolf sprinting away with an empty acid canister in hand. But I didn’t have time to chase him. I turned to Wesley. His back was a horrifying mess—he had shielded me from the acid with his body. “Trent! Call an ambulance!” Trent, realizing the gravity of the situation, shouted back, “It’ll take too long! I’ll drive!” I nodded. Trent helped me lift Wesley into the car, and we sped toward the hospital. Wesley was rushed into surgery. Trent, noticing my bleeding arm, said, “I’ll get a doctor for you too.” I nodded. “Okay.” While the nurse tended to me, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through the news. As expected, today’s incident had gone viral—and hit the top three trending searches. GoldbergFamily’s ‘bumpkin’ revealed to be famed sommelier Rarity; Capital City experts humiliated WineTastingEvent sabotaged with pig fat; multiple injured ImperialPack’s Wesley doused in acid; Goldberg family enraged My arm throbbed. The nurse treating me looked new—her hands trembled as she applied the ointment. Trent, seeing how rough she was, stepped in. “Here, let me do it.” I was about to question his ability—but to my surprise, Trent’s hands were gentle. The sting faded, replaced by a cool, soothing sensation. Watching his focused expression, I had to admit—he wasn’t quite what I’d imagined. Just as I was thinking that, the door suddenly burst open. Aiden stood in the doorway. The dust on his coat and the fire in his eyes vanished the moment he saw Trent holding my hand. The air turned cold.My heart jumped. I yanked my hand back. “Aiden… What are you doing here?”