Third Person's POV Agnes turned toward Magnus, eyes hopeful and desperate. "If Sister-in-law forgives me," she asked cautiously, "will you... ease your claws this once?" She had fought her way into the entertainment world; she didn't want her future to die before it even sprouted. Magnus's expression remained indifferent. For him, cutting off her resources had never been personal-it was simply the cleanest way to prevent anyone from leveraging his name or, worse, invoking the title of his future mate to stir trouble. Why waste breath explaining? In the wolf world, actions spoke louder than words. Once the path was cut, outsiders would understand exactly what line had been crossed. And truthfully, this was already mercy-extended only because of Giovanna. If Agnes knew, she would have cried injustice. She had admired Magnus for years and understood the ruthlessness behind the Shadowbane Alpha's reputation. Her courage had always been small. The only time she'd ever acted impulsively was after hearing about the grand birthday banquet that shook the entire upper packs of the continent. A moment of foolish heat had made her try to use the rumor of a childhood betrothal to chase off the woman beside him. She didn't even last three sentences before being shut down so thoroughly her wolf curled up in fear. Out in public, she was always cautious-too cautious even to admit she knew Magnus Sanchez. Magnus finally spoke, voice cool and steady. "The resources you lost were punishment. They won't be restored. But if you complete the task your sister-in-law sets for you, I'll grant you something else in return." Agnes's gloomy little face lit up instantly, her ears practically perking. "I can do it!" She almost yipped. "I'll complete it, I swear!"Her gaze snapped to Aysel Vale, eyes bright like a pup waiting for orders from the Luna. Aysel did not particularly dislike Agnes. During their first encounter, the girl had been proud, yes-but she hadn't hurled insults or gone feral. She'd behaved more like a spoiled wolf pup lashing out from insecurity. And her crying... Aysel had to admit, it had been very pitiful. This time, at least, the girl's attitude was genuinely sincere. "You're trained by Master Giovanna," Aysel asked, "so how is it I've never heard of you?" Agnes scratched her cheek, embarrassed. "My aunt said that because we're related by blood, she can give me private guidance... but making me her publicly acknowledged disciple would tarnish her name." In truth, Giovanna refused to let Agnes use her name-just as she refused to let her use Magnus's. Partly because of talent. Partly because of fairness. Agnes's training and exams had always been kept low-profile; almost no one knew of their connection. Aysel found this pleasing. Good. Unknown meant easier to manage. Agnes shivered suddenly, hugging her arms. She didn't know why, but a prickling sense of impending doom crept over her wolf again. Two days later Agnes's screams echoed out of the Shadowbane villa like a pig being sacrificed under the full moon. "Aaaah IT HURTS!" She clutched her small waist, her pretty face twisted in agony, while the merciless tormentor in front of her pressed her lower without the slightest hesitation. Aysel's tone was cold, sharp enough to shear fur."You've trained for years, and your basics are this weak? No wonder Master Giovanna refuses to acknowledge you. You haven't even debuted and you've already forgotten your form." Agnes burst into tears. It wasn't her fault! It wasn't that she forgot! It was that Aysel's standards were far too high, higher than anything she'd ever experienced-not even Giovanna's corrections hurt this much. Aysel circled her like a predator, music pulsing in the background. After two spins, Agnes barely found her balance when a thin training rod nudged sharply against her elbow. "Arm higher. Your hand arc is wrong." "Fix your expression." "Do you still want to be a star? With this expression control? This would fail even a pack's winter festival performance." ... Two hours later, Agnes lay spread-eagle on the floor, spirit fleeing her body. "So tired... I'm dying... " Aysel smirked faintly, unscrewing a water bottle and placing it beside the collapsed wolfling before taking a drink herself. "You can quit now. I can easily find someone else." Agnes shot up like a carp leaping from water. "No! I can! I can still train!" Her dream of stardom, her drama contracts, her endorsements-everything depended on this dance. Gripped by her soft weakness, she clung to a new creed: If she wasn't dead yet, she would keep practicing. And so she danced straight into the night, long after her legs lost strength, long after her steps turned wobbly.By the time Aysel allowed her to stop, Agnes's feet were shaking so badly she nearly collapsed again. But she didn't complain. Even a little wolf knew better than to whine when the Shadowbane Alpha and his future Luna were watching.