Aysel's POV Because the Moonvale Pack had been stirring up attention for days, the theater was crowded with familiar faces from the upper Packs-wolves who fed on social prestige as naturally as they breathed. Alpha Remus and Luna Evelyn were all smiles, pride practically leaking from their pelts. Ever since I severed ties with the Moonvale Pack-after "climbing" to Magnus's side, as outsiders so loved to whisper-their alliances had shifted like wind-blown leaves. Opportunistic wolves had abandoned them, major contracts had slipped through their claws, and the Pack's reputation had plummeted. Now, tonight, they clearly believed their lost glory was finally crawling back. Many wolves still doubted Celestine's character, but even they begrudged the truth: the Moonvale Pack's precious eldest daughter had indeed achieved something. A public title and recognition as a "genius dance-wolf." In the eyes of the upper Packs, that alone made her infinitely more valuable than the Moonvale Pack's other "useless offspring." They circled each other with false niceties-wolves hiding teeth behind polite smiles. When Magnus and I stepped out of the Shadowbane convoy, hand in hand, an entire wave of attention turned our way. Gossip traveled fast in every realm, human or wolf. Weren't the two Moonvale daughters-Celestine and Aysel-supposed to be mortal enemies? Then why would Aysel bring the Shadowbane Alpha to support Celestine's show? Alpha Remus and Luna Evelyn lit up as if salvation had arrived. "Aysel, you came?" Luna Evelyn rushed toward me with a smile so soft it made my fur bristle. Of course she would think this. In her mind, there is no such thing as a grudge between sisters that lasts past dawn. And yes-by her logic, I had suffered because of Celestine in the past, but all of it had been "misunderstandings," "inevitable," "complicated." Now, she had decided Yuna Ward's death wasn't fully my fault. Now, she had decided I had suffered enough. Now, she planned to treat me "fairly," to "balance the waters," to compensate me a little. As if she were some benevolent Luna distributing scraps. Alpha Remus and my brothers echoed her thoughts in their eyes. In their minds, if I softened, then everything would return to how it was- A tidy, peaceful, affectionate family. The illusion they preferred. "Aysel," Luna Evelyn said warmly, "your sister will be so happy you came. She always hoped you could see her stand on an international stage-to continue the dream you two shared." I almost laughed. My dream? Why should Celestine Ward be the one to "continue" it? Back then, my leg injury was because of her. And what did they say at the time? "Is your leg more important than Yuna's life?" "Celestine doesn't blame you-why are you directing your anger at her?" "It was your tantrum that made you leave early. The crash wasn't her fault." I felt my lip curl, a low growl vibrating in my chest. "Alpha Remus, Luna Evelyn," I said evenly, "please step aside." Their smiles froze. "You're not even going to call us ‘Father' and ‘Mother' anymore?" Alpha Remus demanded. "We severed ties," I replied simply. "I honor that." Lykos looked ready to explode again, but Fenrir caught him by the arm, restraining him.Fenrir understood-my wounds wouldn't heal in a single night. "Aysel," he said instead, "you and Magnus don't have tickets. I'll take you inside." He'd seen our empty hands. The only thing I held was a bouquet the driver passed me earlier. "No," I said immediately. He tried again, patient. "Security is tight tonight. Without a ticket or an invitation, you can't get in." Celestine's fame had exploded. With fame came unhinged fans-wolves who pushed boundaries, sometimes violently. After a male wolf once rushed the stage to grab her, the Moonvale Pack had been obsessively strict about safety. And this particular performance was crucial for her career. They wouldn't tolerate even an ounce of risk. Fenrir glanced at Magnus, clearly hoping Magnus would convince me to "stop making trouble." But Magnus? He simply curved his lips faintly and stayed silent, content to be my background shadow. Tonight, he was choosing to be nothing more than my adornment. I let a slow smile stretch across my face as I looked at the anxious Moonvale wolves. "I never said," I told them softly, "that I came here to watch Celestine Ward's performance."