Third Person's POV Now that Mganus's claws had grown sharper, any misstep would only recoil upon them. Bastien's eyes were keen and unyielding. One Magnus Sanchez, sharp and lethal, outweighed the efforts of generations of elders. These ancient wolves now had to weigh the whims of a young Alpha. "Magnus," Lucas's tone was deceptively warm, a wolf-smile flickering across his face, "Uncle Lucas is here today with a proposal worth your consideration." No matter Magnus's true ties with Ivy, the Darkmoon Pack always maintained a front of venerable propriety. "I've heard you recently participated in the project bids in Eastern City. Since you've expressed interest, this project is too heavy for the Darkmoon Pack to carry alone. What do you think of a joint venture between the Sanchez and Darkmoon Packs?" If it weren't for elder James's political leverage, Magnus might not have wrested control. This was, at most, a favor arranged with careful intent. The project was too tempting, too coveted. Inviting Magnus was both a gesture of goodwill and a means to share the burden. By binding interests together, alliances naturally tightened. Crushing Magnus was no simple task; forging proximity was the path of wisdom. In truth, Lucas carried his elder brother's instructions. Magnus had raised political pawns for James's rivals, leaving countless unseen traps behind. James sensed the threat, which was why Lucas came, bearing lucrative enticements. Yet even with such a tempting prize offered, Magnus did not flinch. A slow, confident smile spread across his face. "The Darkmoon Pack has the strength to handle this project-they need no interference from me. I never covet what lies in another wolf's den, so I shall not intrude." Lucas nearly faltered. Covet what lies in another wolf's den? Was he speaking of the project, or mocking the Darkmoon Pack outright?"Are you sure you won't reconsider?" Lucas pressed, stubborn despite the chill in Magnus's gaze. "I never regret the choices I make," Magnus replied, resolute as a wolf marking its territory. Lucas studied him deeply, lips pressed into a thin line, before rising. "My apologies. Perhaps we will find another chance to cooperate." "Please," Magnus's voice remained unreadable, every muscle relaxed but alert. Lucas had come brimming with confidence, only to be politely escorted out. Once outside the Sanchez Tower, his expression hardened. He cast a glance upward at the building's crown, squinting against the sunlight. Four years ago, when this long-clawed, dangerous wolf shattered Ulric Sanchez's leg, the warning had been clear: Magnus Sanchez never forgave. Perhaps the Darkmoon Pack should reconsider their strategies. Inside, Magnus's tall, lithe frame stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of the 66th level, eyes sweeping the swarm of vehicles below. No matter how luxurious or costly, the cars looked like mere insects from this height. A thin, humorless smile curved his lips. The Darkmoon Pack's pampered lives, Ivy's arrogant disdain toward Raya, all stemmed from James's power and Lucas's gold. If the Darkmoon Pack dared claim the Eastern City project, they would digest it themselves. And when the explosion came, it would be thunderous. His cold, handsome reflection shimmered in the glass, sending a chill up the spine of any observing wolf. Half an hour ago, he had been gentle, playful, teasing his distant little rose across continents. Now, he was predator incarnate-calm, calculating, merciless. Jackson set down Magnus's coffee cup quietly, trembling slightly, and retreated with the silent caution of a wolf who had just glimpsed the Alpha's teeth. Three days passed like the silent drift of winter winds. Soon, the day of the duel between Aysel and Andrea arrived.The Wolf Dance Troupe gathered almost in full. Curiosity burned in every gaze: which would dominate-the razor-edged Oriental Rose, or the poised Western Laurel? Julia drew in a steadying breath, tail brushing nervously against her boots, ears pricked. The tension of witnessing two Alpha-caliber wolves clash for supremacy hung heavy in the air.