Third Person's POV Day by day, the Moonvale den had settled into its routine. Gifts were always presented for Celestine to choose first; Aysel, now fully grown, had long stopped asking questions like a pup. Yet whenever Luna Evelyn fell ill, or when Fenrir and young Lycos were busy with their own endeavors, it was Aysel who proved the most devoted and considerate. She trailed after her mother like a loyal little shadow, paws padding softly on the den's floor, staying close until the matriarch regained strength-even without knowledge of remedies. Luna Evelyn's quiet, enduring gaze flickered with unspoken emotion as she turned her head to conceal a subtle glisten in her eyes. She spoke casually, though her voice carried warmth: "Aysel likes green, but the one I initially had my eyes on has already been taken. I hope she likes this one-she looks stunning in red too." She reminisced on childhood, a soft smile touching her muzzle. "Back then, because your sister was so lovely, many young wolves tried to play with her. Some even asked my mate and me to consider them as future mates for our pups." Her eyes lingered on the gown she had selected. "Aysel has grown, yet remains just as radiant." In a quiet corner, Aysel stood-lithe, alert, and flourishing like a young wolf fully coming into her own. "Mother," Fenrir began gently, careful not to wound her pride, "the elder Sanchez is hosting his lifespan celebration today as well." The smile on Luna Evelyn's face dimmed, her voice soft as she murmured, "Ah... your sister has grown and now has a mate of her own..." Her thoughts lingered on the inevitability of change; Aysel was close to establishing her own den, the next stage in life. Luna Evelyn set the gown down and sat at her dressing table, rubbing at the tension across her temples. "Fenrir, go ahead and give me a moment alone." Fenrir pressed a paw briefly on her shoulder before quietly retreating. Alone, Luna Evelyn's reflection revealed a woman marked by both duty and weariness, birthday cheer tempered by necessity. This year's celebration was her most grueling. The Moonvale Pack's coffers strained at the edges; the birthday feast served as a rare opportunity to strengthen alliances and sow goodwill, hoping to create some advantage amidst dwindling fortunes. Orchestrating the gathering within such limited means was an ordeal. Remnants of the family-the Alpha Remus and Fenrir-spent more time in the den's business chambers than at home. Lycos, preoccupied with his studies, often avoided the den entirely. And Celestine, ever self-absorbed, had long since abandoned aid to her mother's labor. Only Aysel remained steadfast, anticipating needs, organizing supplies, and quietly assisting with the tasks that kept the den functioning. Alone this year, Luna Evelyn felt the weight of her efforts, understanding just how arduous it had become. She whispered softly to herself, voice low and rueful, "Evelyn... this is the consequence of your own making." At last, Aysel and Magnus prepared for departure, checking the gifts destined for the Moonvale den. Aysel smiled, a glint of playful cunning in her amber eyes. "All set. Let's deliver these. Take the invitation and choose a good time to enter." Magnus, dressed sharply in ceremonial furs, stepped forward and wrapped a protective arm around her waist from behind. "Are we ready?" he rumbled, the low vibrations of his Alpha presence filling the space. "Mm," she murmured, tail flicking in agreement. The memories of her youth-the threats, the forced engagements, the ancestral relics used to control her-held no guilt over this day's errands. Today, Aysel moved as a wolf fully in her own right, confident, capable, and unburdened by the shadows of the past.