Third Person's POV The young couple continued their shameless flirtation as though the world around them did not exist. Meanwhile, the single wolf Serena was wandering the grounds of Mistyhowl Mountain Lodge when she discovered something profoundly displeasing. Her expression darkened instantly. Moon damn it. Who in the nine hells gathered all these wolves together? Whoever sent out the invitations must have had their brain kicked in by a wild elk. Was it too late for her to withdraw her investment and flee the entire event? A whole collection of wolves tangled in love, hate, grudges, and unresolved pack drama- If two days and one night passed without at least one disaster, Serena swore she'd take the Shadowbane surname herself. Just as she was inwardly howling in fury, a male voice sounded at her side. "May I have a word, Serena?" ... Inside the ocean-facing dining hall, the transparent glass reflected the glittering coastline. Serena and Fenrir-carrying a document pouch-sat across from one another. Fenrir pushed the file toward her. "Moonvale's seven-year research patent. I can sell it to you at a reduced price." He paused, voice tight. "I believe you'll be interested." It was the result of years of work-his personal blood, sweat, and wolf essence. He had once believed the breakthrough would allow the Moonvale Pack to take flight, but now... now it was merely something to be sold off cheaply, to patch the ruins left behind by the pack's collapse. Fenrir's heart felt as though claws were raking through it. He believed he was already making a great sacrifice. But his chosen negotiation partner clearly did not appreciate it.Serena tapped her finger lightly on the envelope. "To be honest-yes, I am interested." Fenrir's eyes brightened- Only for Serena to continue: "But let me be blunt, Fenrir. No one in their right mind wants anything from Moonvale right now. Forget whether the patent even holds the value you claim. Your pack's... internal chaos?" She smiled, sharp as a wolf's fang. "No one knows what kind of explosive drama might erupt next." Fenrir tensed. "But once the contract is signed, the patent will be yours. Our family's affairs won't affect the cooperation." Serena leaned back, arms crossed over her chest in a defensive wolf posture. "Then let me make it clearer. I don't trust your character. And given our history, I assume I'm not your first-nor second-choice. After being rejected repeatedly, you still don't understand?" Her voice dropped, cold and clean: "Those who walk in honor gain allies. Those who walk without honor lose them. The sins of the Moonvale lineage are your heaviest stain. I want profit-but that doesn't mean I accept every partner. You, Fenrir, are not qualified." Fallen-from-the-sky meat pies might be delicious- But the sky they fell from mattered. Her cooperation with Aysel had been smooth and profitable. Whether crushing Knox Draven of the Ironhowl Pack, or biting off the fat spoils from Damon and the Moonvale collapse through Celestine-the gains had been enough to keep her thriving for years. If she kept grabbing more... Even wolves could choke from greed. She had no intention of losing Aysel as an ally. Fenrir's brows knotted. "If this is because of Aysel-our family was a victim in that incident." "That makes it worse," Serena said coolly. "Stupidity is an even bigger sin." Fenrir's face flushed with humiliation.He hesitated-uncertain whether to stay and grovel for survival, or leave with the last shred of dignity a wolf could cling to- When suddenly- A glass of red wine splashed across his face from the side. The scent of bloodfruit wine burst in the air.