Aysel's POV The moment the porcelain shattered, the room's balance shifted - and with it, every gaze in the Shadowbane Hall turned wary. From that point onward, no one could deny it anymore: Magnus Sanchez, the most ruthless Alpha in the continent, had made his choice. He would protect me - Aysel of the fallen Moonvale Pack - even if it meant turning the entire Hall into our battlefield. The Elder Alpha, Bastien trembled with rage, his claws scraping faint grooves into his cane. Magnus's voice, calm as a winter storm, rolled through the air. "My Luna's temper is poor. Everyone will bear with her." That single sentence silenced the wolves who moments ago had thirsted for blood. Then Marcia, who had arrived with Rudi stood first. "Forgive me, Alphas. I just remembered something urgent back at the Frostfang borders. I'll take my leave and visit again another time." Her departure was graceful, but her fear wasn't hidden. Everyone could scent it - the sharp tang of a wolf choosing survival over ambition. Today was no simple dinner; it was an open duel between Magnus and his own bloodline. Those who had come to curry favor could now smell the iron and storm in the air. Staying would only make them prey. Marcia's family held old trade pacts with the Shadowbane, but she wasn't foolish enough to drown for a lost alliance. She wanted power, not enemies. And once the first wolf fled, others followed. A few lingered, unwilling to surrender their chance at favor, but the silence that hung in the hall was thick with threat. They glanced at Magnus - who didn't look up, didn't call any of them back - and left, one by one. At last, the grand hall was nearly empty. A snicker broke the stillness. "Didn't expect my third brother Magnus to turn sentimental," came Zark Sanchez's mocking voice. He was Sandy's elder brother. Magnus didn't answer. I squeezed his hand, felt the pulse of heat beneath his skin, and decided to strike first. "Zark, you've always had a sharp eye," I said lightly, turning to him with a sweet smile. "My Magnus is loyal and intoxicating. Maybe if you'd learned that lesson earlier, you'd be bouncing a pup with your Lady Olivia by now. After all, virtue is the finest dowry a male can offer." The silence that followed was delicious.Everyone knew the story. Zark had once been engaged to Olivia, an heiress from the Riverfang line - beautiful, devoted, and blindingly in love. But love wasn't enough to muzzle a wolf like him. When she caught him rutting with a servant, she left without a word. Months later, she was happily mated to another. Zark never recovered from the humiliation. Magnus's kin shifted uneasily. They all knew what I was doing - dragging open scars with claws tipped in silk. Ulric Sanchez, Magnus's father, finally snapped. "Enough," he growled, his aura flaring, old but still potent. "Disrespecting elders, mocking kin - what did the Moonvale teach you, girl?" Before Magnus could speak, a sharp laugh spilled from my throat. "Oh, they didn't teach me much," I said sweetly. "My parents were too busy worshiping their perfect foster daughter to notice me. Perhaps that's why Magnus and I get along so well - his father never taught him either." The old Alpha's face darkened, his silver fur bristling. His claws struck the armrest of his chair, splintering the wood. Because everyone knew - Ulric and Magnus had been at war for years. "You think being favored makes you safe?" Ulric hissed. "I could crush what remains of Moonvale with a whisper." I tilted my head, let my voice drip honey. "Oh, please do. They never liked me. Gave my inheritance to another. If you destroy them, you'll just be doing my vengeance for me." The pack inhaled sharply. Magnus's hand slid to my back - not in warning, but in silent pride. His wolf was laughing through him. The Hall that once belonged to the Shadowbane Alphas now trembled under my voice.