Third Person's POV Mary let out a sharp, derisive laugh. "I might not know every detail," she sneered, her golden-brown eyes flashing, "but I have eyes, Damon. If you dare to do it, why are you so afraid of others talking about it? Hypocrite. I must've been blind to ever like you." The air in the grand lunar hall turned brittle. Damon's gaze darkened, the faint glow of his Alpha aura flickering like silver fire beneath his skin. Mary, reckless and unrestrained, lifted her chin higher, still taunting him, unaware of the danger she provoked. A sharp crack split the air. "Enough!" Her mother's hand struck the back of her head with a burst of wolf-strength. "Damn it-Mother!" "Watch your tongue!" came another slap, this one heavy and aimed between Mary's shoulder blades. The force made her stumble forward, nearly falling to her knees. This foolish cub-leave her unattended for one moment, and she brings shame to the pack. That tongue of hers would need stitching one day. "I'm terribly sorry," Mary's mother said with an obsequious smile, tugging her daughter back by the arm. "My Mary is young and thoughtless. I apologize on her behalf, Alpha Damon. We'll return home and see to her discipline." As a respected elder of the lesser packs, she could only bow low. Damon's jaw clenched, but he said nothing. He simply stood there-expressionless, though his face was darker than a stormed moon. Dragged away, Mary still muttered under her breath, her resentment flaring. She hadn't even finished watching the show unfold. Across the marble terrace of Moonvale Keep, two young females-one round-faced with an impish gleam, the other in a flowing gold gown-pushed through the murmuring crowd toward Aysel Vale. Their offerings had already been handed to Moonvale's steward upon arrival, but they felt compelled to speak their wishes in person.Tonight, the she-wolf standing before them looked nothing like the rumors-no trace of arrogance, only quiet radiance. And that face... the goddess herself would envy such beauty. The two girls exchanged a grin before stepping forward, their laughter light as dew. "Happy birthday, Lady Aysel," said the round-faced one, voice warm with sincerity. Aysel blinked, surprised, then smiled-a rare, genuine curve of her lips. "Thank you." She hadn't expected the first blessing of the night to come from them. The round-faced girl extended a hand. "I'm Jeanne, from the Nightshade bloodline." Aysel clasped it, her palm soft but steady. "Aysel Vale, of the Moonvale Pack." "Ha!" Jeanne laughed brightly. "An honor long overdue." The golden-dressed she-wolf beside her lifted her chin and offered her hand as well. "Gloriana. Shadowcrest Pack." Then, watching Aysel's serene smile, she added quietly, "Honestly? The Blackwood Pack doesn't deserve you." The words were simple-but bold. Aysel froze for a heartbeat, then her lips curved again, slower this time, with an edge. "I agree." The three shared a knowing look, their laughter blooming like wildfire under the chandeliers-beautiful enough to draw every gaze in the hall. When Jeanne and Gloriana drifted away, Magnus finally returned, having escaped a circle of alphas eager for his attention. He found Aysel watching the two girls' retreating figures, her silver eyes thoughtful. "You like them?" he asked, tone casual, though his wolf stirred faintly beneath the words. Aysel nodded. "I do." They were, after all, among the very few who had ever shown her genuine kindness-kindness not born from politics or fear of her lineage. Most who knew her name only saw the cursed daughter of Moonvale. They saw what the rumors told them to see. Not her."Nightshade pack and Shadowcrest Pack," Magnus murmured, recognition glinting in his dark eyes. "Their families are working on a new medicine project... they're seeking investors." Aysel turned sharply, catching the subtle tone behind his words. Her gaze sharpened. "Don't make your decisions because of me." Her voice was soft but firm. "I won't let my name interfere with your pack's strategies. Not for friendship, not for me." She understood too well-alliances weren't fireworks you lit for fun. They burned deep, with consequences. Magnus chuckled low, the sound like velvet thunder. He reached out, ruffling her hair in a way that felt both teasing and protective. "Relax, little mooncat. Shadowbane already had plans in that field. I'll make my choices after proper research." Several nearby guests, half-hidden in the crowd, perked up their ears at that. Guest One blinked. Guest Two nearly choked on his wine. "Research?" Guest Three whispered, incredulous, "Shadowbane already owns the largest medical conglomerate on the continent!" Guest Four hissed, "Exactly! What kind of ‘investment' does a wolf like Magnus Sanchez need?" Guest Five murmured, eyes wide, "That's not an investment. That's him claiming the field-and the girl beside him."