Aysel's POV The tension in the Moonvale Pack's dining hall was thick enough to taste, like the metallic tang of blood just before a hunt. My family sat stiffly, each one pretending this confrontation was ordinary. But I knew better. I've always been the thorn in their sides, the wolf that bristles when poked. Every argument, every clash with them, had always ended with me retreating, teeth bared, leaving them unsettled. Today, though, I wasn't stepping back. Celestine, ever eager to mend fences, spoke first, stepping into the fray. "Aysel... I'm sorry. I speak for our family. This-this chaos tonight... it's because I was injured. Don't blame my parents." I let out a low growl of irritation. Celestine, always too innocent, too fake, too weak for my tastes. Luna Evelyn, her mother, quickly jumped in, fanning the flames of blame elsewhere. They all forgot me, as usual. I let my amber eyes sweep over the room, landing on Alpha Remus-my so-called father. He cleared his throat, voice gruff. "This was a misunderstanding, Aysel. Speak your mind-whatever you wish, I'll provide it." I tilted my head, letting the corner of my mouth curl in a faint, dangerous smile. "Shares..." I dragged the word, letting it dangle like a predator's paw over trembling prey. The faces around me shifted instantly, a ripple of unease spreading. I waited, letting the silence sharpen like claws. "Even if I asked, you wouldn't give them." I knew the truth. Every Moonvale Pack's heir received five percent of the Pack's wealth when they came of age. My portion had long been promised to Celestine, a debt they claimed I owed. Five percent-worthless against the life her mother had saved. Remus' eyes darkened, betraying a flicker of unease at my disdain. I pressed my advantage. "And if you're feeling guilty," I said, voice low and deliberate, "then transfer my grandmother's house to me." The house wasn't grand, not by Alpha standards, but it was mine by blood and memory. Its value lay in the past-the memories of a woman who had never demanded I defer to Celestine. Remus avoided my eyes. "We'll discuss this after your coronation," he said, the faintest tremor in his voice betraying him. I laughed softly, venom beneath the sound. "There will be no coronation. Damon Blackwood and I are done. You told me I could ask for anything... yet not one of my requests will be met. Is this how you apologize?" His anger flared. He slammed his massive wolf-like fists on the table. The room shook with the impact, hot steam of the food swirling like mist around us. "Your temper, Aysel! Coronations are not trivial! I will not allow it to be canceled. No house, no negotiation!" I let my claws extend beneath the table, invisible to them, trembling with restrained fury. "The house is mine by right. You have no claim!" "Because I am your father!" Remus bellowed, eyes blazing. "And it sits with your mother, Luna Evelyn! Do you know how intertwined the Blackwoods and Moonvales are? Canceling this betrothal has consequences!" I bared my teeth, letting a growl vibrate from my chest. "And what does any of that have to do with me? I've never benefited from Moonvale business." Remus, cornered by my calm fury, stammered, "Then let your sister mate. Transfer the house to her. She is, after all, your grandmother's granddaughter." That was the final provocation. I rose, my height towering over the table, fur bristling along my spine, a wolf's fury behind my gaze. I threw myself into the table, sending dishes, soup, and steam cascading over them. Chaos erupted. I glared at my family, teeth bared, eyes burning red. Every word I spat carried venom: "Give it to her... does she deserve it?" Luna Evelyn spun to shield Celestine, but even her quick reflexes couldn't save the younger wolf from a splash of my fury-steaming broth clinging to Celestine's hair. Her face twisted in shock and hurt. "Aysel... even if you hate me... she is still my grandmother too. Why speak like this?" Lykos spat on the floor, disgust evident. "Ignore her. She's mad." Fenrir barked his warning, voice harsh. "Traitorous daughter! You dare upend the table in front of your parents? What next?" Remus' roar filled the hall, shaking the walls. Luna Evelyn flailed in panic, while Fenrir glanced between Celestine and me, torn between protection and fury. The servants waited at the threshold, frozen in fear, unsure whether to intervene. I could see the anger, the shock, the helplessness in their faces-and I felt nothing but a grim satisfaction. They had ignored me, underestimated me, and now the truth of their underestimation slashed across the room like teeth sinking into flesh. When I crossed the threshold, I didn't look back. "The house of your grandmother..." Remus thundered. "I don't want it," I spat, voice steady, though my chest heaved and my hands trembled slightly from the exertion. I wouldn't touch anything Celestine had tainted-Damon would, and so would this house. Not if it became a blade aimed at me. My grandmother's gift was hers alone, and I would not allow it to bind me to their whims. My steps were measured, deliberate, wolf-like, every stride echoing dominance and control. My back was straight, my head high, though my eyes were wet and my claws trembled. I whispered to myself as I moved forward into the night, a vow as sharp as a fang: Aysel, don't look back. Move forward.