Third Person's POV Agnes's apology hit the air with the force of a stone tossed into a still lake-firm, echoing, leaving no room for ambiguity. Even Aysel felt as though the words reverberated against the walls of the Shadowbane villa's entrance. She glanced toward Magnus. Magnus, meanwhile, had finally begun piecing together the fragments of who Agnes was. Because Giovanna had cared for him during childhood, Magnus would occasionally visit her after he grew older-though not often, for reasons few in the continent dared to question. During those visits, Agnes, Giovanna's niece, was almost always there, doted on and sheltered. With time, paths naturally crossed. Agnes had developed a crush on him early-an intense, childish admiration for the cold, beautiful young Alpha who seemed carved from moonlit iron. Even when Magnus spent years away from the continent, she had followed his news in secret. But the boy she adored back then had been filled only with survival instincts and vengeance. He had no space in his mind to notice the little girl he had met only a handful of times. To him, her name and face were blurred, nearly forgotten-only a faint awareness that Giovanna had a young relative. Seeing both Magnus and Aysel silent, Agnes's expression crumpled. "I'm sorry-I really won't dare to do it again," she murmured. After being thoroughly crushed by Aysel that day, she had run straight to her aunt seeking comfort. But instead of comfort, Giovanna had unleashed a storm on her. The so-called "childhood engagement" had been nothing more than a joke shared between Giovanna and Raya when they were young-mentioned once, forgotten just as quickly. But Agnes, already harboring feelings for Magnus, had taken that single offhand remark to heart. The truth was, when such words were spoken, neither Agnes nor Magnus had even been born.And although Giovanna did not claim to fully understand Magnus's mind, she understood enough of his nature. He was not the kind of Alpha who could be bound by moral debts or childhood favors. She had never expected anything from him, never imagined using past ties to demand gratitude. In her own eyes, she had not even done enough to warrant repayment. All she hoped was that when she eventually reunited with Raya, she would not feel too ashamed. Agnes, the only daughter of Giovanna's elder brother, had always been spoiled. Though she had a few bad habits, she had never caused true trouble-until now. Giovanna had never imagined her niece would harbor such bold fantasies, nor that someone would egg her on to the point of recklessness, driving her straight into provoking Magnus's claimed partner. Giovanna had been furious-mortified, even. Regardless of whatever relationship Aysel and Magnus did or did not have, this was the first time Magnus had defended someone publicly. As an elder, Giovanna naturally needed to show proper respect. But instead, her own side had caused the offense. So she had scolded Agnes harshly, declared the childhood betrothal nonsense, and ordered her to apologize to Aysel. She even warned Agnes that if Magnus became angry enough to retaliate, she would not shield her-not even as an elder. Agnes had been stunned. Giovanna had never spoken to her like that. Yet she wasn't incapable of understanding. Her long-time crush was a storm she had created on her own. Magnus's tone over the phone had made everything clear; Agnes simply hadn't been ready to face it. But before she could process her heartbreak, more blows had followed. Her voice trembled now."Sister-in-law, Magnus and I really don't know each other well. I just... when I studied dance at my aunt's house, I peeked at him a few times. If you forgive me, I'll do anything." Aysel's gaze sharpened slightly. "You studied dance?" Agnes froze under that look, fur prickling uncomfortably along her skin. She let out a weak, almost squeaked, "Um... yes." As Giovanna's niece, she had been trained in dance since she was young. Though she possessed natural advantages-bloodline grace, balance, and presence-Agnes lacked true talent. After entering university on an arts track, she realized she would never achieve Giovanna's legacy, so she shifted toward the entertainment world instead. Her frantic, hurried apology today came not only from guilt and Giovanna's reprimand, but also from Magnus severing several of her newly secured resources with a single word. Her mind might be slow, but she was not blind to survival. In a continent governed by wolves, an Alpha's displeasure could strip someone bare in an instant. And Magnus Sanchez was not just any Alpha. He was the Rafe of Shadowbane-the strongest wolf on the continent.