Third Person’s POV

    “Curiosity doesn’t excuse eavesdropping,” Beata said, steering her away. “Stand by here. As an omega, you should know the rules by now.”

    Sophia shook off her grip, her lc pheromones turning cold.

    She said, “I don’t need your lectures. I’m from Prisci’s circle. I know more about etiquette than you.”

    Her pupils narrowed with offended displeasure.

    “Knowing the rules means not eavesdropping,” Beata pressed, her malt pheromones sharp and icy.

    She continued, “Prisci may be lenient, but Luna Adide expects discipline. Break the rules, and you’ll be sent back to Prisci’s service.”

    Her wolf ws faintly emerged, showing her resolve.

    Sophia stood apart, ignoring Beata.

    Her lc pheromones churned with confusion. Why change clothes sote? Where was he going?

    Her wolf ears pricked, catching every sound from the room.

    Beata’s presence formed an invisible barrier, making eavesdropping impossible. Sophia curbed her curiosity and stood at attention.

    Lately, Sophia had earned Luna Adide’s trust.

    Often, Adide and Paisley didn’t exclude her from their discussions, including ns for October 15th.

    Between what she heard and her own deductions, Sophia grasped the essentials.

    Madison had rewarded her, and increasingly so.

    Uncovering Alpha Lance’ste–night outing could mean more rewards tomorrow.

    As she pondered, the door opened. Luna Adide called, “Beata, Sophia,e in.

    Sophia’s spirits lifted. “Yes!”

    They entered the bedroom, but Lance, previously seen entering with Adide, was nowhere to be found.

    Sophia asked, puzzled, “Where’s Alpha Lance?”

    Adide ignored her and said, “Lance and I are leaving the city tomorrow. Paint my nails to save time in the morning.”

    “Luna Adide, where are you going? Can Ie?” Beata asked hopefully.

    “No,” Adide teased. “You’re always eager to run off.”

    Sophia looked around, confused. Alpha Lance had entered with Adide–where was he now?

    He couldn’t have left through the locked door. Did he jump out the window? Why the secrecy?

    Adide took out nail polish. As they prepared to paint her nails, Paisley burst in, looking distressed. “Adide, the pink diamond earrings you gave me—are gone. Did I leave them here?”

    Paisley rummaged through Adide’s makeup box and jewelry boxes. “I’ve looked everywhere. I was nning to wear them tomorrow.”

    Adide smiled. “You never take off jewelry here. How could they be here? Did you misce them? Did you search thoroughly?”

    Paisley emptied the boxes but found nothing. Frowning, she said, “I’ve looked everywhere. I was really hoping to wear them tomorrow. Let me check again- maybe they’re here.”

    Adide had many jewels, but only a small selection often–worn ones were kept

    here.

    After turning the boxes upside down, Paisley still couldn’t find the pink diamond

    10.32 Sat, 23 Aug

    earrings.

    Growing irritated, she said, “Someone must have taken them. Surely there’s no thief in the ckthorn Pack?”

    “How could there be? We’ve never had such issues,” Adide said. “You’re always careless. Did you drop them on the floor or under a dresser? I’ll have Ivy help you look. Beata, Sophia, assist too.”

    Paisley sighed. “Alright, help me search. Those diamonds are valuable. Money aside, they were a gift from you–I’m very attached to them.”

    Sophia said, “But I need to paint Luna Adide’s nails.”

    She wanted to stay and check for anything amiss.

    Alpha Lance probably hadn’t left through the window–maybe he was still in the

    room.

    His and Adide’s behavior was suspicious tonight.

    If something happened, she’d report it to Madison tomorrow.

    “Never mind the nails. I’lle look too,” Adide said, standing up.

    Sophia scanned the room onest time, confirmed Lance wasn’t there, and left with the others.

    Paisley’s room was in disarray, furniture moved aside.

    Ivy and others arrived ito /ihelp, seeing the mess and marveling at Paisley’s impatience.

    The search extended ito /ithe yard but yielded nothing.

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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!