(Audrey’s POV)

    “Hello, Luna, are you in Central Territory City?” I asked as I answered the call from Luna Yvette Riverwind.

    A melodiousugh came through the packm-link. “Huh? How do you already know? There’s no surprise at all.”

    Her mock disappointment made me smile. “Your Beta Assistant sent a discreet pack alert this morning about your arrival,” I exined. “I thought you might call once you settled in.”

    “Sharp as always,” Yvette said approvingly. “I appreciate wolves who pay attention to details.”

    “What brings you to Central Territory?” I asked, catching Sarah’s curious gaze across the room. “Another pack alliance discussion?”

    “Partly business, partly personal,” Yvette replied. “The pack alliance discussions are ongoing, but I’m also looking for a suitable territory den in Central Territory.”

    “A territory den?” This surprised me. “Are you nning to stay long?”

    “It’s not for me, precisely,” Yvette exined, her voice softening. “It’s for Lyra. She’s been adamant about establishing herself in Central Territory’s business circles.”

    I detected a hint of reluctance in her tone. “You don’t approve?”

    “I’d prefer she focus on our pack duties,” Yvette admitted. “But after everything she’s been through… I find myself unable to deny her this chance at happiness.”

    The raw love in Yvette’s voice for her daughter touched me. “You’re a wonderful mother,” I said softly.

    “I try,” she replied with a sigh. “Anyway, I’ll be in Central Territory for at least a moon cycle, possibly longer depending on how Lyra settles in.”

    “I can have your custom healing formtion ready for consultation by next week,” I offered, already mentally scheduling the preparation time.

    “Perfect. That brings me to another matter,” Yvette continued, her voice shifting to a more formal tone. “I’m hosting a small pack gathering tomorrow night at the Silver Moon Territory Hotel. Many influential Alphas, Lunas, and pack elders will attend.

    My heartbeat quickened. “And you’re inviting me?”

    “Precisely,” she confirmed. “Your reputation in healing formtions is growing, but you need more exposure among Central Territory’s elite circles. This gathering would be perfect.”

    I understood immediately what she was offering. After studying under Master ra in the Sunstone Territories, I had been restricted from epting widespread high-levelmissions until Ipleted my advanced studies. Now returning to Central Territory, I needed connections to establish my practice beyond Winter’s Remedy.

    “That’s very generous,” I said hesitantly. “But wouldn’t it trouble you to vouch for a rtively unknown wolf?”

    “Not at all,” Yvette dismissed my concern. “Besides, I’ll be in Central Territory more often now. Consider it the beginning of a mutually beneficial pack alliance.”

    “Thank you, Luna,” I said sincerely. “I truly appreciate your support.”

    After ending the call, I looked up to see Sarah staring at me expectantly.

    “Smiling like this, what’s the good news?” she asked, plopping down beside me on the sofa.

    (Yvette’s POV)

    I held my pack device for a moment after ending the call, feeling strangely mncholic. Something about Audrey Winter drew me to her in a way I couldn’t fully exin.

    “You really like her, don’t you?” my Beta Assistant observed, setting down a stack of territory documents.

    “Is it that obvious?” I asked with a small smile. “There’s something about her… I feelpelled to help her.”

    “It’s more than just liking,” my Betamented. “You speak to her almost like you would to a protégée. Perhaps even a daughter.”

    The thought gave me pause. Taking Audrey under my wing more formally was tempting-her talent in healing formtions was undeniable, and her graceful demeanor would be an asset in any pack alliance.

    “I can’t,” I said finally. “Lyra would feel disced. She’s had such a difficult early life; I’ve promised myself to give her the best of everything now.”

    My Beta Assistant’s expression revealed her thoughts before she spoke. “With all due respect, Luna, sometimes I wonder if Lyra truly appreciates your efforts.”

    “What do you mean?” I asked, my voice sharpening slightly.

    “She treats you more like a source of endless pack resources and influence,” my Beta Assistant said carefully. “Rather than a mother to be cherished.”

    I bristled at the suggestion. “Lyra has struggled greatly. The trauma of that impostor Serena incident two years ago left deep scars. If she’s demanding now, it’s because she’s trying to reim what was stolen from her.”

    My Beta Assistant nodded respectfully, though I could tell she thought Lyra’s demands excessive. Before she could respond, the territory den door opened.

    “Mother? Who’s Audrey?” Lyra’s voice called out as she entered. “And what pack gathering are you inviting her to?”

    I winced internally, realizing she had overheard our conversation. “Lyra, darling. Audrey Winter is the healing formtion specialist I’vemissioned. I’ve invited her to tomorrow’s gathering to help her establish connections.”

    Lyra’s face remained neutral, but I knew my daughter well enough to detect her displeasure. “How thoughtful of you, Mother, ” she said, her voice sweet yet somehow brittle. “But won’t she feel ufortable among so many high-ranking wolves?”

    “She’s attended several Inter-Pack Healing Councils,” I assured her. “I’m certain she’ll handle herself well.”

    “If you say so,” Lyra conceded, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “I should choose my outfit for tomorrow then.”

    As she disappeared into her room, I missed the calcting gleam in her eyes-a silent promise that Audrey Winter would not threaten her position as my sole focus and heir to my influence.

    (Audrey’s POV)

    “Luna Yvette Riverwind just invited me to an exclusive pack gathering tomorrow night,” I exined to Sarah, still hardly believing it myself.

    Sarah’s eyes widened. “That’s huge! This is exactly what you need to establish yourself in Central Territory.”

    “I know,” I agreed, excitement building in my chest. “She’s positioning herself as my sponsor, essentially.”

    Sarah nodded enthusiastically. “This eliminates months of self-promotion or navigating pack politics on your own. Being associated with Luna Riverwind opens doors automatically.”

    “It’s certainly faster than waiting for the next major Inter-Pack Healing Council,” I admitted. “I just hope I can live up to her expectations.”

    Leo, who had been quietly ying with Nova, suddenly looked up. “Luna Aunt is the best at making healing things! Everyone says so!”

    Sarah and I exchanged amused nces at his fierce loyalty.

    The next afternoon, I began preparing early for the gathering. I carefully applied a subtle healing salve to cover the lingering mark on my lip from Florian’s bite. The ceremonial robe I chose was a parting gift from Master ra-intricately designed with subtle symbols of healing knowledge woven into the fabric.

    “Remember, Leo, you’ll be going to the Moon-Pup Adventure Den with Sarah while I attend the gathering,” I reminded him as I finished styling my hair.

    “Will there be territory puzzles?” he asked excitedly.

    “Even better,” Sarah promised. “They have moonstone cave simtions and silver-safe obstacle courses.”

    Leo’s eyes widened with delight, making me smile. As we prepared to leave, I opened the door only to find an unexpected figure standing in the hallway.

    Arthur Moonstone waited beside his luxury pack transport, dressed impably in dark formal attire. His obsidian eyes met mine with calm assurance.

    “Luna Aunt! Leo will miss you!” Leo called out, wrapping his arms around my legs.

    I hugged him before addressing Arthur. “What are you doing here?”

    “I’m here to take you to the Silver Moon gathering,” he stated simply.

    I raised an eyebrow. “And how did you know about my ns?”

    A slight smile curved his lips. “The guest list for Luna Riverwind’s gatherings is quite selective. As Central Territory’s Alpha, I’m kept informed.”

    Of course he was. Arthur’s pack connections extended throughout Central Territory’s elite circles.

    “Thank you, but I have my own pack transport,” I declined politely.

    Arthur tilted his head slightly. “Your vehicle’s scent-neutralizing filters were showing minor issues when you arrived at the Wolf Medical Center yesterday. It would need immediate attention before driving through full-moon traffic.”

    I stared at him, annoyed by his thoroughness. “How do you even know that?”

    “The pack mechanic is affiliated with Moonstone Pack,” he said matter-of-factly.

    Sarah stepped forward. “Take my pack transport then, Audrey.”

    I hesitated, ncing at the darkening sky. Full-moon traffic would be heavy tonight, and I didn’t want Leo to miss his adventure.

    “Fine,” I conceded reluctantly. “I’ll ept your ride, Arthur.”

    As I gathered my things, Leo tugged at my robe. “Luna Aunt, Uncle Florian said he’ll pick you up when he returns from his pack business.”

    I froze, my eyes darting to Arthur, whose expression had turned dangerously neutral.