(Audrey’s POV)

    Arthur Moonstone didn’t respond immediately. His obsidian eyes seemed distant, focused on something beyond the confined space of the luxury vehicle. The silence stretched between us like a physical presence, filled with the weight of our shared past.

    Finally, he spoke, his voice so soft I nearly missed it. “Does it hurt?”

    I nced down at my wrist, where the bracelet once again concealed the scar. “It hasn’t hurt for a long time.”

    “I don’t mean the scar,” Arthur rified, still not meeting my gaze. “I mean… everything. The past.”

    I considered his question carefully. It deserved honesty, not titudes.

    “It wasn’t the most painful thing,” I admitted. “I used to be terrified of even silver needles during blood draws at the Wolf Medical Center. Remember how you had to practically drag me there for my annual pack health assessment?”

    A ghost of a smile flickered across Arthur’s face, there and gone in an instant.

    “I don’t fear pain as much anymore,” I continued. “When spirit sickness consumes you… physical pain bessecondary.”

    Arthur’s jaw tightened visibly.

    “In the Sunstone Territories, I stopped taking wolfsbane medication for a while,” I revealed, keeping my voice steady. “During that time, I didn’t even think about the physical pain when the silver cut into my skin. I couldn’t react quickly enough to stop it.”

    Arthur’s body tensed, but he maintained hisposure.

    The luxury vehicle slowed as we reached the Silver Moon Territory Hotel’s ceremonial entrance, the timing cutting our conversation mercifully short.

    ‘Thank you for the ride,” I said as I prepared to exit. “I should find Luna Riverwind.”

    Arthur nodded, his expression carefully neutral once more. As I walked away from him toward the gleaming entrance, I realized something profound had shifted within me. I had changed, though I couldn’t precisely pinpoint how or when the transformation had urred.

    The familiar sounds of pack greetings and subtle territorial posturing filled the air as I entered the ceremonial den. High-ranking Alphas and pack elders mingled throughout the expansive space, their ceremonial robes marking their status and affiliations.

    Several unfamiliar faces dotted the crowd – neers Likely brought by influential figures seeking to expand their alliances.From across the room, Yvette Riverwind spotted me. Hen elegant hand rose in a subtle wave, beckoning me over. Aspproached, I couldn’t help but admire her presence.

    Despite being nearly fifty moon cycles old, she carried herself with the confidence and grace of a much younger she-wolf.

    “You made it,” she greeted warmly. “And right on time.”

    “Thank you for inviting me,” I replied, genuinely grateful for her patronage.

    My eyes were drawn to her ceremonial robe – a stunning creation of midnight blue fabric with subtle silver ents.

    The material seemed to shimmer under the ceremonial lighting, but what caught my attention was the distinctive scent emanating from it.

    “Your robe,” I said, unable to hide my surprise. “The healing potion it’s been soaked in – that’s one of my formtions from the Inter-Pack Healing Councilst year.”

    Yvette’s eyes lit up with delight.

    ? “You recognized it! Yes,

    it’s a recent import to the territory. I was absolutely enchanted by the aroma.”

    She leaned closer, lowering her voice confidentially. “You wouldn’t believe the lengths my Beta Assistant went to in order to acquire it from abroad. I had to pull strings with three separate territory shipping authorities!”

    A she-wolf standing nearby – Luna Silvertail of theEastern Mountain Pack – turned at Yvette’s animated exnation.

    “The heating properties are remarkable,” Luna Silvertailmented, elegantly running her fingers along Yvette’s sleeve. “The fabric maintains its potency even after multiple wearings. Who formutated this?”

    Yvette’s smile widened as she ced a hand on my shoulder. “May I present Audrey Winter,” she announced proudly. “My Beta Assistant used considerable effort to bring her back from the Sunstone Territories.”

    Luna Silvertail’s eyebrows rose with interest.

    “She’s a genius healing specialist,” Yvette continued, her voice carrying just enough to attract the attention of nearby wolves. “Master ra’s chosen disciple, known internationally as Elena, but in Northern Territory as Audrey Winter.”

    I fought to keep my expression neutral, though inwardly! was stunned by Yvette’s grand introduction. She was painting me as far more significant than l actually was, creating opportunities for me to shine among Central Territory’s elite.

    Luna Silvertail gave Yvette a yful swat on the arm.” You’ve been keeping such a talented healing specialist a secret! Let me guess – you’re nning to outshine everyone at the uing Full Moon Gathering with exclusive formtions, aren’t you?”Yvetteughed, the sound like crystal bells. “Perhaps I asionally want to stand out,” she admitted with a wink.

    “But I’m willing to share. Audrey could create something special for you too.”

    She leaned in with exaggerated secrecy. “Though I should warn you, her formtions aren’t cheap.”

    Luna Silvertail immediately pulled out her pack device. don’t care about the cost,” she dered, sending me a connection request. “Quality is what matters.”

    As I epted Luna Silvertail’s request on my pack device, | nced gratefully at Yvette. With just a few strategic words, she had established my credentials and created my first potential high-profile client.

    “Are you sure she’s not your illegitimate daughter?” Luna Silvertail asked Yvette teasingly. “You’re promoting her with such enthusiasm!”

    Yvette feigned offense. “Are you starting rumors about me again? In front of my very close friend?”

    Their easy banter continued, but my attention was drawn to movement at the entrance. Arthur Moonstone had arrived, a ss of moonlight wine in his hand, his dark eyes scanning the room until they found me.

    He approached our small group with measured steps, nodding respectfully to Yvette before allowing his gaze to linger briefly on me.

    “Luna Riverwind,” he greeted formally. “I didn’t expect ta see you at a territory alliance gathering.”

    Yvette’s smile didn’t waver. “And I didn’t expect to see the Alpha of Northern Alliance showing interest in pack social events. Have the territory politics be too dull for you, Arthur?”

    Arthur took a slow sip of his moonlight wine. “Actually, I’ve been considering investing in territory within the Central Region,” he replied. “I wanted to gauge your thoughts before proceeding.”

    I recognized his strategy immediately – by seeking Yvette’s approval, he was demonstrating respect for theplex web of pack hierarchies.

    “I prefer to avoid future.. conflicts,” Arthur added, his tone carefully diplomatic.

    Yvette’s eyes sparkled with understanding. “That’s very considerate,” she responded. “Though I should warn you that several packs are eyeing the same territories. It will be a fairpetition.”

    (Lyra’s POV)

    From across the ceremonial den, I watched my motherughing with Audrey Winter and Arthur Moonstone. My fingers tightened around my moonlight wine ss, threatening to crack the delicate crystal.

    How dare she? First, she brings that healing specialist into her inner circle, and now she’s actively promoting her to other influential Lunas. My mother’s resources; connections, and attention should be focused on me – her daughter – hot some neer.

    Even more infuriating was Arthur Moonstone’s obvious interest in Audrey. His dark eyes kept straying to her, despite his pretense of discussing territory investments with my mother.

    “Lyra? Why aren’t you with your mother?” Beta Thornwood appeared at my side, his voice low and concerned. “Several pack Alphas have asked to meet you.”

    I forced a pained expression. “I’m not feeling well,” murmured. “I think I have a stomachache. I was just heading to the washroom.”

    Without waiting for his response, I slipped away through the crowd. Once inside the empty washroom, I leaned against the marble counter and pulled a small packet from my ceremonial robe pocket. The white silver powder inside glinted under the soft lighting.

    My pack device chimed, and I answered quickly. “You’rete,” I hissed.

    “I can’t make it tonight,” the male voice replied. “Is Florian

    Stormhowl there with the Winter she-wolf?”

    I rolled my eyes at his concern. “No, it’s Arthur Moonstone who brought her.””Arthur?” The surprise in his voice was evident. “That’s… unexpected.”

    “Do you want me to handle it?” I asked, fingering the packet of silver powder. “It would be simple enough.”

    His voice turned cold, dangerous. “Touch one hair on her head, and you’lt regret it for the rest of your very short life. Remember our agreement.”

    I swallowed hard. “I was just asking.”

    “Good,” he replied. “Keep it that way. I’ll contact youter.”

    After hanging up, I took a moment topose myself.

    The threat had shaken me, but I wasn’t without resources of my own. My mother’s position gave me certain… liberties.

    I left the washroom and made my way to a refreshment area where Beta servers were preparing trays of drinks.

    Approaching one, I pointed to a specific ss of herbal tea at the end of the counter.

    “Could you please deliver that to the she-wolf in the white ceremonial robe speaking with Luna Riverwind?” I requested with a sweet smile.

    While the Beta server’s back was turned, l emptied the powder into the drink. As he carried it away, I smiled to myself, imagining the consequences. Arthur Moonstone would be grateful for my intervention eventually.

    After all, he was obviously pursuing Audrey Winter. I was simply helping eliminate an inconvenient rival for his attention.