“Alpha Liaranna!” Kayn bowed his head immediately, his gaze filled with respect and his tone reverent.

Liaranna was Licarus’s first wife, but while Licarus held the title of City Lord, she commanded an even more fearsome reputation as the Alpha of the Blackfur Clan, one of the most respected Alphas in the wolf-kin tribe.

Deeply feared by all, her name alone carried weight among both allies and enemies, even overshadowing that of the current tribe leader.

At 1.8 meters tall, Liaranna’s deep brown skin glowed warmly under the afternoon sunlight, creating a striking visage along her sleek black-furred wolf ears and tail.

Her raven-black hair cascaded in waves, artfully woven with a few dreadlocks that framed her angular face.

Her analytical green feral eyes seemed to pierce through anyone who dared meet her gaze.

Her voluptuous yet toned figure could bring any man to their knees, but her infamous bloodthirstiness kept suitors at bay.

“Alpha Grey Fang, how have you been?” Liaranna motioned for him to rise, her voice calm but commanding.

“Hmph,” Brunhild interjected before Kayn could respond, glaring at him.

“You act so respectful toward her and call me a lizard when I’m the one who owns her ass?”

Without waiting for a reply, Brunhild playfully slapped Liaranna’s shapely behind.

Kayn’s eyes widened in shock, but Liaranna’s reaction stunned everyone further.

“Hey, Brun! I told you, not in public. Come on!”

“See?! Haha. She’s still the same shy little girl from when we were a hunting team.” Brunhild teased, giving Liaranna’s tail a slight tug.

Though Liaranna glared, Sokram noticed a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

Brunhild then turned to her grandson, smiling proudly. “I heard about what happened while reporting to Licarus, son. Good job, I’m proud of you. But Nana wants to see those recordings.”

She patted his cheek affectionately before leading the Grey Hunters into the house.

Liaranna paused beside Sokram, pinching his cheeks teasingly. “You’re not just handsome but resourceful too. Are you sure you don’t want to join my family?”

Sokram grinned mischievously. “Only if you leave the old man and join my harem instead. How about it?”

“Haha, you’re truly Brunhild’s grandson, but sure, once you come of age, we’ll talk.” Liaranna winked at him, dismissing his teasing playfully but clearly impressed by his boldness.

Just as Sokram was about to close the door and join his guests, he saw Lara and Nora arriving, followed by their parents.

After greeting them warmly, he led them inside.

Lara introduced her parents, Nirmal and Liandra, elders from the Goldenmane family.

Nirmal embodied brute strength; his bulging muscles were evident beneath the elegant mantle and festive robes he wore.

Standing 2.1 meters tall, his mohawk-style mane-like hair and stern face adorned with a long beard exuded authority.

Liandra, on the other hand, bore a striking resemblance to Leona as they were cousins, though they differed in subtle ways. While both shared similar facial features and height, Liandra’s black hair and slightly darker skin set her apart.

Her green eyes mirrored those of the Blackfur wolf-kin clan, hinting at mixed heritage. Anyone could easily tell that, despite being born Lion-kin, either her father or mother hailed from the Blackfur Clan.

Sokram introduced himself politely, earning nods of approval from the Lions, who initially seemed uneasy and out of place.

However, once Sokram guided them to the backyard and they spotted Leona and Kayn mingling comfortably, they began to relax.

This shift pleased Sokram, as tonight marked another step forward in his plans.

Then, Sokram noticed Hilda and Astrid setting up additional tables.

He was sure his initial count wasn’t wrong, as the only ones who hadn’t arrived yet were Amber, Savannah, Lucy, and their families.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Seeing the doubt on his face, Hannah approached and said, "Margiory decided to bring your cousins to meet you, remember? Go back to the door, Mr. 'I'm the host today,' haha."

Sokram sighed, masking his unease with a practiced smile.

While he didn’t mind hosting more people, the memory of his cousins’ spoiled behavior in his previous timeline lingered like a bitter aftertaste. They were among those he wanted to protect, but their self-centeredness had once been a source of frustration...

Tonight, he resolved to show them why Margiory had invested so much in him; perhaps it would be the first step in breaking them free from their entitled ways.

Thanks to the recent hunt, he had something perfect for that purpose.

Sokram didn’t go to the door immediately.

First, he served his guests a few drinks.

He moved through the backyard, the smoky aroma of the grill mingling with the cold, late afternoon air.

He poured drinks for his guests, the clink of glasses harmonizing with the low hum of conversation.

The raw boar meat, marinated in a blend of spices, glistened under the warm glow of the pale sunlight as he placed it on the table beside the grill.

Just as he finished, the doorbell rang.

Sokram knew it could be Margiory and the Andronys, so he steadied his breath and forced his face into a neutral expression.

Upon opening the door, a wave of nostalgia hit him.

They were exactly as he remembered, all very blonde, with rosy skin, piercing blue eyes, and tall statures.

The women were dressed in elegant party dresses, while the men wore stylish shirts and pants. Though none looked overly formal for the occasion.

"This young dragon of the Dracnakrid family greets the Androny family." Sokram saluted them politely.

“Come on, baby, don’t treat us as strangers, we’re all family,” Margiory cooed, brushing past him with a warm smile as she caressed his face.

"Sure, Nana, but introductions are still needed, right?" Sokram teased Margiory, as most of them were still strangers to him.

“Right, haha, silly me. You met your uncles that night, but this is Melanie, Michael’s wife,” Margiory pointed to a stunning woman standing 1.8 meters tall with an ample bosom and wide hips.

“And these are your cousins, Jack and Ellie.”

Jack resembled his father, towering at 1.85 meters with neatly styled blonde hair.

Ellie, however, projected a rebellious aura. She had shaved the sides of her head and braided her remaining hair in a feminine yet edgy style.

A small scar marred her cheek, and her toned physique hinted at her prowess as a warrior.

Inheriting her mother’s ample curves made her as alluring as she was dangerous.

Her piercing blue eyes, though softened by the elegant dress she wore, still held the fire of a warrior who would rather be clad in armor than silk.

"And this is Marcia, your uncle Klaus’s wife," Margiory pointed at Marcia, the only non-blonde in the group.

She had brown hair and a petite, curvy build similar to Margiory’s, standing at 1.75 meters tall with slightly wider hips.

"And this is your cousin, David," Margiory continued, pointing at a young man who was the spitting image of Klaus, only younger.

With messy short blond hair, an ever-present smile, and a muscular build typical of humans who cultivated Aura, he radiated youthful energy.

"And last but not least, your Aunt Madalyn, who came from the royal city just to finally meet you." Hearing her mother’s words, Madalyn stepped forward.

She looked strikingly similar to Margiory, so much so that they could almost be mistaken for twin sisters, except Madalyn’s hair was cut into a bob and was blonde like her brothers’.

What impressed Sokram the most was the intense mana flowing around her.

She was clearly one of Norwinter’s powerhouses.

"Wow, no wonder His Highness named you one of his court wizards. Your mana is strong..." Sokram praised, feigning absent-mindedness, though he knew precisely the effect such praise would have.

Hearing his words, both Margiory and Madalyn beamed with pride. Margiory because Madalyn was a seed she had nurtured with all her might, just as she was doing for Sokram.

Madalyn, on the other hand, was very proud of her achievements in Magi, and Sokram’s reaction was precisely what he had aimed for.

"Well, it seems Mother continues to brag about me," Madalyn said, her smile widening as she turned to Sokram.

"But not as much as she brags about you, nephew. She told me you were handsome, but now I see why your father struggles to accept you. You're far more striking than he could ever hope to be, haha."

The atmosphere grew awkward momentarily, but Sokram wasn’t offended.

He knew Madalyn’s blunt nature stemmed from honesty rather than malice.

To lighten the mood, he quipped back, “Well, there’s nothing I can do about that. It’s not like I can become less handsome just to please the fool, right?”

Winking at her, Sokram elicited giggles from Madalyn and the women present.

Sokram relished the interaction, a bittersweet ache settling in his chest.

Madalyn’s laughter, her sharp wit, and her unyielding spirit were a balm to his soul.

In his previous timeline, her death had left a void that even time couldn’t heal.

Of all his Androny relatives, aside from Margiory, Madalyn’s loss had been the hardest to bear.

“They have nothing to be jealous of. So what if I’m the most talented and handsome? I’m still the future patriarch of the Dracnakrid, so they have nothing to fear.”

“So you think you’re not running for succession, hm? But what if I told you that you could have both?” Madalyn teased, ignoring Margiory’s disapproving frown.

“Because what you gave us yesterday, not even your father or I could have ever achieved.”

“Oh…” Sokram feigned realization, playing along with her hints.

“So, if that happens, they’ll be well taken care of under my wings.”

“Tsk!” Jack let out a frustrated sound, failing to conceal his irritation.

“Oh, Jackie, please, no need to be mad. Besides, Mother hasn’t made her announcement yet. That will only happen tomorrow.” Madalyn continued teasing until three women approached.

“Auntie, stop teasing them,” Astrid spoke in a commanding tone, her presence silencing the banter.

Behind her stood Miralyn and Hilda, their expressions complicated.

“Oh! My baby girl has grown up so much!” Madalyn lost her composure and rushed to hug Astrid, who returned the embrace tightly.

“Thanks for the rescue…” Margiory muttered under her breath, though Sokram caught every word.

"What announcement?" Sokram asked, his voice steady but his gaze sharp as it locked onto Margiory.

For the first time, he noticed the faint tremor in her hands and the shadow of unease in her eyes.

Whatever she was hiding, it was big enough to unsettle the unshakable matriarch of the Androny family.