Author's POV
Shortly after Sylvia left, Selene finally sauntered downstairs with deliberate slowness.
"Mother, is she gone?" she asked, her voice laced with false concern.
Alpha Astra's previously warm expression immediately cooled several degrees.
The powerful she-wolf studied her adopted daughter with calculating eyes.
"We're supposed to be family. Why didn't you come down for breakfast?" she asked, her voice carrying the subtle edge of authority.
Selene's posture stiffened as memories of yesterday's confrontation with Sylvia flooded her mind. "After how she treated me yesterday, I wasn't comfortable being around her," she replied, feigning vulnerability while strategically avoiding her mother's piercing gaze.
Alpha Astra released a heavy sigh, her disappointment h
