Chapter 6: My "Sister"
(Aria’s POV)
The grand hall of the Blackthorn estate oozed power. Everything about it, from the intricate carvings to the radiating moonstones inlaid on the floors, reminded everyone present that this was no ordinary pack. It was a place of history, strength, and reverence.
At the center of it all sat Lady Grace Blackthorn. Regal didn’t even begin to describe her.
Draped in silver and black, her sharp golden eyes, though softened with age, looked as if they could pierce through to your soul.
Next to her chair was an ornate staff, adorned with ancient inscriptions, as if to silently remind everyone who truly commanded respect in the room.
Her aura, though tempered with age, still carried enough weight to make even Alpha wolves tread lightly. Wolves from neighboring packs instinctively avoided holding her gaze for too long.
Behind her was a large table overflowing with tributes. Gifts from different packs sparkled and hummed with power—territory deeds, moon-kissed artifacts, ancient weapons, all placed there in hopes of winning Lady Grace’s favor.
Representatives from every major pack had filled the hall. Their whispered conversations about shifting alliances and negotiations wove through the air like threads of tension.
It was my first time standing in the presence of the Blackthorn matriarch, but if I was nervous, I didn't show it. Years of hiding my emotions had made masking my unease second nature.
Stealing a sideways glance at Alexander, I could see his shoulders were tense, his cold exterior barely masking the anxiously flickering edges of his weak Alpha aura.
“Focus,” I murmured softly, my voice low enough that only he could hear.
He shot me a sharp look but said nothing. His body language said it all—resentment, frustration, and yes, worry. He knew how much was riding on this event.
The room quieted as Diana Silverbrook, dressed in a flowing gown that shimmered in the light, approached the center. There was no denying that she looked every bit the part of a future Luna—poised, graceful, and radiating confidence.
“Lady Grace,” Diana’s voice carried clearly across the room, her tone drenched with practiced sweetness. “It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you tonight.”
She gestured grandly, as if to include everyone in her moment. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
Her attendants stepped forward, carrying a velvet-lined box containing her offering. When it was opened, the shine of silver and moonstones was impossible to ignore.
“These ceremonial daggers,” Diana began, pausing for effect, “have been passed down through the Silverbrook lineage since the first wolf wars. Forged in sacred fires and etched with blessings from elder wolves.”
Several pack leaders murmured their approval. Even I had to admit the blades were exquisite.
Diana’s smile widened, her tone growing more self-assured. “It worths over one million dollar. It is my hope that these daggers serve as a humble token of our respect and unwavering loyalty to the Blackthorn family.”
She stepped back, her smile firmly in place as the daggers were placed among the other offerings on the overflowing table.
Lady Grace’s response was polite but detached. “Thank you,” she said, her tone measured, offering Diana a slight nod.
The faint reaction was subtle, but I didn’t miss the flicker of disappointment in Diana’s eyes.
Other prestigious packs followed, presenting lavish gifts—territory deeds, ceremonial relics, and rare historical artifacts meant to impress. Most of them were worth far more than One Million.
I noticed Diana's wolf stirred—unsettled, perhaps even annoyed—though she quickly masked it beneath her flawless exterior.
When our turn arrived, my heart pounded, though my face betrayed nothing.
Alexander, despite his earlier embarrassment, straightened his posture and strode beside me with that stubborn determination he always showed in public.
Whether it was real confidence or a desperate attempt to mask his insecurities, I couldn’t tell.
As we stepped into the center of the room, I cradled my small wooden box carefully, feeling the judgmental gazes of the other wolves circle us.
“Lady Grace,” I began, keeping my voice steady despite the weight of so many eyes on me. “Our offering is modest in appearance but created with heartfelt care and consideration.”
I opened the lid of the box, revealing the silvery balm nestled within. Its scent wafted out immediately, light and refreshing yet strangely powerful.
“I present Moonlight’s Embrace,” I said, meeting Lady Grace’s golden gaze. “A custom healing balm crafted from rare herbs gathered from the border territories. It is designed to ease the burden of full-moon transformations, particularly for elder wolves.”
There was a faint shift in the room, some wolves leaning closer to catch the scent of the balm.
Then Diana’s voice cut through the grand hall, oozing with mock concern. “Herbs? Is this truly the best the Storm Pack can muster? Common plants? How... quaint.”
The condescension in her tone was impossible to ignore. Through the pack bonds, her wolf radiated smugness, fully intent on turning the gathering against me.
I caught Alexander shifting beside me. His weak Alpha aura flickered like a struggling ember. Embarrassment darted across his face, and I saw his hand twitch as if he wanted to step forward and snatch the box from my hands.
Diana wasn’t finished. “Surely the Storm Pack hasn’t fallen so far that this... rudimentary concoction is what they bring to honor the Blackthorns?”**
I sighed inwardly. It was like her to try and humiliate others to secure her own spotlight.
Before Alexander’s stammering could worsen the situation, I calmly raised my voice for all to hear.
“This balm is far from rudimentary, Diana,” I said, ensuring my tone stayed measured, firm. “It was created using specially harvested wolfsbane essence and lunar flowers, rare ingredients known to strengthen elders during transformations.”
The collective murmur of the gathered packs shifted. A mixture of curiosity and approval came from several corners of the room.
Lady Grace’s personal Beta, having just returned from patrol, stepped forward. His wolf aura radiated strength, and his sharp senses zeroed in on the balm.
“The scent alone speaks volumes,” he said, his voice deep and filled with sincerity. “It’s unlike anything I’ve encountered. Crafted skillfully.”
Lady Grace leaned forward slightly, inhaling deeply. Her wolf stirred faintly, visible only to those attuned to such subtle energy changes. A flicker of approval crossed her regal features.
“Take it to my chambers,” she instructed her Beta softly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
The Beta nodded and accepted the balm with both hands, treating it with reverence.
Across the room, Diana’s sharp intake of breath was audible even without the pack bond. Her wolf snarled internally, nearly breaching her carefully maintained composure.
The ceremonial daggers that Diana had so proudly presented now rested on the table, practically forgotten in the wake of Lady Grace’s approval of my balm.
Through the grand hall, murmurs rippled.
“Thoughtful craftsmanship...” “A gift of respect, not just wealth...” “She clearly understands the needs of elders...”
Diana’s wolf bristled with barely contained rage. I could feel her ire simmering beneath the mental walls of the pack bonds, threatening to spill over at any moment.
She didn’t handle being overshadowed well.
Her aura flared slightly, but I kept my own wolf calm. Moonhealer was steady, unfazed by Diana’s growing frustration.
Let her seethe.
For all her grandeur and moonstones, Lady Grace had chosen practicality and genuine care over hollow splendor.
As I returned to my place, I heard the hushed whispers of approval grow louder.
Diana’s wolf snarled louder. Through the bond, I felt her determination harden. She wouldn’t let this go unanswered. She was too proud to let her grand moment be reduced to a footnote.
But I didn’t care.
Let her try to expose me. Let her act out in rage.
I stood taller, forcing my gaze back to the dignified matriarch of the Blackthorn family. Lady Grace had seen the value of my work, and that was enough.
But this was only the first step.
I didn't forget my final purpose. The Silver Lake Territory.
But where was Dominic Blackthorn, the future Alpha King? I heard that he had a very good relationship with my grandmother. Wouldn't he show up tonight?