I stepped forward, moving between them. My stepsister instinctively retreated half a step, clearing a path.
The subtle gesture darkened her expression at once.
Everyone in the hall noticed.
The servants kept their heads bowed, yet they no longer dared to look down on me as they once had. A faint, wolfish pressure lingered in the air—not intentionally released, but unmistakable all the same.
My stepmother sensed it too.
"It seems you've learned quite a bit out there," she said, setting down her wineglass. Her voice remained gentle, though there was a probing edge beneath it. "The pack has been discussing matters of inheritance lately. Your return is most timely."
I stopped and slowly turned.
"Succession rights?" I repeated, tasting the words.
She nodded with a smile.
"Yes. After al
