Third Person’s POV


    Rowena noticed Adide’s red–rimmed eyes and understood her emotions.


    +20 Free Coins


    The ne, a gift from herte mother, had finally returned to her, and with her mating ceremony approaching, the timing was oddly perfect.


    “This ne was always meant for you. Take it as a symbol of your mother’s love,” Rowena said softly.


    Adide felt a lump in her throat. The gift from her mother, after all these turns, was back in her hands.


    Rowena insisted, “Give me one dor for the ne–a token of its return.”


    Adide quickly objected, “That’s not enough. I’ll pay its full value.”


    “One dor is more than enough,” Rowena said meaningfully. “Your mother showed me great respect that day. She could have argued, as it was her custom–made piece, but she chose to yield. This dor symbolizes the ne’s return, and its true worth is covered by her grace and magnanimity.”


    Despite Adide’s protests, Rowena stood firm. Adide epted the gesture.


    As Rowena left, she invited Adide to visit the Glenveil Pack. “Consider us friends. Feel free to drop by or invite me to the Frostfang Pack for a chat.”


    This clearly signaled that the two packs should keep in touch going forward.


    Adide naturally understood this wasn’t about ttering her.


    She was somewhat familiar with how the Glenveil Pack operated.


    As an ancient pack with a century–long heritage, many of its members held prominent positions in the royal family or government. They never had to ingratiate themselves with others.


    That being said, it’s always better to have more friends than enemies. And with the connection through this ruby ne, it seemed even more fitting.


    Adide smiled and nodded. “It’s an honor to have you as a friend.”


    After Rowena’s departure, Adide visited the room where Aire once lived. She sat on the crescent- shaped sofa, her favorite spot, and put on the ne.


    Tears fell as she closed her eyes.


    Beata stood outside, wiping away her own tears.


    She knew Adide’s pain<b>, </b>silent and hidden.


    At dinner, Ivy and Jessica recalled the ne’s history.


    conflict.”


    “Ah, that’s why the ruby ne was given up. We thought about getting the workshop to make another one. But on the one hand, time was tight, and on the other hand, Luna Rowena already had one. Luna Aire thought it would be pointless to make another, so she let it go.”


    Jessica wiped her tears and said in a choked voice, “I never thought the ruby ne woulde back to you after all that. It was supposed to be a mating gift from Luna Aire to you. And now, right before you’re gonna mate with Alpha Lance, it’s back. Maybe it’s not a coincidence. Maybe Luna Aire’s looking out for it from beyond.”


    Adide, too, felt her mother’s presence in the ne.


    The six gems represented her six brothers, their protection with her always.


    Putting on the ruby ne, she felt a flicker of anticipation regarding Lance.


    It wasn’t about craving Lance’s love.


    She knew he might have someone else in his heart, and even if he didn’t, she was savvy enough to know that love can’t be forced–giving often yields little return.


    She simply hoped that as his mate, her life might align with her mother’s words, bing peaceful and stable.


    Lance had been gone to the Shadow Peaks for days. Adide wondered when he’d be back and if he’d bring a letter from her mentor.


    Thinking of her mentor filled her with guilt.


    After returning to the city, she hadn’t visited her mentor or schoolmates once.


    She didn’t even invite them to her mating ceremony with Ulrik years ago.


    The ceremony was simple back then. Aire didn’t want to be extravagant.


    Aire had nned to visit the mentor with Ulrik after his victory in battle.


    Little did they know that opportunity would nevere.


    When she learned Ulrik was going to war, Aire had been very worried. Maybe she even regretted it back then.


    A couple of dayster, Lance still hadn’t returned.


    The gossip didn’t stop, but the focus shifted from Adide to Wanda, and even to Madison’s estate.


    In the past, Madison’s estate was super secretive, but now rumors were leaking out.


    Rumors spread about Madison’s breeder, iming she’d had at least twenty over the years. Now, only a few


    were left, and they almost never showed up in public.


    Royal family secrets always piqued people’s curiosity. Everyone loved to specte and make up stories to pass the time and satisfy their need for drama.


    Some said Madison killed those breeders; others said that was impossible.


    Wanda returned to live at Madison’s estate, and the two of them were really feeling the pressure from all the gossip.


    The more the public had criticized Adide before, the angrier they were now.


    Especially after the rumors about the breeder at Madison’s ce came out, Madison was beside herself. She was so mad she started suspecting her own close aides of spilling the beans.


    The whole estate was thrown into chaos as she checked everyone one by one. And with Wanda in a foul mood, she took out her frustration on the omegas in the estate every day.