Third Person’s POV


    Adide fingered her Moon Goddess ne, its moonstone in the wolf–head emblem suddenly warm.


    Her cedar pheromones,ced with silver fern, rippled through the Thunder Wolf Pack’s conference room. “Alpha ance and I have decided that after our mating ceremony, Cedric will live with us in the ckthorn Pack,” she announced.


    She nced at Cedric and noticed him instinctively shrinking his neck. A fresh, pale–pink scar from a past rogue attack marred his nape.


    Softening her tone, she continued, “Cedric trusts Alpha Lance implicitly. It was Alpha Lance who rescued him from that nightmare. Once he recovers, Alpha Lance will hire the finest tutors for him.”


    “A decent person with some education, passing the Frostfang Pack’s test and bearing its Alpha status ensures a life of luxury,” she exined.


    Initially, the idea of Cedric living in the ckthorn Pack seemed odd to the Thunder Pack members.


    But given Lance’s approval and the broader horizons the ckthorn Pack could offer, they reluctantly agreed. Even inheriting the Frostfang Pack as a leisurely noble required vision.


    However, Old Luna Audrey of the Thunder Wolf Pack voiced her concerns. Clutching her chest as she gazed at her grandson, she said worriedly, “If he lives with you in the ckthorn Pack, visits will be rare. And with Prisci residing there too, I can’t help but worry…”


    Her words hung in the air, unspoken but clear–everyone feared Prisci might mistreat Cedric.


    Though the Thunder Wolf Pack had withdrawn from many pack gatherings and royal events over the past two years, they were not entirely isted.


    They had always quietly tracked Adide’s life, respecting her space while staying informed.


    They were well aware that Prisci harbored some discontent toward Adide. Should Cedric reside in the ckthorn Pack, this might intensify Prisci’s disapproval.


    Adide reassured them, “I’ll always prioritize Cedric’s well–being. If Prisci can’t ept him, I’ll return to the Frostfang Pack with him. I promise he won’t suffer a moment’s hardship.”


    Yet her assurance didn’t fully ease their concerns.


    Even a just Lance might grow weary over time, torn between his mate and mother.


    Alpha Hancock interjected, “Cedric should stay here in the Thunder Wolf Pack. With so many elders to care for him, he’ll be shielded from harm. As for tutors, we can arrange them too.”


    His words drew nods of agreement.


    Luna Audrey, after calming from her earlier excitement, gazed at Cedric with renewed rity.


    She really wished Cedric could stay close<b>, </b>but she had enough life experience to know better than to let emotions cloud her judgment.


    She hugged Cedric tightly beneath her ck cloak, her fingers brushing the faint silver–blue scar on his neck–a rpse from his earlier trauma.


    Her amber eyes, glowing softly in the candlelight, swept over the downy fuzz behind his ears. “Cedric is destined to inherit the Frostfang Pack’s Alpha position. The Thunder Wolf Pack’s protection alone isn’t enough,” she said firmly.


    Her pheromones sharpened abruptly. “By Alpha Lance’s side, Cedric can asionally attend key events and meet influential figures. This outreach far exceeds what the Thunder Wolf Pack can offer.”


    She turned to Adide. “I disagree with your earlier suggestion of Cedric bing a leisurely noble. With his exceptional grandfather and father, and uncles who are heroes, Cedric must strive for excellence. He must honor the Frostfang Pack’s legacy.”


    With that, Audrey removed her wolf–head pendant and pressed it into Cedric’s palm.


    The moment it touched his skin, the Thunder family’s cedar pheromones warmed him through, and his injured leg glowed faintly gold.


    “Whether you seed or not, always do your utmost. No one will fault you for trying, but to give less than your best would dishonor your grandfather, father, and uncles,” she said.


    Cedric looked up and nodded vigorously, forming a silent “I understand” with his lips.


    Tears welled in Audrey’s eyes as she hugged him again. “The Thunder Wolf Pack will always support you.”


    Cuddled in Audrey’s arms like a kitten, Cedric felt a rare sense of peace.


    Adide realized Audrey’s foresight and wisdom.


    If Cedrks ability and merely holds the Frostfang Pack’s Alpha position in name, he’ll invite jealousy.


    No one could shield him forever. Only his own strength and self–reliance would let him truly stand on his


    own.


    This was the true message behind Audrey’s stern encouragement.


    She used such harsh encouragement because she knew Cedric would look up to his grandfather and father as role models.