Adide’s POV


    After settling Cedric in, Ivy and I headed out.


    The sky was overcast<b>, </b>and the wind was biting. I wrapped my cloak tightly around myself. Ivy handed her water cup to Jasmine and we made our way to the warehouse.


    I intended to sort out the new assets acquired by the Frostfang Pack.


    The wind carried Ivy’s voice in fits and starts, “It’s not about the past. I was at Etainil Dress Shop for our wedding dress when I overheard that Gloria from the Olsons was ordering a dress there. Turns <b>out </b>she’s mating with Ulrik.”


    My cedar pheromones rippled slightly, and I absentmindedly rubbed the silver fox fur trim on my cloak.


    My wolf whimpered softly in my mind.


    We’d dissolved our bond, yet my wolf still remembered our former mate.


    I asked, puzzled, “Ulrik’s mating again? What about Velda? Did they dissolve their mating bond, or did he cast her out?<b>” </b>


    “Velda was never a true Luna, more like a breeder. Now Ulrik’s mating with his rightful Luna.”


    “Gloria Olson? The same Olson as Tad Olson?<b>” </b>


    “Exactly!”


    I recalled Gloria, who’d also dissolved a mating bond before.


    She’d been bonded to General Abbot’s son, a rising wolf general.


    But after <b>a </b>year, he died in battle.


    The Abbots, kind–hearted, didn’t want to trap Gloria.


    General Abbot agreed <i>to </i>dissolve the mating bond and let her leave the pack, even escorting her back to her birth <b>pack</b>.


    Rumor had it she initially resisted leaving butter returned.


    Being three years older than Ulrik, her mating bond with him was unexpected.


    “How did thise about? Would Velda agree? Did Ulrik consent?”


    <b>Despite </b>knowing I shouldn’t pry, curiosityced my cedar pheromones.


    Ivy replied, “Details are <b>scarce</b><b>, </b>but it’s said that Elder Cyrus’s mate yed matchmaker<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    <b>+20 </b>Free <b>Coins </b>


    My wolf cars twitched under my hood.


    Cyrus, the Royal Elder Council President, whose mate usually minded her own business, was an unlikely matchmaker.


    Given Bloodmoon Pack’s current state, many she–wolves avoided Velda.


    Who wanted to deal with overbearing Velda?


    And with such aplicated family situation, any sane she–wolf would back away.


    Yet the prospect of allying with Ironw Pack must have pleased Rosemary.


    Still, I wondered if there was more to it.


    But I brushed it aside–it was none of my concern, merely gossip.


    Two dayster, Ironw Pack’s Luna sent word that she and Gloria would visit tomorrow to “congratte Cedric on his return.”


    When Ivy came to report, her voice carried a cautionary sulfurous tone, “Maybe you shouldn’t meet them. It’s unclear what they want. If they were here to scout the Bloodmoon Pack, they should havee earlier, not when the bonding and wedding dress are already in preparation.”


    The silver–moon patterned cufflinks on my sleeves gleamed coldly in the dim light as I tapped my fingertips on the desk. “What did the message say?”


    Ivy said, “They im to celebrate Cedric’s return, but it’s a weak excuse. If they’d truly cared, they’d have visited sooner.”


    I recalled Ulrik’s new mate’s identity and suddenlyprehended.


    Realizing their likely intent was to assess the benefits and drawbacks of Gloria bing Bloodmoon Pack’s Luna through Frostfang Pack’s royal connections, I replied calmly, “Tell them Cedric’s still recovering and can’t receive visitors. Once he’s better, I’ll bring him to Ironw Pack.”


    Ivy respectfully nodded in acknowledgment. As she turned to leave, the air from her cloak caused the candlelight to flicker.


    I knew they’d reallye to discuss Bloodmoon Pack matters.


    Since I had no say in those affairs, avoiding them was wise.


    Two days after responding, the first snow of winter fell—a light dusting that quickly ceased.


    Despite the cold, I took Cedric to the garden.


    Some wax–plum blossoms had opened, their yellow flowers sweetly fragrant and strikingly beautiful.


    Cedric was delighted, his face flushed but beaming.


    He tried to speak, cing his hand on his throat, but couldn’t make a sound, growing more flustered.


    I squatted down and said gently, “It’s okay. Take your time. We’re not in a rush.”


    Cedric nodded, disappointment briefly crossing his face.


    He’d been able to make some sounds before, but now he waspletely voiceless.


    However, his smile quickly returned.


    He touched my cheek with his cold hand,ughed heartily, and shook his head, signaling he wasn’t upset.


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