Third Person’s POV


    “Hmm, now she’s used that pension and those two shops to mate Ulrik. If Eugene really <bes </b><b>back</b>, he probably going to be pretty upset,” Paisley said.


    “Ah, it’s such a dilemma,” Adide sighed.


    Paisley’s mood turned somber. “If it’s really Eugene, and he didn’t tell Glória he was alive out <b>of </b><b>loyalty</b><b>. </b>then her remating isn’t her fault. That’s true.”


    It was true, but thinking about the whole thing, it was still really sad.


    As the night wore on, the conversation between Adide and Paisley, who were as close as sisters, <b>grew </b>heavier.


    The intermingling cedar and crimson pheromones in the room gradually shifted from tense to rxed.


    After the Southern Border Campaign, even the asional sh of wolf ws at Paisley’s fingertips <b>carried </b>a newfound steadiness<b>. </b>


    Her thoughts had matured significantly, especially after recently living in the capital and learning about the intricacies of noble families.


    Her crimson pheromones rippled withplexity; the world was far more nuanced than she’d perceived in the Shadow Peaks.


    Life there had been simple–daily spats with pheromone shes or leisurely strolls with pets, the most severe incident being a beating from another faction’s students, where the shing dominance had been purely youthful.


    As their conversation meandered, both women’s pheromones grew heavy with fatigue.


    Paisley shifted, her wolf tail unconsciously sweeping the bed’s edge as she stepped on Adide, <i>her </i>fangs slightly bared in a yawn, “I really envy you having such a good mother–inw. That New Moon Priestess truly protects you.”


    “I know,” Adide replied, her cedar pheromones softly wrapping around Paisley’s crimson aura.


    “Maybe I should marry Alpha Lance too, and have her as my mother–inw…”


    Paisley’s words were cut short as Adide yfully kicked her out of bed with a thud.


    Paisley’s wolf ears perked up instantly. She leaped back onto the bed, her crimson–tinged fist lightly pounding Adide, her wolf ws/flickering at the tips, “I was just messing around, and you actually did it? The New Moon Priestess has already offered to take me in as her goddaughter. I’ve just been pretending <b>to </b>be aloof, but she adores me.”


    Adide kept blocking with her elbow, her cedar pheromones carrying a faint chill.


    Then, with a well–ced foot, she pinned Paisley’s thigh and pressed her head into the bed, a glint of amusement in her eyes. “I’m exhausted. Time to sleep!”


    III


    O


    <b>Paisley </b>wriggled free from under Adide’s foot, her <b>crimson </b>pheromones <b>puffing </b>Indignantly burrowed into the thin nket,


    Her wolf tail tip defiantly swept Adide’s ankle. “Good night.”


    Their pheromones gradually swirled into a warm eddy, like the softest fur enveloping <b>them</b>.


    The next day, Adide took Zelda and Paisley shopping,


    They headed to the Golden Jewelry Store in the capital to browse new designs.


    They could also have the store send new pieces to the pack for selection.


    However, Zelda, cager to see more styles and escape the pack’s boredom, insisted on going out.


    The royal family had already prepared her mating ceremony essories, but Adide felt it <b>wasn’t </b>enough, and Zelda wanted to buy more.


    After breakfast, Prisci dozed for a while. At lunchtime, noticing Adide hadn’te to greet her and Paisley and Zelda were absent too, she sent someone to check.


    Upon learning the trio had gone shopping without her, Prisci was stunned with rage.


    How dare they exclude her?


    She stormed out, dering she’d visit the royal pce alone.


    Susan and Morgana hurried after her. “Where are you going?” they asked.


    “To the royal pce. I need somepany,” Prisci snapped.


    The Golden Jewelry Store, located on South Street in the capital, was a renowned establishment.


    Its designs were innovative, some even beyond the royal family’s craftsmanship.


    Royaldies often had pieces purchased from here.


    What’s more, the future heir of the Jewelry Store was a marketing genius. Some designs were made in limited quantities.


    Even though the profit from these few pieces was small, they helped maintain the store’s golden reputation, and passing down this legacy was the top priority.


    The store had three floors: the first for affordable items, the second for higher–quality goods, and the third for limited editions.


    Even the more affordable items bore the store’s unique mark.


    Upon arrival, the driver waited outside as the three women entered hand in hand.


    Adide immediately frowned–she recognized someone inside.