The Pack's Daughter (Aysel and Magnus) novel Chapter 167

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**Midnight Letters by Daniel Crowe**
**Chapter 167**

The guest hall of Mistyhowl Mountain Lodge was a sight to behold, transformed into a shimmering venue reminiscent of a moonlit gala. Tall crystal lanterns flickered, casting a silver flame that danced across the room, illuminating long tables laden with an array of delicacies, inviting like a banquet for wandering wolves. When Aysel finally stepped inside, she found herself amidst a gathering of familiar faces, her former classmates from the Academy, their scents intertwining in a tapestry of nostalgia and unspoken history.

Celestine had once reigned as the campus darling, an ethereal figure who seemed to float above the rest. With a beauty that could only be described as divine, she was well-bred and spoke with a gentleness that charmed everyone around her. Her talents as a “prodigy spirit-dancer” only added to her allure, casting a halo around her that made her the object of admiration for countless wolves. The years had only magnified her legend, transforming her into a dream that many aspired to touch.

However, that dream shattered spectacularly just a month ago. The explosive livestream that unveiled her confrontation over plagiarism reverberated through every communication hub among the packs. The moment Celestine was taken away by the Moon Enforcers, the uproar was palpable, sending shockwaves that rattled the very foundations of their society.

Rumors spiraled out of control; whispers suggested that she had recently vanished due to confirmed allegations of hiring rogues to harm a rival. The scandal laid bare the inner workings of the Moonvale Pack, exposing secrets that had long been buried under layers of respectability.

And so, when Aysel entered the hall tonight, she became an unintentional focal point, another figure caught in the storm of Celestine’s downfall. The expressions on the faces around her were a mix of curiosity and apprehension, their scents shifting with an undercurrent of unease.

In the past, many had been misled by Celestine’s charm, allowing themselves to believe the narrative that painted Aysel as the cruel, sharp-tongued girl who bullied the delicate “Ward princess.” Who could have imagined that the one branded as domineering had always been the true outcast? Especially in a pack where the leadership demonstrated glaring double standards, treating Aysel as if she’d been raised by a step-alpha and step-luna. It was no wonder misunderstandings flourished in such a toxic environment.

Wolves were creatures of instinct, and the herd mentality often twisted reality. A lie, repeated enough times, became a truth; with three wolves claiming they saw a tiger, no one dared to question its existence. In that sense, they had all played a role in perpetuating Celestine’s myth.

As Aysel navigated the room, tension hung thick in the air. Classmates from different years cast furtive glances her way, their curiosity palpable, their guilt evident in the shifting scents that surrounded her.

Amidst the crowd, Emma, the one who had reached out to Aysel for this reunion, lit up at the sight of her. Her energy was infectious, practically radiating as she exclaimed, “Aysel, you made it! Come sit with us.”

With a welcoming gesture, she led Aysel to a crescent-shaped sofa that their class had claimed as their own.

“Our class leader is stuck in another territory—her flight got canceled because of a storm,” Emma explained, her voice bubbling with excitement. She was keenly aware of Aysel’s desire to reconnect with certain individuals tonight, and she wanted to ensure Aysel felt welcomed.

Aysel offered a small, appreciative smile. “Thank you.”

Emma’s eyes sparkled as she returned the smile, her heart racing at the chance to be near someone who was now fiercely protected by one of the continent’s most formidable alphas: Magnus Sanchez of the Shadowbane Pack. The very mention of his name sent shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned wolves.

Rumor had it that Magnus was fiercely protective of Aysel, that she now lived a mostly secluded life, and that anyone wishing to reach out to her often met with insurmountable barriers.

Tonight, however, was a golden opportunity for Emma.

She had never been fond of Celestine Ward, having belonged to a different social circle entirely during their school days. In fact, back in high school, she had harbored a crush on Fenrir, Aysel’s brother. But Celestine, playing the role of the innocent little sister, had made it clear that anyone wishing to pursue Fenrir first had to bow to her whims.

Emma found that utterly ridiculous. She was not the type to bend her will for any male, and she had openly mocked Celestine, which led to her blocking Fenrir shortly afterward, partly out of spite.

Luna Evelyn, Celestine’s mother, had even wondered why the once-enthusiastic Emma, who frequently visited Moonvale territory, had suddenly stopped appearing.