The Pack's Daughter (Aysel and Magnus) novel Chapter 218

**Midnight Letters by Daniel Crowe**

**Chapter 218**

**Aysel’s POV**

“Is it just me, or does it seem like everyone’s celebrating their birthdays all at once?” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper as I sat cross-legged on the soft, worn rug of our living room. My gaze was fixed on the chaotic pile of colorful invitations that lay before me like a mountain of expectations, each one a reminder of the social whirl that surrounded us.

Among these invitations was one for Bastien’s upcoming celebration, a festivity that was sure to draw a crowd. I had tried other methods—sending invitations directly to friends, even reaching out to some ambitious wolves who were eager to be in Magnus’s good graces.

Outside our den, the world knew Magnus as a wolf who preferred to keep a low profile. Yet, with me, he was a different creature entirely, shedding his usual reticence like a snake shedding its skin. I was his lifeline, his anchor in a stormy sea of expectations and responsibilities.

“Don’t fret about the events you’d rather skip,” Magnus said, his voice smooth and reassuring. He emerged from the kitchen, carrying two glasses of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, the vibrant color reflecting the warmth of the sun streaming through the window. He settled down onto the rug beside me, pulling me into his lap with a familiarity that felt as comforting as the soft fabric beneath us.

The floor around us was a delightful mess—books lay open, sketchpads were scattered, and toys of every kind were strewn about like remnants of a playful battle. Rarely did Magnus take a full day off, but today we had both embraced the joy of reverting to our youthful selves, lost in games and laughter.

I picked up one invitation, my fingers brushing over the elegant script. It was from Serena, inviting us to some extravagant yacht gala. My eyes widened in surprise.

“Ah—” I gasped, unable to contain my reaction.

Without hesitation, Magnus brought the glass of juice to my lips, and I took a sip, the tangy citrus flavor bursting in my mouth. I could feel his amused gaze on me, a playful glint in his eyes that made my heart flutter.

“Well, it all depends on your schedule,” I finally replied, a teasing smile creeping onto my face. “If it seems worth your time, go ahead. But if it doesn’t… then I’m definitely not going.”

Serena’s little gala? I could handle that without him.

Magnus leaned in closer, planting a gentle kiss on my soft cheek. Then, with a casual flick of his wrist, he reached for another invitation I had carelessly tossed aside.

This one was from the Moonvale Pack—Luna Evelyn’s birthday. As he read it, a frown creased his brow, and he tossed the card aside with a hint of frustration. They were relentless, those Moonvale wolves, refusing to let go of old ties.

I leaned back against his firm chest, tracing a finger over the card’s edge. “There’s really no need to maintain contact with those who have severed ties,” I mused, a hint of mischief dancing in my eyes. “But a small gift… it wouldn’t hurt to send something.”

I knew all too well that Celestine had been playing the part of the submissive wolf, working to pacify the once-hostile Moonvale pack. She had even found ways to mingle with them, cleverly weaving herself into their company while downplaying her own strength.

Pack politics were always a game of strategy; bonds could be tightened or loosened based on necessity. My elder sister was navigating a treacherous path, and those Moonvale wolves? How dare they celebrate a birthday as if it were without consequences?

I couldn’t help but smile to myself, knowing that some secrets were about to be uncovered.

Magnus nodded, still frowning as he tossed the invitation aside.

“Daron!” he called out, his voice carrying a tone of authority.

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