**Midnight Letters by Daniel Crowe**
**Chapter 76**
In the expansive lunar hall, where shadows danced alongside flickering candlelight, Mary erupted into a sharp, mocking laugh that sliced through the tension like a knife.
“I may not possess every scrap of information,” she scoffed, her golden-brown eyes glinting with defiance, “but I can see, Damon. If you have the audacity to act on your desires, then why are you quaking in fear at the thought of others discussing it? Hypocrite. I must have been utterly blind to have ever harbored feelings for you.”
The atmosphere around them thickened, becoming almost brittle, as Damon’s expression darkened. The faint glow of his Alpha aura flickered beneath his skin, a silvery fire that hinted at the storm brewing within him.
Mary, emboldened by her reckless spirit, raised her chin defiantly, continuing her taunts, blissfully unaware of the peril she was courting.
Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed through the hall, silencing the murmurs of the crowd.
“Enough!”
The authoritative voice belonged to her mother, whose hand struck the back of Mary’s head with a force that only a wolf could muster.
“Damn it, Mother!” Mary exclaimed, her voice a mixture of indignation and disbelief.
“Watch your tongue!” came another swift slap, this one aimed squarely between Mary’s shoulder blades. The force was enough to make her stumble forward, her balance wavering as she fought to remain upright.
This foolish cub—leave her unattended for a mere moment, and she brings disgrace upon the pack. That reckless tongue of hers would surely require stitching one day.
“I’m terribly sorry,” Mary’s mother said, her voice dripping with feigned sweetness as she tugged her daughter back by the arm. “My Mary is young and thoughtless. I sincerely apologize on her behalf, Alpha Damon. We will return home immediately and address her discipline.”
As a respected elder of the lesser packs, she bowed low, her posture reflecting both respect and submission. Damon’s jaw tightened, but he remained silent, standing there like a granite statue, his expression devoid of emotion, though the storm brewing in his eyes spoke volumes.
As Mary was dragged away, she muttered under her breath, her resentment bubbling just beneath the surface. She hadn’t even had the chance to witness the unfolding spectacle to its end.
Across the polished marble terrace of Moonvale Keep, two young females pushed through the murmuring crowd, their presence vibrant and full of life. One had a round face with a mischievous glint in her eye, while the other, adorned in a flowing gown of gold, moved with an air of grace.
Though they had already presented their offerings to Moonvale’s steward upon their arrival, they felt an irresistible urge to voice their wishes directly to the lady herself.
Tonight, the she-wolf standing before them was a stark contrast to the rumors that had circulated—there was no hint of arrogance in her demeanor, only a quiet radiance that captivated those around her. And her beauty… it was the kind that would make even the goddess herself envious.
The two girls exchanged a conspiratorial grin, their laughter as light and refreshing as morning dew.
“Happy birthday, Lady Aysel,” the round-faced girl chimed, her voice warm with sincerity.
Aysel blinked in surprise, her eyes widening before a genuine smile broke across her lips—a rare and precious sight. “Thank you,” she replied, her voice soft yet filled with warmth.
She hadn’t anticipated that the first blessing of the night would come from such spirited young women.
The round-faced girl extended her hand, her expression earnest. “I’m Jeanne, from the Nightshade bloodline.”
Aysel took her hand, her grip gentle yet firm. “Aysel Vale, of the Moonvale Pack.”
“Ha!” Jeanne laughed, her joy infectious. “An honor long overdue.”

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