The Pack's Daughter (Aysel and Magnus) novel Chapter 96

**Midnight Letters by Daniel Crowe**

**Chapter 96**

In the dim light of the room, the consequences of Magnus’s scheme unfolded like a dark cloud, leaving Zark’s years of meticulous plotting in shambles. The air was thick with tension, and a violent throb pulsed at Zark’s temple, each beat echoing his disbelief. His veins felt like they were on fire, and his eyes widened, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the betrayal that had just occurred.

No—something was amiss. Deeply, fundamentally wrong.

Louisa had never outright declared that the exquisite calligraphy piece was intended for him, but the implication had hung in the air like a specter. He could recall every detail with unsettling clarity—she had never mentioned that the relic bore such significance. If she had, he would never have parted with it, not even in his recent desperation for coin.

A trap.

The word echoed in his mind, sinking its claws deep into his consciousness, leaving no room for anything else.

Someone was aware of his clandestine connection with Louisa.

Someone who could entice a Thornwild heiress.

Someone who usually shunned such gatherings yet had appeared, brazenly, with a woman by his side.

Someone who had witnessed Zark’s feeble attempt to maneuver at Agnes’s home just days prior.

All the pieces clicked into place with a chilling precision.

Magnus was targeting him.

Yet, a burning question lingered in Zark’s mind—why? Agnes had been a failure in her mission. Was Magnus truly so consumed by vengeance that he would retaliate with such ferocity?

And even if Zark had humiliated himself in public, what did that ultimately gain Magnus?

But Zark overlooked a crucial detail—everyone knew that Magnus had long severed ties with the Sanchez lineage. In the eyes of society, Magnus and the broader Sanchez family were as estranged as two rival packs.

And Magnus’s earlier “generosity”? Most of it had been carved directly from Zark’s own flesh.

Not that it mattered in the grand scheme of things. Magnus had exuded an air of calm, offering benefits without so much as a flutter of his eyelids.

Zark’s fury, shame, or ruin would never reach Magnus personally.

Aysel’s last impression of Zark was still vivid in her mind—the moment in the Moonvale Pack’s manor when he had derisively called Magnus a “hopeless romantic,” dripping with polished arrogance. But that image was a far cry from the Zark before her now. He appeared wild, like a cornered wolf, seething with rage and helplessness.

“Why is he being so self-destructive?” Aysel whispered, her voice laced with confusion.

Magnus, pouring her a cup of moon-leaf tea, replied coolly, “He believes the collapse of his little enterprise is my doing.”

What a pathetic sight. Instead of rallying to salvage his territory in the face of failure, Zark had resorted to seducing alliances through women—and worst of all, he had attempted it with someone connected to Magnus.

“Was it you?” Aysel inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Magnus took a deliberate sip, his voice devoid of emotion. “His territory is far too insignificant for me to bother with.”

“But Louisa was arranged by you,” she pointed out, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.

She even flashed him a discreet thumbs-up. “You have exquisite taste.”

Magnus’s lashes lowered, catching the brilliance of her smile. His tone remained inscrutable. “You like her?”

Aysel tilted her head thoughtfully. “She’s undeniably charming.”

Clear and rational.

From an objective standpoint, Zark was unworthy of someone like Louisa.

Louisa had never held Zark in high regard. He was decent-looking, skilled in sweet talk, his family background was passable, and his talents were adequate—he was merely a suitable candidate for a political mating contract.

But if the Thornwild Pack could forge a direct alliance with Magnus Sanchez, the continent’s most formidable Alpha, why would she ever settle for Zark?

A boyfriend? Easily replaceable.

Inter-pack benefits? Absolutely non-negotiable.

She should be thanking Zark’s foolishness for handing her such an opportunity.

As Aysel admired Magnus’s subtle charm, he tapped his finger lightly against the rim of his cup.

“Louisa is intelligent, yes. But she is driven—consumed by ambition and profit. She offers barely half a heart to anyone.”

Aysel shot him a sidelong glance, puzzled.

Why was he disparaging others so randomly?

And truthfully, half a heart was still far more than Magnus had ever offered to the world.

But she wisely refrained from voicing her thoughts.

Then, a memory struck her—Olivia’s scandal involving Zark’s infidelity.

“The incident with Olivia—was that your doing as well?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Magnus pinched her cheek playfully, unable to resist the urge. “No.”

He paused for a heartbeat, then added, “I don’t make a habit of breaking mating bonds.”

Aysel nodded, understanding.

Of course, he wouldn’t. Magnus wasn’t one to toy with pack alliances for mere amusement.

He simply crushed everything beneath the weight of his raw dominance.

She stifled a small laugh.

Poor Zark had truly terrible luck.

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