Chapter 145
This barbed remark, laced with contempt for Adelaide, solidified Madison’s stance.
145
Third Person’s POV
Some Lunas present had previously visited the Frostfang Pack with the intention of arranging a bond between their sons and Adelaide.
After all, a union with her could secure a seat on the Royal Elder Council–why wouldn’t they leap at such an opportunity?
But after hearing Madison’s remarks, they quickly abandoned the idea.
Who among the Lunas genuinely approved of a mate’s concubine?
More importantly, none wanted their sons deprived of breeders in the future.
If Adelaide couldn’t bear pups, the pack would face a succession crisis.
Seizing the moment, Rosemary began to air her grievances, painting Adelaide as arrogant, disrespectful, and envious.
Rumors, like wildfire, spread through the gathering.
Within half an hour, Adelaide was vilified by most of the ladies present.
Though some knew the truth, they stayed silent–no one dared defend Adelaide against the tide of slander.
Before Adelaide even arrived, priestesses from the former Lycan King’s court, including Priscilla, had already taken their seats.
Madison, as the former Lycan King’s sister, naturally drew their attendance for her birthday banquet.
As the royal members entered, the ladies present rose one after another to curtsy.
Priscilla had no desire to be there. She and Madison had long been at odds, with Priscilla suffering many indignities at Madison’s hands.
But a declined invitation would only give Madison more ammunition for gossip..
So, despite her reluctance and bristling wolf–hair, Priscilla attended.
The sulfurous pheromones and sharp gossip floating through the hall stabbed at Priscilla’s glands like needles.
She was livid but took a seat in the corner, hoping to avoid the spotlight.
So far, no one knew Adelaide was about to bond with Lance.
If the news got out, especially with Madison leading the smear campaign, Priscilla would be too embarrassed to be here.
1/3
145
+10 Free Coins
She deliberately chose a seat in the corner. But Madison’s daughter, Wanda, approached in stilettos.
As her moon–white dress brushed the floor, she released a provocative mint pheromone.
“Well, look who it is–Priscilla,” Wanda drawled, her wolf–pupils gleaming coldly under the chandelier.
“What birthday gift did you bring for my mother?”
Wanda’s deliberate choice to target Priscilla was clearly intentional.
Prepared for the confrontation, Priscilla replied stiffly, “I heard Madison often prays to the Moon Goddess at the altar. So, I brought a star–iron Moon Goddess statue as a gift.”
She signaled an omega to present the gift.
.
Madison glanced at it, her fingers tracing the ancient wolf–script on the base, and curled her lips in a mocking smile. “I already have a dozen star–iron pieces, but since it’s from Priscilla, I’ll accept it.”
The words sliced Priscilla’s pride like a dull knife. Her neck’s temporary mark flared with pain.
She seethed inwardly, “If you don’t value it, don’t take it,” but only a muffled growl escaped her throat.
In verbal sparring, she was no match for Madison.
In status, since the former Lycan King’s death, her former position as new moon priestess had faded.
Her son Lance’s triumphs were a brief source of pride, but outside the palace, she dared not mention him -she knew Lance had emotionally distanced himself from her.
If not for Lycan Erasmus’s intervention, allowing her to move to the Blackthorn Pack with Lance, he might have refused her altogether.
This estrangement was her deepest ache.
Despite Lance’s recent victories and accolades, he hadn’t sought to elevate her standing.
Though still a new moon priestess with Clarissa’s support, Priscilla remained below the full moon priestess in the royal hierarchy–a bitter pill to swallow.
She could only swallow this grievance silently.
Madison’s languid voice cut through the tension, her wolf–head ring glinting in the candlelight. “I heard Lycan Erasmus permitted you to leave the palace and live with Alpha Lance in the Blackthorn Pack. How delightful for mother and son to reunite. Congratulations are in order.”
Priscilla’s ear–tip silver fur twitched with smugness- even Madison had to acknowledge Lance’s achievements.
“Lance insisted I move in. I plan to assist him in managing the pack. With his recent honors and numerous estates and companies under his name, someone needs to help.”
2/3
145
+10 Free Colos
Madison burst into laughter, her finger gliding over the dragon–scale embroidery on her gown, her eyes narrowing with scorn. “How ‘filial. But if he’s so devoted, why not petition Lycan Erasmus and Clarissa to promote you to full moon priestess?”
Priscilla’s smile froze- Madison’s words struck a nerve.
“Your own son distances himself from you. What a failure as a mother.”
Madison’s follow–up was a honeyed dagger.
The surrounding guests, though silent, radiated disdain through their pheromones, flushing Priscilla’s ears with humiliation.
She seethed with rage, her wolf–claws clenching under the table, when the hall announcer declared-“The Frostfang Pack’s Alpha, Golden Claw Gamma Adelaide, has arrived!”