Third Person's POV
Ulva stood up and grabbed an extra set of silverware. "Isaiah, since you moved in next door, there's no reason for you to go hunting for food on your own. Anytime you don't feel like cooking, just come over. We've always got plenty."
Attwater was already pulling out a chair. "My mom's right. Being a lone wolf is boring. Sit down, Isaiah!"
Isaiah didn't act like a guest for a second. He sat right down and started joking with the Silverlight crew while helping himself to the omelets on the table.
Attwater chewed on a piece of bacon, looking at Ulva. "Mom, the ranking exams at the Academy are only a week away. When Trista took them, you were outside the hall in a 'Number One Fan' shirt, radiating enough supportive energy to power a stadium. It's my turn now—you've gotta pull out an even bigger outfit to back me up."
Ulva laughed, shaking her head. "I was in my prime when your sister took those tests. At my age, if I showed up in one of those giant slogan shirts, the other wolves would think I'd lost my mind."
"Then let Dad do it," Attwater suggested. "Stuff him into that furry school mascot suit and have him stand guard at the entrance."
Randolph nearly spilled his coffee on his newspaper. He gave a look of pure, horrified rejection.
Trista burst out laughing. "Leave Dad out of it. Isaiah's got the face and the build of a natural model. Let's put him in a flashy cheerleader outfit and have him be your 'lucky charm' outside the hall."
Isaiah, his mouth full of food, shot Trista a glare and let out a soft, playful growl of protest.
Attwater's eyes lit up. "That's genius! Day one: Mom wears a sequined 'Victory' hoodie. Day two: Isaiah sprays his hair the school color—bright purple. Day three: Sis, you put on the mascot suit. I'll get a perfect score for sure!"
Trista pretended to think it over for a second, then nodded. "Perfect plan. Mom, hit the party store and find the loudest stuff they have. Let's have Isaiah do a dress rehearsal."
Isaiah suddenly felt like the price for this free breakfast was getting a little steep.
He nudged Trista's arm, his tone almost pleading. "Trista, come on. I'll be the driver, okay? I really don't want to show up at the testing grounds looking like a joke in front of all the other packs."
Trista shook her head with a grin, patting his shoulder. "Show some of that 'ride or die' loyalty for your friend. I believe in you."
Isaiah gave up. He sat there looking tragic as Trista packed her bag for the clinic, leaving him at the mercy of Attwater, who was already mapping out his "bright purple" hairstyle.
9:00 AM, at Xander's Office, he watched Trista's expression for a moment before finally letting out a sigh of relief.
"Seeing you like this... I can finally stop worrying."
Trista picked up her coffee, her smile more relaxed than it had ever been. "Xander, I told you. That bond is completely erased from my system."



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