The Pack's Daughter (Aysel and Magnus) novel Chapter 55

**Midnight Letters by Daniel Crowe**
**Chapter 55**

**Aysel’s POV**

Just the day before, I found myself standing before Magnus, my heart racing with uncertainty as I posed a crucial question about the role I was to play that evening at the Shadowbane family gathering.

His reply was refreshingly blunt—“Arrogant. Wildly arrogant.”

That single word was all I needed to set the course for the night ahead.

This gathering, while not a royal court, was far from casual; it was an intimate feast among Alphas and their heirs, where the weight of appearances was heavy and undeniable. I had to embody the essence of a she-wolf who radiated confidence, someone who was acutely aware of her mate’s favor—proud, untouchable, a delicate venom cloaked in soft velvet.

Yet, I was acutely aware that the night would serve as my battlefield, and in battles, one does not win simply by dazzling the crowd with superficial charm.

So, I resolved to adopt an alternate persona—soft, fragile, like a trembling doe caught in the gaze of feral beasts.

Two masks, two facets of survival, each crafted to shield me in their own way.

Lisa, my stylist, was practically vibrating with excitement at the concept. “Got it. I’ll make you unforgettable, Aysel,” she declared, her eyes sparkling with creative fervor.

Her nails were sharp, but her instincts were sharper still. By the time she had worked her magic, I was adorned in two completely distinct looks, each curated and perfected under her discerning gaze.

For the midday gathering, I slipped into a stunning scarlet off-shoulder dress. The moment I emerged in it, Lisa froze, her breath hitching in her throat.

“Moon’s mercy… you were born for red,” she whispered, awe threading through her words.

But it was the evening gown that truly showcased her artistry. Crafted from silver-white silk, it flowed like moonlight captured within fabric. Tiny diamonds adorned the hem and bodice, shimmering with every breath I took, each movement sending reflections dancing like frost glistening on water.

Lisa circled around me, her expression one of pure admiration. “Perfect. Absolutely perfect. You look like a goddess,” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with wonder.

If only she knew the truth of my identity—the disgraced daughter of the Moonvale Pack—perhaps she would have offered me to her designer friends in the vibrant human cities beyond our borders.

The pack house buzzed with activity all morning long. Yet Magnus remained unfazed by the chaos, standing in the kitchen with his black shirt sleeves rolled up, effortlessly pan-frying dumplings as if it were the most mundane task in the world.

Even that—

especially that—

drew the gazes of many.

The Alpha of Shadowbane, the most formidable wolf on the continent, preparing breakfast with his own hands.

A few of the male staff members attempted to look away, but when I stepped out in my new dress, their gazes lingered far longer than necessary. The moment Magnus caught sight of their lingering stares, a low ripple of Alpha dominance swept through the room, cold and commanding. In an instant, no one dared to lift their heads.

He didn’t need to utter a single word.

Shadowbane wolves didn’t bark;

they ruled.

As I settled into my seat, Magnus placed a plate in front of me and, without a word, offered me a dumpling. I accepted it, knowing he was aware I hadn’t eaten yet; he had been awake since dawn, engaged in pack affairs and leading a war meeting through the Pack Link network.

I chewed quietly, then gestured with my fork. “Fruit. And yogurt.”

He complied, a faint smile ghosting across his lips.

The stylists around us were rendered speechless, their expressions a blend of disbelief and awe. A few of them likely thought they had stumbled into a fever dream—no one would believe this tale if they dared to share it beyond these walls.

After hours of meticulous preparation, everything was finally set.

As the sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of the Shadowbane estate, the guards straightened at once, their posture rigid with alertness.

Magnus was the first to step out, tall and exuding an air of calm confidence, before circling around to extend his hand to me.

That simple, protective gesture—

it made the butler’s face pale. He understood the significance of an Alpha of Shadowbane bringing a woman into the gathering in such a manner.

Luna.

A title that belonged solely to the mate of the pack’s ruling Alpha.

Every gaze shifted toward me. Some were filled with curiosity, but most were laced with hostility.

I smiled sweetly—

the kind of smile wolves wear just before they bite.

Magnus continued, introducing me to each member of the bloodline, his confidence unwavering. We paused last before his father, Ulric Sanchez, and his stepmother, Ivy.

“This is my father,” Magnus said coolly, his tone measured. “And my stepmother.”

The word dripped with disdain, and Ivy’s expression darkened instantly, her claws twitching beneath her elegant silks.

Magnus’s father shot him a glare. “Watch your tongue. She’s your Luna mother.”

Magnus met his father’s fierce gaze with the calmness of a predator who knew he dominated the food chain. “Not mine.”

And just like that, the storm began to brew.

In this chapter of *Midnight Letters*, Aysel’s emotional journey culminates in a powerful confrontation with her identity and the expectations placed upon her. As she dons the dual personas crafted by both necessity and survival, she learns to navigate the treacherous waters of the Shadowbane family gathering. Her initial uncertainty transforms into a fierce determination as she embraces the title of Luna, a role that not only defines her relationship with Magnus but also challenges the perceptions of those around her. The tension in the air is palpable, and Aysel’s resolve to stand her ground amidst the scrutiny of the pack signifies her growth from a fragile she-wolf to a formidable presence, ready to claim her place in this world.

As the evening unfolds, the stakes rise with every introduction and every disapproving glance from the Shadowbane lineage. Magnus’s unwavering support serves as both a shield and a sword, empowering Aysel to confront the disdain of the elders and assert her worth. The gathering, initially perceived as a ritual of selection, becomes a battleground for loyalty, power, and acceptance. Aysel’s sweet smile, laden with the promise of defiance, encapsulates her transformation; she is no longer merely the disgraced daughter of the Moonvale Pack but a formidable contender in the realm of Alphas. This chapter closes with Aysel standing tall beside Magnus, ready to face the storm brewing within the Shadowbane estate, a testament to her resilience and newfound strength.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As tensions rise within the opulent walls of the Shadowbane estate, the air crackles with unspoken challenges and veiled threats. Aysel’s bold declaration as Magnus’s mate has ignited a firestorm of reactions, and the stakes have never been higher. In the next chapter, readers can anticipate a riveting exploration of the intricate dynamics at play within the Sanchez family. With each member vying for power and influence, Aysel will need to navigate this treacherous terrain with both grace and cunning, all while maintaining the facade of the untouchable Luna. As alliances shift and hidden agendas come to light, will she be able to hold her ground, or will the weight of her past threaten to unravel her present?

Moreover, Magnus’s defiance against his father sets the stage for a clash of wills that promises to be as explosive as it is pivotal. The tension between father and son will undoubtedly escalate, drawing Aysel deeper into the fray as she finds herself caught between loyalty and survival. As the night unfolds, expect to witness Aysel’s transformation from a mere pawn in this game of power to a player in her own right. With each interaction, she will have to decide how much of her true self to reveal and how far she is willing to go to protect her newfound status. The gathering is not just a feast; it is a battleground where hearts will be tested, and destinies forged.

Prepare for unexpected alliances, fierce confrontations, and the unveiling of secrets that could change the course of Aysel’s life forever. The next chapter promises to be a whirlwind of emotions and revelations, leaving readers breathless and eager to see how Aysel will wield her newfound strength in a world where every glance and whisper could spell her doom or her salvation.