After reaching adulthood, I inherited my parents' combat talents. Through my own efforts, I became the pack's hunting captain. Every large-scale hunt was planned and led by me. But Asher and Serena always believed I only got this position because of the former Alpha's favoritism.
The former Alpha patiently explained, "Asher, the hunting squad has always been led by Aria. Suddenly changing leadership would affect the entire pack's hunting efficiency."
"I don't care!" Asher interrupted. "I've already decided. Serena is my chosen mate, the pack's future Luna. Would you rather trust an outsider than your own son's choice?"
The hunting squad was the pack's most important combat core.
In my previous life, under my leadership, the pack's territory expanded threefold. We became one of the top five packs in the southern territories. This gave Asher the qualifications to compete for Alpha King.
It also secured my position as hunting leader.
Asher knew this very well.
A few minutes later, the former Alpha's beta assistant brought me to the study.
The former Alpha sat behind his massive mahogany desk, looking exhausted.
He gestured for me to sit. His fingers unconsciously tapped the desktop, creating dull sounds.
"Aria, there's something I need to discuss with you."
"Alpha, you don't need to say it." I interrupted, my voice so calm it felt foreign even to me. "I understand."
The former Alpha looked up, surprise flashing in his eyes before melting into deep guilt.
All these years, he'd valued me highly. He'd raised me like his own daughter.
But today's situation was beyond his control.
He was aging. The pack needed a new Alpha.
The former Alpha sighed deeply. "The hunting squad has always been under your command. Suddenly changing people would indeed be inappropriate."
"But you know how stubborn Asher is. Even more stubborn than me."
I nodded. "Uncle, I understand."
From my jacket, I withdrew the hunting captain's armband and organized files I'd prepared earlier, along with a top-grade moonstone ring. I placed them gently on the desk.
"These are all the hunting routes and territorial defense maps. Asher is familiar with them."
The former Alpha stared at the moonstone ring, his fingers trembling slightly.
This was Frostmoon Pack's generational heirloom, symbolizing the future Luna's identity. It was said to be priceless.
Since I'd come of age and could shift into my wolf form, I'd carried it with me. It had become part of my body.
In my previous life, it never left me until the moment I died.
Looking at my calm face, the former Alpha seemed to want to speak but held back.
I stood and bowed to him. "Alpha, thank you for your care all these years. Aria is eternally grateful."
The study door suddenly burst open. Asher strode in with Serena close behind.
"Dad, is everything settled?"
He didn't even glance at me, walking straight to the former Alpha's side.
The former Alpha nodded helplessly, pushing the armband, files, and moonstone ring toward him. "Aria has agreed to the handover."
Before Asher could speak, Serena eagerly snatched up the moonstone ring. Her eyes couldn't hide her excitement, smugness, and greed.
This scene made the former Alpha frown slightly.
"Wait."
I suddenly spoke. Asher frowned. "Aria, are you trying to go back on your word?"
I shook my head, pulling out a separate document from the file bag.
"These are the distributions of the most dangerous hunting grounds, including border agreements with neighboring packs and migration routes of several key prey animals."
Asher suspiciously took the folder, quickly flipping through it. His frown deepened.
"If these areas aren't handled properly, they could trigger war at any moment." I said calmly. "With Serena's abilities, she should be able to manage, right?"
A flicker of something crossed Serena's face, but she quickly resumed her confident expression.
She laughed. "Don't worry about it. You're just an outsider now. I know what I'm doing."
I said nothing more.
Serena was a low-ranking member who had never participated in real large-scale pack hunts. She knew nothing about hunting or territorial management.
Frostmoon Pack's current strength relied entirely on my tactics and negotiations with other groups. One misstep would cause everything to collapse.
"You can leave now." Asher said coldly. "From today on, Frostmoon Pack has nothing to do with you."
I was about to turn and leave when Serena suddenly spoke up. "Wait!"
Her voice carried deliberate arrogance.
I stopped but didn't turn around.
"Since Aria is no longer hunting captain, she's hardly a core member of Frostmoon Pack anymore, right?"
"According to the rules, she shouldn't remain in our territory. She can't take even a hair with her."
"Asher, what do you think?"
