(Richard's POV)The staff moved with practiced efficiency, gathering materials for both competitors. Feathers of various sizes for Claire, and an assortment of candles for Natalie. Both items were easy to procure, which meant the duel could begin without delay.The atmosphere among the Silvercrest Valley noble packs was electric with anticipation. Smiles spread across faces like wildfire, and excited murmurs rippled through our ranks.Claire practically vibrated with eagerness as she approached her designated table. Her confidence was infectious, and I found my own spirits lifting as I watched her examine the feathers with obvious satisfaction.My mind began racing ahead to the profits this victory would bring. Claire's werewolf network popularity would skyrocket after this triumph. Her fame would translate directly into commercial opportunities for the Silverstone pack through our investment agreements.The more formidable Claire became, the more we would benefit. Yes, she demand
(Richard's POV)I leaned closer to my son Lucas, keeping my voice low as the crowd buzzed around us. The anticipation was electric, and I could feel sweat forming on my palms despite the cool morning air."Natalie hasn't painted traditional territory ink art for the past ten years, has she?" I whispered urgently.Lucas shifted uncomfortably beside me, his eyes fixed on Natalie's composed figure across the arena."I... I'm not sure, Father," he admitted. "When she lived with us, she was restricted from painting openly. She only did it in secret."My jaw clenched. Of course. We had controlled every aspect of her life, including her artistic pursuits. I had no idea what her actual skill level was in traditional territory art."What about that painting from last year's exhibition?" I pressed. "The one you tore up?"Lucas's face flushed with shame. "It was only half-finished when I destroyed it. I couldn't judge her skill from that fragment."I nodded grimly. "Then she must speciali
(Third-person's POV)The morning sun cast long shadows across Silvercrest Valley as the most anticipated art event in territorial history was about to begin. After a sleepless night of anticipation across werewolf social media, the live-streamed painting duel had reached unprecedented heights of discussion.Major territory media outlets had converged at the art exhibition hall entrance like vultures circling prey. Their most advanced live-streaming equipment gleamed in the sunlight, cameras positioned at every conceivable angle. Professional commentators stood ready with microphones, their voices already carrying across the growing crowd."This is unprecedented," one broadcaster announced to his audience. "Never before has a single art challenge generated this level of territorial interest!"The area around the exhibition hall had become completely impassable. Thousands of wolves pressed against makeshift barriers, their excited chatter creating a constant din that echoed off the s
(Third-person's POV)The werewolf territory network practically ignited in the wake of Natalie's bold challenge. Her pinned post created a shockwave that left many wolves stunned, unable to fully process what had just happened."Did she really just challenge Claire Redwood to a painting battle?" one comment read. "This she-wolf has fangs!"The initial shock quickly gave way to something unexpected. Several knowledgeable wolves began educating others about the New Zealand Academy of Art, providing context that shifted the narrative dramatically."Do you realize what the New Zealand Academy of Art even is?" wrote one respected art historian. "It's the TOP 1 art school in the werewolf world! Their acceptance rate is lower than finding a true mate bond!"This sparked a fresh wave of excitement that swept through the comments."Moon goddess, Natalie actually graduated with an advanced degree from there?" another wolf posted in disbelief. "That changes everything!"The conversation tr
(Third-person's POV)Two days had passed since the art team's decision to promote Claire Redwood's accusations, and the werewolf territory networks had erupted into chaos. What had started as a local art controversy in Silvercrest Valley had spread like wildfire, engulfing not only the entire werewolf art community but reaching beyond to wolves who'd never shown interest in art before.The controversy blazed across social media platforms with the intensity of an Alpha territory scandal. Traditional ink painting circles debated furiously with modern art advocates. Even the prestigious New Zealand Academy of Art couldn't escape the drama, with students and faculty divided over one of their own graduates.Natalie's werewolf social media accounts, previously followed by a modest number of art enthusiasts, were suddenly discovered by thousands. Her comment sections flooded with abusive messages:"Fraud! Using pack connections to fake an art career!""Did you even paint any of these you
(Third-person's POV)The tension in the room thickened as Claire's question hung in the air.Richard Silverstone shifted uncomfortably, the question piercing through his carefully constructed facade.Connor Redwood, oblivious to the deeper implications, began pacing frantically across the luxurious wolf-hide rug."Sister! What do we do now?" he exclaimed, his voice rising with panic. "If the Nightshade pack intervenes on behalf of Natalie Silverstone, our Redwood pack can't bear it!"His face had gone pale, fingers trembling as he ran them through his disheveled hair. The mere mention of the Nightshade pack was enough to reduce the once-arrogant Alpha heir to a nervous wreck.Lucas Silverstone nodded vigorously, his eyes wide with fear."It wouldn't even take the Nightshade pack's direct action," he added, voice quivering. "Just a whisper that Florian Nightshade's potential mate was bullied in Silvercrest Valley would spell disaster for both our packs."He swallowed hard, casti