HOW DARE YOU?!

Minerva, accompanied by Killian and Kayller, greeted the important guests from various packs who had attended their event, making sure they appeared harmonious. This was crucial for maintaining their pack's reputation and authority in the eyes of the outside world. In front of other wolf clans, the harmony between an Alpha and his Luna was an absolute symbol of strength and unshakable territorial protection. If Alphas from other packs sensed even the slightest crack in their relationship, it could be seen as a sign of weakness.

Time passed until the formal dinner banquet began. However, as Minerva entertained the honored guests on her own, she no longer found Kayller or Killian by her side. Both chairs beside her were empty. The same went for Aleesha and Lydia's seats.

Where had they gone in the middle of such an important event?

Whispers began to spread among the important guests seated at the main table. Some Alphas from neighboring packs exchanged questioning glances, while their Lunas beside them began to stare at the empty chairs with furrowed brows. Leaving the banquet table in the middle of a formal event was not only rude—it was an insult to the guests.

Minerva did not panic at all. Instead, she calmly sipped her drink. Minerva knew exactly where those four people had gone, because in her first life, she had already endured this painful night before.

Minerva rose from her seat and briefly excused herself calmly to the guests, then left the banquet hall. Her feet walked purposefully down the castle corridor, heading toward a room with a closed door.

Minerva stopped right in front of that door, staring at it with a cold gaze. In her first life—on the night of their fifth mating anniversary—she had caught her twin mates spending time alone with her sister and best friend in this very room. That was the night when Lydia and Aleesha actually began their secret relationships with the twin Alphas. However, back then, Minerva was too naive and chose to turn a blind eye, never once growing suspicious.

If before, Minerva had opened that door with trembling hands and full of doubt, this time was different.

BANG!

With one strong kick, Minerva slammed the wooden door wide open. The loud crash echoed, as if shaking the surrounding room, causing Killian, Kayller, Lydia, and Aleesha—who were inside—to jolt in shock and turn simultaneously toward her.

They were extremely surprised to see Minerva's arrival there. Aleesha and Lydia, who had been sitting intimately on Kayller and Killian's laps and in their embraces, immediately jumped to their feet. They quickly distanced themselves with pale faces.

"Minerva... we... we were just chatting with Alpha Killian and Alpha Kayller, nothing more," Lydia stammered, trying to put on her signature innocent face. Aleesha, her sister, gave a similar response.

Lydia and Aleesha began to walk closer to Minerva to offer an explanation, but Minerva immediately raised one palm in the air—a signal commanding the two traitors before her to shut their mouths and keep their distance.

In the past, Minerva might have believed their words immediately. But the Minerva standing before them now was not the same easily oppressed and fooled Minerva. The old Minerva had died, and she would never be deceived by the same masks a second time.

"What are you doing here?!" Killian snapped, his eyes flashing with anger at having his privacy disturbed.

"I should be the one asking you that. What are you doing here while all the honored guests are waiting outside?!" Minerva shot back, her voice echoing loudly in the room.

In the past, Minerva would have cried in fear and begged for forgiveness for daring to intrude on the twin Alphas' privacy, let alone raise her voice like this. But not this time. She would not allow herself to be oppressed any longer, especially by her twin Alpha mates standing before her.

"I don't care which bastards or bitches you're sleeping with behind my back. Even if you want to sleep with Aleesha or Lydia, that's up to you. But can you please use your brains and act sane just for tonight? There are hundreds of important guests out there! At least put on your masks and show them some respect as leaders," Minerva said boldly. Her icy gaze pierced through Killian and Kayller in turn, leaving both Alphas stunned by her daring words.

Kayller, who had initially thought Killian's words in the hall earlier were just nonsense, now witnessed with his own eyes the drastic change in Minerva. Her courage to look them straight in the eyes, and even speak so harshly, truly left him stunned in disbelief.

"Get out now and meet the guests," Minerva ordered coldly, then turned around, ready to leave.

"How dare you order us and speak so rudely to our faces?!" Killian snapped, unwilling to accept it. His ego as a dominant Alpha was immediately tarnished by his fated mate's words. "Stop right there, Minerva!" he thundered.

Hearing the shout, Minerva's footsteps instantly halted. However, instead of being afraid, she turned around with a movement that was both elegant and deadly. Her eyes darkened, staring straight into Killian's without a trace of fear.

"Why shouldn't I be bold with you?" Minerva asked. "While I have contributed far more to this pack's welfare. In fact, without me, I'm not sure you could even lead this pack properly!" she said arrogantly. Minerva's changed attitude truly left her twin mates stunned in disbelief. "If you two don't get out to the hall within five minutes... don't blame me if I burn down this packhouse along with everything inside it," Minerva threatened, her voice eerily calm yet deadly serious.

Without waiting for a response from the stunned pair, Minerva continued walking, leaving the room with her modern gown swaying elegantly.

Kayller, unwilling to accept this, was about to chase after Minerva and teach her a lesson. However, Killian's muscular arm moved quickly, holding him back by the chest.

"Let go! That woman needs to be taught a lesson, Killian!" Kayller growled, his fangs nearly emerging from his peak of emotion. Even his claws began to protrude, as if wanting to tear Minerva's plump body apart.

"I know. But not now. There are too many honored guests here. So hold your emotions for the time being!"

Kayller's breath came in rough heaves as he struggled to contain his emotions. "Just you wait, Minerva. We will never forgive you for daring to defy us!"