Chapter 101

Camille's POVIt had been years since I last performed on stage. Though I never doubted my own skills, Vivian's praise still caught me off guard, leaving me flushed and at a loss for words.The he-wolf sitting next to her snatched the microphone, his voice buzzing with excitement. "I have to highlight the boy's solo. The moment he struck that first note, it felt like the entire piece was reborn around him. The arrangement played to his absolute strengths, completely restructuring the music around his artistic soul."The third judge nodded in agreement. Taking off his glasses, he wiped them slowly before sighing into the mic. "Let's be honest. In the previous performance, the adult's solo took up two-thirds of the piece. The child's part was painfully short, with zero solo time. This performance was the exact opposite. They transitioned seamlessly between solos and duets, and the kid's performance actually ended up being the crown jewel of the whole piece."

Chapter 102

Camille's POVThere were only the two of us left in the corridor.The air had gone dead and heavy, so quiet that the muffled sounds of applause and the host's closing remarks from the main stage leaked through the walls.My mother's moon soul stone. I was getting it back today, no matter what.I couldn't be sure if Lara and Lucian actually intended to keep their word.But honestly, even if they tried to back out, it didn't matter. I had a million ways to play them."You... you play the violin?"Lucian's voice was a rough, low growl. Something unreadable stirred in the depths of his eyes.I didn't bother denying it. "Yes."He stared at me, his gaze intense. "Why didn't you ever mention it?""Did you ever ask?" A bitter laugh slipped past my lips. "After I gave birth to Rowan, I told you I wanted to get a job. You were the one who told me Rowan needed me, that I should just stay within the pack borders and be a good

Chapter 103

Camille's POVIt was honestly pathetic that he was still trying to squirm out of it.Without breaking a sweat, I pulled out a small voice recorder from my pocket and pressed play. Our recorded voices filled the room.His face contorted in a brief flash of panic. "No! You still didn't beat Lara fairly! The bet is void!"Right on cue, the dressing room door swung open again. Elise strode in, flanked by a trailing group of judges and parents."Wow. The Silver Lake pack really knows how to humiliate themselves on a public stage," Elise said, her eyes locked on Brad with pure, unadulterated disgust. "There were plenty of witnesses around when you made that bet, Brad. Don't play dumb."Declan walked in behind her, a dangerous, mocking smirk playing on his lips."As an Alpha, honoring your word is the bare minimum, Brad. Pushing the blame onto a literal pup just to hoard your precious little assets? Honestly, if you're that desperate for cas

Chapter 104

Camille's POVHer words cut right to the rawest, most buried nerve inside me. My talent absolutely justified today's victory, but the five years I had lost—the five years I was forced away from the stage—would always be a lingering ache in my chest."A win is a win," I countered smoothly, slipping my hands into my coat pockets."Gillian, instead of standing here throwing cheap shots at me, maybe you should head back to the pack and teach Rowan some actual manners."I shifted my gaze to Rowan. His amber eyes were locked onto mine, his lip trembling as if he were on the verge of tears."If he can't learn to genuinely respect and appreciate greatness in others, he'll never have what it takes to be a true Alpha."Having secured exactly what I came for, I had zero desire to stay here. I gave Elise a subtle nod, signaling it was time to leave.But as I took my first step toward the exit, Vivian pushed through the crowd, blocking

Chapter 105

Camille's POVFinn didn't answer right away. Instead, he looked over at Rowan.Rowan stood alone by the slide, clutching the strap of his backpack without saying a word.Finn lifted his chin. "Not yet."One of the boys, a sharper one, immediately caught on."Not yet..." he said. "Does that mean she's going to be your mom soon?"Finn nodded firmly, his expression serious."Her name is Camille," he replied. "She's decided to leave the pack that hurt her. In a little while, she's going to move in with us and be my mom.""Really? I wish I had a mom like that!" one of the kids said."My Alpha dad's single! Can you introduce Camille to him?" another one chimed in."Finn, my dad's super handsome and has a six-pack! Camille would definitely like him. If they became mates, maybe she'd even give me a cute little sister!""Finn, remember that Lego set you wanted? It's yours. Just let me have Camille for a few days, ok

Chapter 106

Camille's POVRowan's lips began to tremble."So when Alpha Declan needed someone to take care of Finn, I took the job. Not because I wanted to leave you. Because I had to survive, Rowan. You demoted me from your mom to a nanny. And nannies need jobs," I said.Then Rowan broke down, collapsing backward, arms and legs thrashing helplessly.He screamed and wailed so loudly that several students on the other side of the lawn stopped to look."You're lying! You just don't want me anymore! You like Finn better!" he exclaimed."Rowan, get up.""No!" He rolled across the grass, his uniform soon covered in dirt and grass clippings."If you don't go home with me, I won't get up! I'll die right here!""Rowan, I need you to calm down," I said."I'm just going to die here!" he cried.I stood there, watching him roll around on the grass and howl, unsure whether I was more concerned or exhausted.Maybe it was both, but at that moment I felt completely drained.I reached Lucian with the link-stone,