* Chapter 13 lato the Lion’s
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Chapter 13: Into the Lion’s Den
Chapter 13: Into the Lion’s Den
(Olivia’s POV)
Shadowcrest pack’s invitation spread through the company.
My marketing manager was practically bouncing with excitement, her eyes wide. “The Shadowcrest Pack has always been low–key and mysterious, there’s never been much news about them circulating among other packs, and this time they actually took the initiative to come to us!”
She clasped her hands together dramatically. “Inviting you to create ceremonial attire for Elder Madeline–if this gets out, I don’t know how many prominent figures from other packs will follow suit, and all come to
admire our brand!”
Her voice rose to an almost painful pitch. “Boss, Moonlight Designs is going to soar!”
“Livvy, are you free these days? Next month’s schedule is quite tight. If you’re free, you have to call back and arrange the appointment with them,” Blair prompted.
“Yes! Absolutely!” This soaring opportunity delivered to my door–how could I let it slip away?
Taking the phone, my heart pounded with excitement as I entered the secure comm number. I walked to the floor–to–ceiling window, trying to calm myself before initiating the call.
As Blair said, the man on the other end, Introducing himself as Russell Parker, head of the Shadowcrest Pack Estate Management, spoke very politely. His manners were impeccable, befitting a high–ranking pack
member.
After setting the time for tomorrow, I felt embarrassed to have someone pick me up. “Mr. Parker, I can drive there myself, don’t trouble you.”
Unexpectedly, the other side remained polite but firm. “Miss Oasis, Shadowcrest Estate is secluded within protected territory. I’m afraid it will be hard for you to navigate the wards and checkpoints the first time. It’s safer to let our driver escort you.”
“Oh, I see. Okay, see you tomorrow then.”
After ending the call, I grew suspicious. I opened my encrypted map application and entered the coordinates for “Moonfall Ridge, Shadowcrest Estate,” and was surprised to find it wasn’t publicly listed, only showing the general protected zone.
“Gods, what kind of place is this? It’s even off the standard pack territory maps?” I held my phone, feeling a little uneasy, as if it were all surreal.
“Blair, this place sounds like a black hole. What If I go and never return?”
Blair joked, “Don’t worry, at worst you’ll stay and become the Luna of the Shadowcrest Pack! I heard Alpha Shadowcrest has always been single.”
The marketing manager nearby added in a quiet tone, “I heard that Alpha Shadowcrest suffers from some hidden affliction and avoids public pack gatherings–could it be that they’re deliberately tricking our Miss Oasis into being trapped as a mate for some reclusive, powerful Alpha?”
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I was speechless with these two. I rolled my eyes and shooed them out of my office.
Although this matter was indeed strange from every angle, I still decided to take the commission. High risk, high return–I was a publicly scorned she–wolf, a dispossessed pack daughter ridiculed by the entire territory. What was there to be afraid of? At worst, I only had one life to lose.
The next morning, I arranged the work at Moonlight Designs. At 8:30, I received a call from Russell Parker.
“Miss Oasis, besides Elder Madeline, several other female relatives in the pack wish to commission attire. Please bring an assistant with you,” he specifically instructed.
This reminder was exactly what I wanted, and I immediately called Blair White.
Downstairs, we stood looking at the luxurious, custom–armored sedan parked discreetly on the side of the road. It was imposing yet understated, bearing no obvious markings but radiating quiet power.
Blair gasped in surprise, “What kind of vehicle is this? So impressive!*
I whispered, “Likely custom–built, Shadowcrest Pack level. Then I reminded her, “Don’t look so star–struck, like a newly shifted pup seeing the Alpha’s den for the first time.”
Blair whispered back, “When we get to Shadowcrest Estate, won’t we be like newly shifted pups?”
I thought, indeed. There were levels even among the powerful packs. There were several tiers between ordinary established packs and the apex bloodlines. And the Shadowcrest Pack of Moonfall Ridge was an existence above even the apex packs.
Just this vebiele alone spoke volumes. As everyone in high pack society knew, vehicles like this were different from ordinary luxury cars. Many expensive cars could be bought as long as you had the wealth.
But a vehicle signaling Shadowcrest–level status required more than just funds; it required impeccable pack standing, significant contributions, and passing rigorous background checks by pack elders. Moreover, such vehicles were custom–made, unique symbols of their owner’s place within the pack hierarchy.
Olivia and Blair got into the car, both a little restrained. The driver, wearing subtle pack insignia on his uniform, was very easy–going.
He chatted with us for a few words about the weather and the smooth running of the city’s pack territories,
putting us somewhat at ease.
After an hour of smooth driving in the luxury vehicle, we entered a lush, ancient mountain forest. The air grew thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, a primal energy thrumming beneath the surface.
The driver said, “Moonfall Ridge is just ahead, we’re almost there.”
ah, we soon saw a formidable gatehouse constructed from stone and reinforced timber, flanked by
pack warriors standing guard, their senses alert.
r approaching, the warriors gestured, and the driver stopped. He lowered the tinted window, ack identification credentials, and after a brief, silent exchange confirming their authorization,
wed to continue.
Blair was stunned, whispering,/”Livvy, is this some kind of pack stronghold?”
I was also surprised by the level of security but didn’t show it.
The driver politely explained, “This territory is specially protected under ancient pack law. Elder Shadowcrest
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resides here. For safety, all vehicles entering and exiting must pass through security checkpoints.”
+15 Points
He continued, “For our own pack members, verifying credentials is swift. If it’s an unlogged outside vehicle,
the screening process is much more thorough, involving scent verification and intent assessment.”
After hearing this, Blair and I looked at each other with awe. No wonder Russell Parker wouldn’t let me drive
myself. In addition to the estate being unplottable on standard maps, it was also for security reasons within the heavily guarded pack territory.
I knew very little about the Shadowcrest Pack, my only close contact being with the enigmatic Cassius Shadowcrest who appeared out of nowhere at my disastrous mating ceremony.
Today’s experience gave me a deeper understanding of the Shadowcrest Pack’s mysterious low profile, and
even more awe for their power.
Thinking of Cassius Shadowcrest, I remembered the Shadowcrest Pack Embroidered Handkerchief in my
pocket. Yesterday, when I learned I was going to Shadowcrest Estate today, I deliberately brought the
handkerchief with me. In case I ran into him, I would return The Alpha’s Token.
The custom sedan entered Shadowcrest Estate, and someone was waiting by the inner gate.
The driver said, “That’s Mr. Parker, you can enter the main residence grounds with him.”
I thanked the driver politely and got out of the car with Blair.
Russell Parker, a composed middle–aged wolf whose scent marked him as high–ranking within the pack’s
administration, greeted us, “Hello, Miss Oasis.”
“Hello, Mr. Parker.” I inclined my head respectfully, mirroring his formal courtesy.
“Please come in, Elder Madeline and the young ladies are waiting.” Russell Parker gestured with his hand and
led the way.
Blair and I followed behind, our eyes subtly taking in our surroundings. The entire Shadowcrest Pack estate was built against the mountain, blending natural beauty with masterful craftsmanship.
Ancient stone palaces, terraces overlooking breathtaking views, sacred ceremonial palaces, ancient trees whispering secrets, serene water features, and even traditional pack meeting halls – every step is a new sight
and a feast for the senses.
The deep–rooted aesthetic and power of the ancient bloodline were fully displayed here. If we hadn’t known beforehand, we might have mistaken it for a mythical sanctuary, a sacred grove untouched by the outside
world.
After walking for a few minutes along a winding stone path, just when we thought we had arrived at the main house, Russell Parker actually led us onto a quiet, electric shuttle cart.
This estate was so vast, traversing it felt like crossing a small territory… The expressions of Blair and I were indeed like those of newcomers awed by the sheer scale and grandeur of an Alpha’s domain.
Finally, the shuttle stopped in front of an impressive building constructed in a traditional, elegant style, radiating age and authority.
“Miss Oasis, please.” Russell Parker led us into the building.
From afar, we could hear the murmur of conversation and soft laughter inside–the sound of lively gathering,
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not disruptive noise.
“Elder Madeline, Miss Oasis and her assistant have arrived,” Russell Parker announced respectfully at the entrance to a large, sunlit hall.
The werewolves chatting within instantly fell silent, all eyes turning towards us.
A she–wolf in an elegant indigo dress gracefully stood up and walked towards me. There were traces of time on her face, marking her as an elder, but her skin was smooth and delicate, her complexion warm, her features dignified and carrying an undeniable air of authority and grace.
She must have been a renowned beauty in her youth. I wasn’t sure if it was an illusion, perhaps a trick of scent or a flicker of pack recognition, but I felt that this elder, Madeline Shadowcrest, looked familiar, as if she carried an echo of someone else I knew, or perhaps represented a lineage I instinctively recognized.
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