Chapter 0435

Titania turns to Alpha Alistair with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You're more than welcome to lick me if you'd like."

Alpha Alistair chuckles, shaking his head. "Perhaps we should get acquainted first before either of us starts licking the other." His tone is light but firm.

"Oh, I'd adore that!" She practically vibrates with excitement. "Do you have time now? I could give you a tour of the woods."

He glances at us for approval. We exchange shrugs.

"Seems I'm free," he tells her, a playful smirk forming. "Lead the way. And..." He leans closer, voice dropping. "Would you like to meet my wolf?"

Her breath hitches. "Oh! Yes. Absolutely."

Alpha Alistair throws us an amused look. "They're quite enthusiastic, aren't they?"

"You have no idea," Victor mutters, rubbing his temples. "Just a fair warning—they take licking very seriously."

Alpha Alistair blinks. "Why would I—?"

Victor cuts him off with a shrug. "Their fascination with wolves rivals ours. If you shift, keep control."

Alpha Alistair turns back to Titania. "Alright, little sprite. Lead on. Or are you finally going to tell me your name?"

She giggles and whispers it before darting toward the trees.

"Oberon," I call as he watches them disappear. "King Oberon might be occupied until dinner. Try again then?"

He hesitates, gaze lingering on the forest edge. "Maybe I'll assist Titania with the tour while I wait." With that, he vanishes after them.

"We tried," Victor sighs.

With hours until dinner, Seraphina, Evelyn, and I head to Main Street to collect their clothing orders. They're delighted with the pieces and immediately place more for their pack.

On our return, something feels off. The flowers lining the packhouse entrance glow unnaturally vibrant. I dismiss it as the sprites' doing—until we step inside and find the entire pack gathered, staring into the backyard.

Summer stands among them, wide-eyed.

"Luna, look."

I follow her finger. The entire landscape behind our packhouse has transformed. Flowers bloom in impossible hues, petals shimmering like jewels. The trees radiate emerald brilliance, their trunks polished bronze.

"What is this?" I breathe.

"No one knows."

I scan for the sprites. "Are they responsible?"

"Not us, Luna," Luna and Stella say in unison.

"We lack this kind of power," Stella adds.

Evelyn nudges me. "Then who?"

Victor appears beside me, jaw tight. "What in the goddess's name—?"

"Your guess is as good as mine."

The phenomenon intensifies. Plants grow lusher, colors deepening. The garden overflows with ripe produce, vines heavy with fruit.

"Whatever this is," Seraphina murmurs, "I want it for my pack."

Finnian rounds the corner then, cradling Ivy. "Finnian! Do you know what's happening?"

He pauses, taking in the scene as if noticing it for the first time. A slow, knowing smile spreads across his face.

"Father," he announces, "is exceptionally pleased."