Halfway through the feast, Everett stepped up onto the platform, cleared his throat, and drew every eye in the room.
He held the speaking crystal, his face full of paternal warmth as he gazed at Hazel Ashford beside him, his voice carrying clearly through the grand hall of the yacht.
"Tonight, beyond celebrating my sixtieth moon blessing, there is one more matter to announce. From this day forward, every territory, holding, and asset under my name will pass in full to my second daughter, Hazel Ashford."
The words settled over the room. A beat of silence, then murmuring spread like a low tide through the gathered wolves.
"Everything to the younger daughter? What about the elder?"
"He's not leaving a single thing for his firstborn."
"I'd heard the Ashvale household played favorites. Now we see it with our own eyes."
I stood in the corner, listening to those voices, and a bitter smile pulled at my mouth before I could stop it.
Why?
I had asked myself that question countless times.
We were both their daughters. Yet they could be this cruel in their preference.