Chapter 36

Sylvia's POV As my mother delivered her final judgment on the gifts, the air in the room grew thick with tension. Selene's face was a portrait of pure venom, while Hugo looked like he'd just swallowed something rancid. The elegant gathering that had started with such promise was now dissolving into uncomfortable silence and forced pleasantries. Caesar's hand remained possessively at my waist, his thumb tracing small circles against the fabric of my dress. Each touch sent electric currents racing through my body, awakening my wolf who had been dormant for too long. She paced restlessly beneath my skin, responding to his proximity in ways that made my breath catch. "I think we've had enough excitement for one evening," my mother announced, her Alpha authority unmistakable as she rose from her seat. The dismissal was clear – the party was over. As guests began filing out, Caesar leaned in close, his warm breath caressing my ear. "Ready to leave this battlefield behind?" he whispered, his