The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 369: Legacy

Cindy's POV:

"Astra." I walked up to him and dropped to one knee, meeting his eyes at the same level. "My blade is already sharp enough. This dagger was a gift from your great-grandfather to Silverpeak Pack. Today, I'm giving it to you."

I gently placed the cold fang dagger into Astra's thin hands, hands that were still weak but steadily growing stronger.

"Remember this weight. Remember where this blade came from. One day, you'll use it to protect everything you care about, and to cut down anyone who dares step into Silverpeak territory."

Astra gripped the dagger tightly with both hands. In his silver-gray eyes, a fierce determination flared to life, along with a sharp edge of ruthlessness I had never seen before. He nodded hard. In that moment, his small frame felt like it held a volcano ready to erupt.

"Ahem... Hey, Cindy."

Right at that serious moment, Prince Peter suddenly rubbed his hands together and leaned in, looking eager.

He stared at the dagger in Astra's hands like he might start drooling any second. "Cindy, you have no idea. When this dagger was first finished, I begged Commander Lance for days to let me borrow it and try it out. That old man didn't just refuse, he wouldn't even let me touch it. He chased me out with his cane and said this was meant for his precious granddaughter."

Prince Peter crouched down and looked at Astra with bright, hopeful eyes. "Astra, right? Hey, how about we make a deal? You're still young, and this thing is sharp. You might hurt yourself. Why don't I hold onto it for you for a few days?"

At that, Astra instantly bristled like a little wolf guarding its food.

He quickly hid the dagger behind his back, baring his teeth at Prince Peter as a low warning growl rumbled in his throat. He even took a cautious step back, half-hiding behind Adam.

"Well, look at that temper." Prince Peter didn't get upset at all. If anything, he looked more excited. "Alright then. If you're a man of Silverpeak Pack, we'll do this the proper way. I heard you've been training your hand strength, right? Let's head to the training yard and have a target-throwing match. If you beat me even once, I'll give you my favorite mutated snow wolf mount. If you lose... then let me hold that dagger for a second. Just one second. Deal?"

Astra couldn't speak, but his competitive spirit was instantly ignited.

He nodded without hesitation and walked straight outside with the dagger in hand.

Prince Peter burst out laughing and chased after him like a big kid.

Watching the two of them, one big and one small, disappear in a flurry of energy, the heavy atmosphere in the hall from the earlier story of bloodshed was completely swept away.

Prince Peter and Astra were less than ten years apart in age. That kind of carefree challenge was actually the greatest form of recognition he could give Astra.

He wasn't treating Astra like someone weak or broken who needed pity.

He was treating him like an equal opponent.

That was exactly what Astra needed right now.

I looked toward the sunlight outside and felt the now-empty wooden box in my hands. The weight in my heart finally lifted.

Grandpa had already claimed the first part of Silverpeak Pack's revenge.

What remained... would be up to me and Astra.

Prince Adam's POV:

As the sun gradually set, the lights of the royal court lit up one by one, like a field of stars scattered across the earth.

The Moon Goddess Festival banquet was about to begin in the main hall of the royal palace, the very symbol of supreme power.

This was the most important political and social event of the year.

All high-ranking nobles in the capital, the leaders of major Packs, and representatives from every faction were required to attend in their most formal attire, wearing medals that represented their family honor.

Cindy and I changed into our formal outfits as Prince and Duchess, standing side by side at the entrance of the hall as we watched the flood of powerful figures pour in.

Inside the hall, elegant orchestral music was already playing. Beneath the golden dome, attendants moved through the crowd carrying trays of fine wine.

On the surface, everything looked lively and harmonious, like a perfect golden age. But I had grown up in the center of power. All it took was a slow breath for me to smell the scheming and flattery hidden beneath the expensive perfume, something almost sickening.

"They're here," Cindy said softly, though there was a trace of coldness in her voice.

I followed her gaze.

Surrounded by several council ministers, Margaret and Niall walked into the hall.