A week later, the Beta steward brought Mason and Maya back to the main house after their training camp ended. 

The two cubs burst into the house and headed straight for the kitchen area, their faces full of unconcealed pride and a desire to show off.

“Mother!” Maya shrieked, her voice full of glee. “Did you know? Auntie Isabella twisted her ankle leading our trial, and Father was so worried!”

Mason eagerly added, his tone full of adoration for Isabella and contempt for me, “Father immediately called the entire pack’s medical team and personally cleaned Auntie Isabella’s wound, applied the most precious moon-dew balm. He even postponed an emergency pack meeting and stayed by her side, soothing her with his Alpha scent!”

I stood in front of the oven, silently listening to the cubs’ grating boasts, my fingers steadily pulling on oven mittens.

“Mother, are you even listening to us?” Maya stomped her little foot impatiently, making a dull thud. “Father is so good to Auntie Isabella, much better than to you—”

The oven timer dinged softly, cutting off her endless complaints.

A rich, sweet scent of honey and oats instantly filled the kitchen.

Both cubs’ eyes lit up immediately.

They sniffed eagerly and crowded around.

“It’s honey oat cakes!” Mason stood on his tiptoes, trying to see what was on the baking sheet. “It’s the traditional offering for the Full Moon Festival! I want some!”

I took out the baking sheet.