The shrill ring of my phone cut through the peaceful silence of my apartment. I glanced at the caller ID and froze—Cassandra Valois, Julian's aunt and one of Natalie's closest allies.
I let it ring twice more before answering. "Hello?"
"Aurelia." Her voice dripped with disdain. "Your presence is required at the Valois Estate tonight. We're hosting a pack banquet."
Not a request—a command.
"I wasn't informed of any banquet," I replied, keeping my voice neutral despite the familiar burn of humiliation.
"That's because you weren't invited as a guest," she said coldly. "We need extra help in the kitchen."
In the background, I heard Natalie's unmistakable laugh, followed by her muffled voice: "Tell her to wear something appropriate for once. We can't have her embarrassing Julian again."
