---- Chapter 9 My soul... it felt like it was thinning. Was I about to fade away? At the charity gala, I followed behind Shawn, utterly exhausted-body and spirit. I knew, deep down, this would probably be the last night I could stay by his side. Shawn looked immaculate in a tailored suit, surrounded by alphas and nobles from different packs. When he first entered the werewolf elite circle, several veteran leaders assumed the his clan was in decline and tried to take advantage. But Shawn retaliated swiftly and ruthlessly. He had always been cold and unyielding-no one could take anything from his hands. "Lycan King." That voice? ---- I turned around-it was Kelvin Smith, the director of FullMoon Airlines. During our training sessions, I'd heard him speak before. His voice was unmistakable-deep, rough, commanding. What truly stunned me, however, was the female wolf on his arm-my former chief flight attendant. Shawn was about to walk past, but paused and lifted his glass toward Kelvin. "Mr. Smith." Kelvin was visibly surprised. He hadn't expected the Lycan King himself to acknowledge him- especially after seeing several alphas receive nothing more than cold dismissal. "Lycan King," Kelvin said eagerly, seizing the moment, "I recently acquired a Moon Goddess painting. I wonder if you'd be interested? If so, I'd be honored to show it to you in the lounge." Shawn declined with polite indifference. ---- "I'm not interested in things like that." But then, his expression grew darker. "However, Mr. Smith, I do have a friend- someone I believe once worked for FullMoon. I'd like to ask about her." Kelvin blinked. "A friend of yours worked at our company? Was she a senior officer? A deputy director? Please, just say the word-I'll make any arrangements you need." Shawn cut him off. "She was a flight attendant." "Excuse me?" Kelvin looked completely dumbfounded. But then, as if suddenly understanding, he smiled. "Well, you're in luck. The lady with me tonight happens to be our most distinguished chief flight attendant. She's flown for over twenty years- there's no one on staff she wouldn't know." ---- Shawn turned his gaze to the woman-elegant, poised. It was Chief Attendant Emily. She offered a soft, professional smile. Then Shawn spoke the name-low and deliberate: "Kendra." My name. The moment it left his lips, my soul trembled. He... he was asking about me. Emily stiffened. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Shawn immediately noticed the shift in her expression. "What's wrong?" Indeed, it was no coincidence. Emily had always looked out for me when I worked under her. She had known about my resignation-she had known about the silver poison.