Daniel's Pov

　　I feel my father's severe gaze in my direction. His light brown eyes are loaded with disapproval of my actions, while I continue to applaud and support Emma's idea. Matthew also casts a furious look at me, his brows furrowed into a hard line, but I completely ignore him. I prefer to keep my focus on the radiant figure before me. Emma.

　　I watch with admiration the achievement Emma made today. The conference room, spacious and decorated in a tropical yet modern style, is full of people. I've never seen so many wolf packs in one place, especially in approval of an alliance idea. The air is charged with energy and expectation, and the murmur of low conversations still echoes off the light blue painted walls.

　　After the round of applause, I return to my seat in the second row. Emma's smile in my direction fills my heart with happiness, warming me like the sun on a summer day. I feel a wave of pride and admiration for her, making me forget the critical looks around me, especially from my father and Alpha Matthew Anderson.

　　"Do you smell that, Dan?" Remus, my wolf, questions within me, his voice deep in my mind.

　　I sharpen my senses. My nostrils flare as I try to identify the peculiar scent. It's something different, but I can't find the source. A complex mix of aromas, something bittersweet, almost hypnotic to the point of being unsettling.

　　"Yes, but I don't know what it is. There are so many wolves here, it could be a mix of hormones," I comment without much importance, focusing once again on Emma. She's at the center of the platform, her presence magnetic, dominating the space entirely.

　　The outfit she chose for today is magnificent, highlighting her slender figure and regal posture. She looks stunning, and her voice, so vibrant, warm, and lively, makes me want to listen to her for hours on end. As if each word she speaks is a melody that soothes my spirit.

　　"For the Goddess, you're almost pathetic, you know that?" Remus grumbles within me, making me laugh inwardly. His impatience is almost tangible.

　　"And you're starting to sound like my father. Admit it, Emma looks beautiful today," I retort with humor, watching Emma resume her speech, her gaze determined and confident.

　　"I admit she's not our mate and is engaged to Alpha Matthew. Or have you not noticed the huge engagement ring on her finger, Dan?" Remus states seriously and dryly. His words force me to look at Emma's hands resting on the podium.

　　I notice the sparkling ring on her finger, the confirmation of the news I received weeks ago. Emma is engaged to Matthew. I shake my head to push away these thoughts; it's not what matters right now. My heart feels heavy with the realization, but I try to focus on the present situation.

　　"Ladies and gentlemen present here. It is with immense gratitude that I stand before you, ready to move forward with all of you to a new future. A unified alliance between all of us," Emma announces warmly, a triumphant smile on her lips. "Here in my hands is the peace treaty for our continent, between our wolf packs. Soon, copies will be distributed to you, to be signed by your leaders. As proof of your fidelity to this treaty of peace and unity!"

　　Another round of applause erupts, with joyful whistles and several shouts of "Hurray!" proudly coming from Emma's close friends. The energy of victory and joy fills the entire conference hall.

　　The meeting and signing of the treaty take some time. My father signs the treaty, but I know I'll have to endure a nice lecture when I get home. His eyes still follow me, full of expectations and judgments. Meanwhile, the strong scent captures my attention again as I walk through the resort, greeting various other wolf pack leaders. The resort is luxurious, with well-kept gardens and fountains reflecting the setting sun's light, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

　　"What does this damn smell mean?" I question Remus, my wolf. My mind is now filled with curiosity and frustration.

　　"Did you take a bath?" he jokes at me, and I roll my eyes. The lightness of his joke doesn't dispel my restlessness.

　　"Remus, you know the scent isn't unpleasant. It's just... peculiar. Different, as if it belongs to something of ours," I comment thoughtfully, unable to find the owner of this damn scent.

　　I have the feeling that something important is about to happen, a current of expectations that I can't ignore.

　　"Dan!" someone calls my name excitedly, pulling me back to the reality around me. I turn towards the sound and see it's Emma, a few meters away from me. Her slender figure stands out among the crowd, radiating a confident and happy aura.

　　I feel my heart leap at her presence and automatically I smile. I walk up to her with joy, pulling Emma into a congratulatory hug. The touch of her skin is a familiar comfort, and her gentle fragrance fills my senses. However, it's not from her that the intriguing scent I've been smelling all day comes.

　　"Queen Emma, what a beautiful day it was today. Just like you, I must admit," I sincerely compliment, stepping back a bit to see her better but without letting go of her hands. Her slender fingers, briefly intertwined with mine, are a source of warmth I don't want to lose.

　　Emma opens an embarrassed smile and subtly disentangles her fingers from mine. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, and I watch with enchantment. The sunlight streaming through the resort's large, long windows reflects in her eyes, creating a golden glow that almost hypnotizes me for a few moments.