4. Framed

Eira’s POV

Seeing Kieran there made my heart race with panic. She had jumped by herself, ensuring he saw her fall. She was framing me for something I hadn’t done.

Wasn’t he supposed to be in the dining room? He had been waiting for me there. Why was he here now?

Even though Vanessa had fallen of her own accord, Kieran would believe me, wouldn’t he? He knows I would never do such a thing. I wasn’t that kind of person.

“Vanessa!” he shouted, rushing to her side without sparing me a glance.

I froze at the top of the stairs, and my breath caught in my throat. He cradled her in his arms as she clutched her belly, tears streaming down her face with calculated precision.

“Are you alright, Vanessa?” he asked, his voice filled with fear and concern.

“Our pup,” she whimpered. “I didn’t mean to come between you two. I even suggested leaving. Now harm has come to my baby. Maybe it would’ve been better if you got me a house outside, away from here. I don’t want to make the Luna uncomfortable.”

Her words were laced with an innocent veneer, but the accusation was clear. She was implying I’d pushed her.

“It wasn’t me,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I didn’t do it.”

But when Kieran looked up, his eyes burned with rage. “You pushed her!” he snarled.

Before I could defend myself, he stormed up the stairs and shoved me hard. My balance faltered, and I tumbled down.

“You should know what it feels like to be pushed down the stairs,” he yelled, standing above me with fury etched on his face.

I hit the cold marble floor with a sickening thud, pain shooting through my body. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the sight of him cradling her, whispering reassurances, his hands gentle and caring.

I lay there, broken and discarded, watching as the man who was supposed to be mine poured all his love into someone else.

And at that moment, I made a silent vow. This wasn’t over.

If he dared to treat me like this just because of her, I would find a way to make him regret it.

My whole body ached as I tried to stand, but a sharp pain shot through my leg, making it impossible to get up.

“Calm down, Vanessa. I’ll take you to the pack doctor,” Kieran said, lifting her into his arms.

From over his shoulder, she smirked at me, triumph written all over her face. She had won this round, again, without me doing anything wrong.

I felt a warm liquid trickle down my forehead. Touching it, I pulled my hand away and saw blood on my fingers.

“The Luna must’ve been jealous, but she’s hurt,” Vanessa said in her fake, innocent tone. “Shouldn’t you take her to the doctor too? She’s still the Luna of the pack, and I’m sure she didn’t mean to push me. She’s just jealous of me carrying your baby.”

Her words didn’t surprise me anymore. She hadn’t come here because she was pregnant; she had come to take my place.

“You’re too kind, Vanessa, especially to someone who tried to harm your baby,” he said, his tone dripping with contempt as he glanced back at me. “You were just let out, and already you’ve done something unforgivable. You’ll be locked up again—this time, for longer.”

With that, he walked away, all his attention focused on Vanessa, who was grinning ear to ear.

If he hated me so much, why did he want me by his side? Why not let me leave?

The thought made me sick. His words and actions were nothing but a web of lies.

Clutching my torn dress, I bit my lip until I tasted blood. If he wouldn’t let me leave, I would find a way out myself.

*****

Just as Kieran promised, I was locked up again. This time, it was in the attic, a place long abandoned and forgotten.

The attic was dark, with only faint light filtering through cracks in the wooden roof. The air was thick with dust, making it hard to breathe. The wooden floor creaked with every step, and cobwebs hung in every corner, giving the space an eerie, neglected feel.

Boxes were scattered around, some sealed, others spilling over with old, forgotten belongings. The walls were cracked, paint peeling in jagged streaks. The entire room felt cold and lifeless, as though it had been untouched for years.

By the small window sat a bed—cleaner than I expected. I walked over, sinking to my knees on the mattress, and stared out the window. The dim light from outside was the only brightness in the room.

Pressing my hand to the glass, I peered down at the maids gathering outside. Life went on without me, as though I didn’t exist.

I touched the bandage on my head and sighed. It had been so long since I felt my wolf. Without her, I healed slower than any normal werewolf—an Alpha wolf, no less.

Her absence had to be tied to Kieran’s constant cheating, something I’d brushed off as a sickness in our bond. Maybe she’d sensed his betrayal long before I did, and I’d been too blind to see it.

“I’m such a fool,” I muttered, staring out the window again.

Below, the maids stood in a straight line, as though preparing for someone important.

“What’s going on?” I wondered aloud.

A sleek car pulled up, and a man stepped out of the driver’s seat to open the back door. I craned my neck, trying to catch a glimpse of the passenger.

Another man stepped out. His dark hair, streaked with silver, caught the light as he adjusted his gloves.

My eyes widened in shock. “The Alpha of the North?”

Everyone knew Magnus Ironfang. His presence was magnetic yet intimidating. His sharp features, ice-blue eyes, and commanding aura made even the strongest wolves submit.

Why was he here? The last I’d heard, he and Kieran were sworn enemies.

As I stared, his piercing gaze lifted, meeting mine through the attic window. My breath hitched. His icy stare seemed to slice right through me as if he’d known I was watching all along.

His lips parted slightly as though he wanted to say something, but then he shook his head and looked away, heading inside as the maids bowed in respect.

“What was that about?” I whispered to myself, retreating from the window.

I collapsed onto the bed, confusion swirling in my mind.