Chapter 20

ISABELLE’S POV

I walked straight to the palace, striding through the palace halls with a stern expression, my footsteps echoing on the polished marble floors.

I ignored the glances the guards gave me as I made my way to the palace throne room.

When I walked my brother was lounging on his throne, his sharp blue eyes lighting up when his eyes met mine.

“Ah, little sister,” Tristan greeted, his tone laced with playful sarcasm. “I heard how you have been so busy lately.”

I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at him, clearly unimpressed. “And what do you mean by that?” I asked.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the arm rest. “ I'm just very pleased to see you finally putting your talents to use. Perhaps I should even reward you for your great efforts.”

“I don’t need anything,” I retorted quickly, with a dismissive wave.

Tristan smirked, clearly enjoying himself at my expense. “No? You would not even accept recognition for saving a homeless painter at a coffee shop?”

I froze, my expression tightened as my composure faltered for a moment. “How did you even find out about that?”

He didn't answer me, his sharp eyes assessing my reaction.

“Did Kael tell you?” I pressed, taking a step towards him.

Tristan let out an amused chuckle and shook his head. “No, I have other sources.” He responded.

“But….” He continued with a suggestive tone.

“I did hear you dragged Beta Rowan along for your little investigation on Kael's brother's case. Seems like you are not over him as you said after all.”

“Tristan..” I breathed sharply but he ignored me.

“Tell me, Isa, are you still hung up on him?”

I stared at him, his eyebrows raised as he waited for my response. His accusation actually hit a nerve, and my expression instantly hardened.

“That is absolutely ridiculous,” I snapped. “I already moved on from Rowan. Rowan and Matilda seem like a perfect match. I have no intention of causing problems in their relationship.”

My words came out way sharper than I intended, my voice rough. Tristan raised his brows at me and I could see he didn't fully believe me, he still thought I harboured feelings for Rowan.

I knew there was nothing I could say or do right now that would swerve his mind so I quickly turned the conversation. “By the way, I haven't seen the General in a while, where has he been these past few days?”

Tristan lips quivered with amusement, clearly entertained by this. “And why, dear princess, would you even care at all about the General’s whereabouts?”

I felt her cheeks heat up, my face turning crimson, but I quickly waved my hand dismissively, brushing past his question. “Never mind,” I muttered before I turned on my heel and left the room.

As I walked away, I couldn’t shake the lingering feeling of frustration. Tristan’s teasing and probing questions had struck a chord, but I was refusing to acknowledge it.

ROWAN’S POV

I watched Isabelle's retreating form from between books from my hiding space at the back of a shelf, my expression darkening.

Once she disappeared through the doors, I stepped out of the shadows letting out a huge exhale, my mind replaying the conversation I just overheard.

I brushed my hands down my tunic, pushing through the doors of the throne room Isabelle just walked out of.

My mind was still muddled when Emperor Tristan spoke.

“You’re unusually quiet,” He remarked, leaning back in his chair.

My eyes snapped up and I ignored the comment and got straight to the point. “I came to report on the investigation,” I said.

Tristan waved his hand dismissively. “We both know why you joined this investigation, Rowan. You weren’t concerned about the club’s operations; you were testing Kael’s loyalty.”

I nodded in response.

“Tell me, Beta Rowan, do you have any interest in Matilda?” He asked firmly.

I sputtered at the question, hardly expecting Tristan to ask me about such matters.

I cocked my head, “What do you mean Alpha?” I asked, my voice cautious.

“I mean do you like her?” I shot out, leaning forward as he waited for my response.

“No, I don't, she’s like a sister to me,” I said, my tone resolute as I firmly denied it.

Tristan nodded thoughtfully. “That's very interesting because Isabelle doesn’t seem to think so. She sees you two as a couple and is already matching both of you in her head.”

I flinched at the comment, a strange pang shooting right through my chest. While I listened in on their conversation, I heard Isabelle’s declaration loud and clear: she no longer had feelings for me. Yet her words lingered, leaving an unsettling feeling in my gut.

I clenched my jaw, my teeth grinding in frustration. I can't deny Isabelle's sudden focus on General Kael was unnerving.

It wasn’t just her concern as she asked questions about Kael’s whereabouts. It was the way her voice softened when she talked about him, the way her expression brightened when his name was mentioned. Her reaction to him only deepened my frustrations.

“Back to the club's investigation and Kael's loyalty.” Tristan suddenly muttered.

I shook my head, willing my thoughts to return to the investigation and the reason why I joined Isabelle and Kael to find the truth.

It wasn't because I was concerned about Kael's younger brother, Levi but because the club has been on my radar for quite some time. Tristan and I knew all about the club and its disturbing history.

Some Night Fall back spies had gathered intelligence revealing that descendants of the previous rulers of this territory before the current Alpha family took control, were using this club as a base to get close to the Pack’s higher-ups for information. Their goal was to learn the Pack's secrets and possibly overthrow the current regime.

The club wasn’t just a place for secret dealings—it was a carefully orchestrated operation by descendants of the old regime. They were targeting the Night Fall Pack’s hierarchy and rulers, gathering secrets to undermine Tristan's rule.