Chapter 2

ISABELLE’S POV

I sat up in shock and my back immediately straightened. I glanced around the room and clutched my head in frustration. “I’m doomed!” I shrieked, feeling the weight of my wolf’s words slowly sink in. I am going to die.

“If you’re still fixated on Rowan, you’re just wasting the time you have. The clock keeps ticking and when the time is over you will die” my wolf replied.

I bit my lip, fear clawing at my heart, my mind drifted to Beta Rowan, his devastatingly handsome face and green eyes, his confidence and intelligence shining through every command. That was what I admired most about him—his sharp mind and wit.

I knew what people in the pack whispered in secret when they thought I couldn't hear them. They all call me the lazy and foolish princess and the only reason I was protected was my brother. And Rowan was the opposite of that, he had raw power in his mind.

“Isabelle,” my wolf’s calm voice broke through my thoughts. “With your looks and your status as a princess, you don’t need to cling to one man, begging him to give you a single glance. Especially not a man who has never returned your affection not even once.”

My heart twisted with the words hurt but she continued. “You are a princess and now you have a strong and clever wolf, you need to forget about him.”

As her words slowly dawned on me, I realised my wolf was right. For years, I have begged Rowan to respond to my advances, chasing him as my life depended on it, waiting for a glance, a smile, or anything from him.

And what has all that gotten me? Absolutely nothing.

Just cold rejection over and over again—and now, even worse, a life-threatening curse. Maybe it was finally time to let go of him.

“What would you have me do, then?” I murmured. “Should I go out on the street and find men that are interested in me?” I asked.

“No!” she growled in response. “You can't do that. I can sense the right ones, and I'll help you find your next target.”

I raised a brow, considering her plan. I needed to do this, right now I had no other option. I have to look for my next target.

But just as the thought crossed my mind, a soft knock sounded at my door, and one of my maids entered, bowing deeply.

“Princess Isabelle, Beta Rowan is here to visit,” the maid announced.

“Rowan?” I echoed with surprise. My expression tightened as the maid nodded. That was weird, Rowan has never come to see me before.

What was he doing here and what did he want?

I sat up, brushing my tangled hair away from my face. “Show him in,” I ordered.

A second later, Rowan stepped into the room. His tall frame commanded attention, even in my own chambers.

His expression was solemn, his lips in a tight grim line and worry lines on his forehead.

“Beta Rowan,” I began with a curt smile, suppressing the warmth that bloomed through me from his gaze.

“Princess Isabelle,” he greeted in a low gruff voice, “I need your help.”

My eyes widened slightly, my interest piqued. “What is it?”

“It’s about Matilda,” he replied, his voice strained. “She’s set to be executed tomorrow,” he stated gravely. “She has been punished under charges of attempting to harm you even though she's not guilty.”

My heart dropped as I listened to him. I never planned for Matilda to be charged with such crimes and executed.

All I wanted was to provoke her a bit and tease her because of our rivalry. I never expected to slip and fall into the water and nearly drown.

I had no idea things would escalate like this and I can't let it go on.

“Executed?” I echoed, guilt clawing inside me. “But… she’s not guilty. It was merely an accident.”

“Yes, and you need to make that clear to everyone,” Rowan said, his eyes sparking with urgency. “You need to tell the council the truth and stop her execution before it's too late.”

My wolf paced within me. “This is a chance to speak for Matilda so you can distance yourself from Rowan. And also show the rest of the pack that you’re not single-mindedly in love with him. Other men would see they have a chance with you instead of appearing obsessed with one person.”

I swallowed hard, considering my wolf’s suggestion. I can't deny that she was actually right.

But I just couldn't imagine letting Rowan go, not after I have loved him for such a long time. He was my first love and all I wanted was for him to fall for me too.

I blinked back tears as I struggled with myself. Would I really have to let Rowan go?

My heart cracked as the answer swirled in my mind. Yes, I have no other choice.

If I were to stop myself from dying when the time ran out, I would need the pack and men to see me as more than just a weak foolish girl infatuated with one man.

I straightened our gazes meeting, gritting my teeth hard to hold back my whirling emotions. “Fine. I’ll come with you to my brother's palace to clear up all misunderstandings about Matilda and stop her execution”

Instant relief washed over Rowan's features and his tight expression melted. “Thank you, Isabelle.” He whispered with a heart melting grin.

He turned to leave but I called out for him. “Rowan,” I shouted with urgency.

He froze in the doorway and turned back to me, his usual calm detached mask already back on.

I took a breath to steady myself as he watched me curiously. “Rowan,” I breathed, my voice cracking with emotions, “I need to tell you something now.”

He raised a brow in confusion as he turned back fully, his gaze locked unto mine almost breaking my resolve. My heart was pounding wildly but I steeled myself. I need to do this, if I want to survive.

“I just want you to know… I won’t be chasing you anymore. And from now on, I think it would be a good idea if I kept a little distance away from you.”

His expression shifted, a hint of surprise flickering through his expression.

“What are you saying, Isabelle?”

I gave him a small, tight smile. “ I just don't want to complicate this.” I whispered.

His dark gaze lingered on me, filled with confusion and an unreadable expression.

I held his gaze, my heart racing. “Let’s go to the palace.” I whispered.