Chapter 34

ALAN’S POV

A few days passed, but I couldn’t stop thinking about that strange woman. The memory of her standing up for me against the blonde woman was etched in my brain, filling me with warmth and also a hint of confusion.

I just couldn't understand why she would go out of her way to protect someone like me who was well beneath her. And what troubled me most was the unexplainable attraction I felt towards her.

When she was near, it felt like I couldn't control myself, like there was an invisible force leading me to her.

My wolf stirred within him, a voice soft yet insistent. ‘Perhaps she is our mate.’ He hinted.

I shook my head frantically, trying to push the spiralling thoughts away. It wasn’t possible. A woman like her—strong, confident, and surely from a prestigious family—couldn’t be destined for someone as lowly as him.

But the possibility clung to me, igniting a dangerous hope. I couldn't help but fantasize that maybe she likes me too, and she could feel the pull.

I stopped myself from thinking about her and the way she acted. Was there a single chance she was attracted to me? Or was she simply being kind? I wasn't sure, but one thing was certain: I could never confess my feelings to her until I had proved my worth.

I knew if she wasn’t the daughter of a marquis, then she must be a lady from a very prestigious family in the pack. My current status as a struggling artist can never match hers. I need to become a royal court painter before I chase her.

Becoming a royal court painter was my goal. If he achieved that title, maybe—just maybe—I could stand beside her without shame.

ISABELLE’S POV

I stood on my balcony, leaning back in my lounge chair as my maid walked into the room.

“I'm here!” I called out and a few seconds later, she appeared through the balcony curtains.

“My lady” she greeted with a bow.

I immediately sat up, my relaxed expression replaced with a serious one.

“What happened to the blonde woman you took away to jail?” I asked.

“Princess, the woman and her brother went to the chief judicial officer, Ryker,” the maid explained cautiously, “to lodge a formal complaint against you.”

My lips curled into a smirk. “So, she actually went to complain.” I mused, “This should be fun to watch.”

The maid hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. “Lady Isabelle, Officer Ryker is known for his strictness. He’s not someone to take lightly.”

“I’m counting on that,” I replied with a sly smile. “I’ve heard so much about him, but I’ve never met him in person. I think it's about time.”

I got ready within seconds, dressed in a black lace dress, my golden hair hung in a high pony and headed straight to the palace court.

The judiciary hall was an imposing structure, with towering columns made of concrete and marble.

The huge building had an air of authority that demanded respect from all those who approached. I strode in with confidence, my head held high as whispers followed me through the grand corridors.

I hesitated at the door of the grand courtroom, taking a deep breath, before I pushed through and stepped inside.

Silence descended in the room as everyone turned to watch me walk in. My skin burned from the sharp gazes but I didn't falter, walking in stylishly and approaching the middle of the room

My gaze immediately landed on a man at the front on a podium, he had an air of authority and seriousness around him. His piercing grey eyes scanned the room with a calm yet commanding presence. His dark hair was neatly combed, and his tailored uniform emphasized his broad shoulders and tight disciplined demeanour.

And I knew that was nobody but– Officer Ryker. I approached his seat with confidence and settled in beside him.

For a moment, I was genuinely impressed. “Handsome and serious,” her wolf noted with approval. “Looks like the next target to conquer.” She quipped.

When Ryker’s gaze met mine, my breath hitched in my throat, his eyes were so sharp it felt like he could see through me.

Recognition flickered across his face. He rose from his seat and bowed respectfully. “Lady Isabelle,” he said, his voice deep and rough. “A real honour to finally meet you.”

The hall fell even more silent as everyone's eyes remained on me.

I was a little flustered from his full attention on me but I didn't let it show. I simply nodded gracefully in acknowledgement, my every movement exuding confidence.

The blonde woman– Nora's sharp gaze met mine.

She was sitting opposite me, staring daggers right at me.

I decided to ignore her and broke our gaze, looking away with indifference. But that only seemed to anger her more.

“You tramp!” She shrieked. Her loud voice echoed through the building.

I scoffed at her loud display, shaking my head with a smirk. Her expression twisted with malice, her face turning red as rage flooded her.

She suddenly stood and pointed at me. “This here is the wicked woman who humiliated me! She abused her power and had me thrown into jail like I was trash!”

Her brother, a middle-aged man who also rose with a deep scowl, added, “As a patrol captain, I demand justice for my sister. No one is above the law, not even nobles.” He growled.

I remained calm, crossing my legs, my gaze never wavering as I studied both of them. Her dramatic gestures and shrill voice were almost amusing. I almost let out a bark of laughter.

Before I could respond, the woman tried to rush past her brother and towards me with full force, her face twisted with rage.

Her hands were raised, her gaze clouded with violence.

But before she could reach me, Ryker intervened, his voice sharp and authoritative. “Stand down. This is a court, not a market. You should treat yourself with dignity, or you’ll face the consequences.”