Chapter 35

ISABELLE’S POV

The woman’s brother finally seemed to grasp the gravity of the situation. His face paled as rushed forward and tried to calm his sister, whispering harshly for her to stop and think.

Yet, she ignored him only growing even more hysterical. She hurled insults at me, her voice echoing through the large courtroom.

“You think you are untouchable just because you have a noble title!” she spat. “I know what you are, you are nothing but a spoiled brat!”

I raised an eyebrow at her, unfazed by the outburst even as her brother struggled to hold her back. I turned to glance at Ryker, who now wore a dark and thunderous expression.

“Enough,” Ryker snapped, his voice sharp and commanding. He signaled the guards. “Restrain this madwoman.”

As the guards started slowly closing in on her, Nora fought back hard, her arms flailing wildly around her, but the guards were stronger and we'll build and quickly subdued her.

Her brother glanced nervously, his eyes darting between Ryker and me, clearly torn between his loyalty to his sister and the consequences of their actions.

I stepped forward, my eyes narrowed with seriousness, my voice cool but firm.

“This woman has repeatedly harassed an innocent man. She has gone as far as disturbing his life and business and shown absolutely no remorse for her actions. A simple warning won’t be good enough.”

I paused, my gaze locked onto the brother. “And as for her brother, who has abused his position as an official to shield her from accountability for her crimes, I highly suggest he and his position should be investigated thoroughly.”

Nora's brother's face turned a deep shade of red, his eyes darting around with fear as murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Ryker slowly nodded in agreement with my suggestion and then he added. “Both of you would be taken to the confinement room for immediate questioning. And if you dare refuse to cooperate, they will face severe punishment.”

Nora screamed in protest, crumbling unto the court marble floors as the guards dragged her and her brother away. Her brother was in full panic as the guards turned him towards the door.

Suddenly he fought out of the guard grip and dropped to his knees, in front of Ryker, pleading with him, his eyes filled with pure horror.

“Please, Officer! We would confess! We will confess everything!” He muttered, his voice shaking as his body trembled with fear. “Please don't take us into the confinement room.”

Ryker’s cold gaze didn’t waver one but he seemed unimpressed and unmoved by the man's theatrics and tears. “Your confessions will be recorded, and justice will be served.”

Curiosity sparked in my eyes as I watched this reaction as I turned to one of the guards. “Tell me about this confinement room. What makes it so effective?”

The guard hesitated, shooting a glance at Ryker for permission. After a moment of hesitation, the guard finally spoke up, “It’s a place designed to extract the truth. It’s designed and filled with tools meant to torture the mind and body. Only a few can endure it for too long.” He explained.

My lips curled into a dark smile, “Interesting.” I remarked.

The siblings’ expression tightened; their eyes rimmed red as they pleaded.

Ryker looked over at them with a distasteful expression. “Are you both now ready to confess?” He asked.

They nodded frantically, “Yes please.” They responded in unison.

“And what do you plead to your crime?”

“Guilt!” They both responded without hesitation.

Once their confessions were secured, Ryker dismissed the courtroom, gesturing to the guards to take them away.

He stood and bowed respectfully to me. “I apologize for any distress this incident may have caused you, Lady Isabelle.”

“There’s no need for apologies,” I said warmly. “Instead I should be the one apologizing for your troubles in this case.”

I took a step closer, my movements slow but deliberate. Taking his cold hand in mine, I looked up at him with sparkling eyes.

“You have such a deep understanding of pack law and that's truly impressive, Officer Ryker.” I was complimented.

Ryker blinked, he seemed a little startled by my intense gaze. For a moment, his usual composure faltered and he looked entrance

“ I appreciate your nice compliments Lady Isabelle” he muttered, his voice steady but his tone uncertain.

I tilted my head, a playful glint in my eyes.” I’ve always been so fascinated by the pack laws.”

Ryker hesitated. “If you are truly interested, I would be honored to share my knowledge and teach you.”

Inwardly, I felt a surge of triumph rush through me. ‘Seems like he is already hooked,’I thought and my wolf nodded in agreement.

Outwardly, I flashed him a warm smile with a hint of innocence as I gazed up at him in admiration.

“Excellent,” she said. Then, my tone shifted, becoming bolder as I sidled towards him, “And I’d like to experience this confinement room that makes people so scared for myself.”

Ryker stiffened beside me. “Lady Isabelle, the confinement room, is definitely not a suitable place for someone of your status.”

“I’m not afraid,” I responded firmly. “If I’m to understand pack law, I should have full experience of everything, don’t you think?”

Ryker watched me for a moment, his gray eyes scanning my expression. Finally, he gave in with a sigh. “Very well. As you wish.”

RYKER’S POV

I led Princess Isabelle into the confinement room, with a tight expression. As we stepped inside, the darkness swallowed us, broken only by the glow of a dim lantern at the center of the room

The air in the room hung thick with the stench of dried blood and decay. Torture devices lined the walls—chains, iron masks, and mutilating tools designed to break the wills of prisoners.

I glanced at Isabelle, expecting to see her recoil in disgust or fear at the raunchy sight. Instead, she remained calm, her gaze wandering over the tools with curiosity.

“So this is where confessions are extracted?” she asked, stepping closer to the wall and inspecting the instruments, lightly tracing the edge of a rusted blade

I gave her a curt nod. “Yes, and it's very effective.”

“And these tools... do they really work?”

“They actually do,” I admitted. “The mere threat of this room is often enough to make most criminals confess.”

She nodded thoughtfully, I studied her carefully, my hands rubbing my jaw thoughtfully.

The rumours of the “foolish princess” I have heard didn’t seem real anymore. There was a sharpness in her eyes, and more thoughtfulness than I expected.

I found myself weirdly drawn to her intellect and boldness. One thing was certain: she was no ordinary woman.