Chapter 36

RYKER’S POV

As they left the confinement room, Ryker observed Isabelle’s composed demeanour. Most people, even seasoned officials, would emerge shaken from witnessing the devices designed to enforce justice.

But Isabelle was different. She seemed almost... intrigued.

“Lady Isabelle,” I began cautiously, my deep voice echoing slightly in the hallway. “You didn’t flinch in that room. Were you not afraid even for a single second?”

She turned to me, her lips tugged in a small confident smile.

“Why would I be afraid? I have never committed a crime,” she responded, holding my gaze steadily.

“Really,” I muttered with a hint of amusement, a little taken aback by her straightforwardness.

“In fact, the presence and existence of those tools and that room in our judicial system only reassures me. They help ensure that justice prevails and deters crime and wrongdoings.”

I was stunned for a moment and utterly speechless. I had never expected such an insightful response from the princess.

Most people who visited the room, even nobles, either feared or condemned the judiciary’s methods without understanding the necessity it helped for the pack's wellbeing. But Lady Isabelle... She understood our methods and she was wise, way beyond her years.

“You surprised me, Lady Isabelle,” I admitted without thinking.

I felt a faint stirring in my chest as I gazed at her, a small sensation I hadn’t felt in years. My wolf, usually quiet and reserved, rumbled softly inside me at Isabelle.

Shaking off the unexpected thought, I gave her a slight bow. “It was an honour to assist you today. If you ever wish to learn more about the law, my door is always open.”

Isabelle inclined her head gracefully. “Thank you, Sir Ryker. I’ll remember that.”

As she walked away, I watched her retreating figure, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. I couldn’t deny it—Isabelle intrigued me.

ISABELLE’S POV

I shared a curt smile with Ryker as I turned away from him to leave the judiciary hall. He gave a small bow and I turned, heading towards the car.

I returned to my villa and the moment I stepped into the foyer, a maid approached me, holding a sealed envelope in her hands.

“A message for you, my lady,” the maid announced, handing it over.

I immediately recognized the elegant handwriting when I flipped the envelope over. It was a letter from Tristan. I opened the letter and quickly scanned its contents.

Isabelle,

We need to talk.

Tristan

Short and simple, I sighed as I folded the letter. My mind was already swirling with thoughts of why Tristan reached out, and what he wanted to talk about.

I was usually the one to go to him, and this felt a little off. I let out a huge exhale, willing myself to relax.

Later that evening, I arrived at their palace to study. Tristan was already there, sprawled casually over the couch nursing a glass of scotch in his hands.

His sharp features were illuminated by the golden light of the setting sun, giving him an almost ethereal appearance.

“You’re late,” he remarked, though he didn't seem considerably annoyed.

“I did know this was very urgent,” I replied, crossing my arms and settling into the couch opposite him. “I got your letter, what's wrong?” I asked with a raised brow.

Tristan pushed off the sofa and approached me, his piercing gaze studying me intently.

“I heard from judicial officer Ryker that you’ve expressed an interest in learning the Pack's law from him.”

I raised an eyebrow, narrowing my eyes. “He was very quick to inform you.”

Tristan smirked. “He’s thorough, which is why I recommended him. But I must say, Isabelle, I never expected you to take me seriously when I advised you to shift your focus.”

My expression softened, and I let out a quiet sigh. “Well, you rarely give me any praise, Tristan. So when you finally did, I thought I should at least try to live up to your expectations.”

He frowned slightly, his eyes crinkling. “Don’t twist my words. I never criticized you before. I simply... I wanted to see you grow. You’ve always been capable of so much more than you allow yourself to believe.”

His words caught me off guard. “Thank you,” I said softly.

His dark sharp gaze lingered on me, his expression unreadable. Then, as if sensing the shift in mood, he abruptly changed the subject. “So, what’s your real reason for pursuing Ryker? Don’t tell me it’s just about the law.”

I hesitated, forcing a small laugh, lightening up the mood. “ Since Kael doesn’t like me, I've decided to take your advice and shift my focus. Ryker seems like an interesting alternative, don’t you think?”

Tristan’s eyes narrowed. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Isabelle.”

My smile faltered, and for a moment, I looked away. Deep down, I knew he was right. I was walking a tightrope, my every move calculated to maintain control. But control came at a cost, and the weight of my deceptions could backfire.

“I know,” I admitted quietly.

Tristan’s expression softened a little. “Just... be careful, Isabelle.” He warmed, his voice sharp and firm, so I nodded slowly in response.

As I returned to the cars returning to my villa, I sat still in the back, all the events of the day replaying in my mind. Ryker’s steely gaze, Tristan’s warnings, and the nagging voice of her wolf pushed my actions.

‘Why do you care about what they think?’ I whispered to myself, my voice tinged with frustration as I shut my eyes. “This is all for survival. Feelings don’t matter.”

But as I said the words, they felt hollow.

My wolf stirred, her voice softer now. ‘You know how important this is, Isabelle. You need to mate with these men to save yourself.’

I closed my eyes tighter, a single tear slipping down to my cheek. I wiped it away quickly, refusing to let myself crumble.

‘There’s no room for weakness,’ I whispered into the darkness. ’Not now. Not ever.’Even though guilt still clouded my thoughts.