Chapter 77 Gradel My father's burial was done in a hushed manner and today when I was supposed to rest from a backlog of stress that had piled up during the week and have a sober reflection, my mind was dominated with thoughts of yesterday's events. I was bothered by the accusations made at her and it was hard for me to believe that she could do such a thing. She might be innocent—no, she should be innocent but all evidence pointed toward her and sadly, I didn't know how to defend her. The guard that Hegar had spoken to concerning my father's death approached me, his gait slow and uncertain. I'd sent for him so that he could be properly interrogated. It was time to hear from the horse's mouth. "Good morning, Your Grace," He inclined his head, his hands behind him. "Morning. I have questions for you," I went straight to the point. "Tell me everything you said to Hegar about my late father's death," I ordered. He raised his face and shifted uncomfortably. His lips parte
Chapter 78IrisMy heart took a skip when Gradel stalked into his room, his body glimmering with beads of sweat. He might have gone for a run or something, but what amazed me was how he pretended to be oblivious to my existence because of a mere accusation. Did our relationship hold no weight to him?The tension in the air was thick and depressing but there was only one way to clear it and that was by facing the issue. While he took off his shirt, I walked toward him, rubbing my palms nervously. I never had to feel this way around him, but it was obvious that someone was impersonating me to cause trouble. "Good morning, Grade," I tried to sound enthusiastic but his impassive facade made it more difficult for me to articulate my speech. He spared me a backward glance and then eyed me meticulously. "Morning," He threw a curt reply. I swallowed and clutched onto the skirt of my dress. "Can we talk? You've been acting all cold since yesterday and I just want to clear the air,"He hea
Chapter 79GradelI was in the midst of a meeting with the elders when a guard barged into the courtroom, sweating profusely and panting heavily."How dare you..." Simon rumbled."I'm sorry, head sentinel, but there's trouble. Our future Luna has been attacked by the women at the market and I'm afraid that she might not survive it if she isn't saved immediately." He rushed the words and I jerked to my feet.My heart slammed hard against my ribcage and cold sweats broke out on my forehead and trickled down my face as I replayed his words in my head. I had several questions to ask but this wasn't the right time for them and I hoped that Elda was by her side or he'd be dead meat. Impulsively, I shifted to my half-form, ready to tear apart anyone who came in my way. Those women whom I cared for and protected would feel my wrath if Iris didn't make it. There and then, I realized how wrong I'd been to suspect my mate from the beginning. That should be the reason for my wolf's restlessnes
Chapter 80Iris"Arghh," I groaned as my eyes fluttered open.I blinked incessantly until I got used to the brightness of the room then I passed a cursory glance around it. Relief washed over me when I noticed that I was alone.Loneliness was a luxury I craved because I wanted to have some time to myself and make plans on what to do next after what had happened.The memories came rushing like a flood into my memory and a dull ache gnawed in my chest. I couldn't believe that I was almost stoned to death like a common criminal without being tried.And Gradel, he allowed it to happen. I didn't know who saved me and I didn't want to know. They should have left me to die, after all, this kind of situation was likely to repeat itself.My body ached for a stretch so I indulged myself and raised my hands. And then it occurred to me that my limbs weren't hurting as they should and the pains that had spread all over my body from that attack had vanished. I touched my forehead, clearly remember
Chapter 81Iris"Hey," He said calmly and lowered himself onto the chair beside me.I scoffed, staring at him in disbelief. Seeing how easy it was for him to throw a greeting and casually sit with me, acting like we were friends after everything he had done was appalling, but I put a lid on my simmering temper and forced out a thin smile."What are you doing here, Devin?" My voice was colder than expected but I liked it.He folded his arms, acting aloof. "I came to pay my last respect to the Alpha. Heard he was buried yesterday," He replied nonchalantly. "Oh, what changed? I thought you were his errand boy," I teased him. "I realized how stupid I was to have his back before he died and that's why I didn't waste a second in moving over to the Red Sea pack to rule them. And trust me when I say that my life is quite better over there,"The way the twins talked about their father was alarming. I was sure he'd be rolling in his grave right now, but I couldn't deny that he deserved it. "
Chapter 82IrisHe obliged and lowered himself with a grunt. We stayed in silence for a while until it became uncomfortable."Have you been here before," I threw a question at him."No," He answered curtly. "How could I have ever come here? I'm not from this pack, remember? But this place is beautiful." He gushed at the sight. "What is it called?" He sounded curious and I was at a loss of what to tell him.My trust in people was broken, shattered the more after Gradel had disappointed and betrayed me, but Elda seemed harmless. At least, he was by my side when I needed him."Illyra. That's what it is called. Not many people know about this place and I prefer it that way because, in situations like this, I come here to let out some steam and get energized." I explained. He chuckled softly. "So you come here to recharge your life battery?" He joked. "Yes, I do..." I bent my head and tried to shove aside the memories from the first time Gradel and I came here filtered in. We had so muc
Chapter 83IrisI clenched my fist tightly around the fork in my hand to the point of breaking it. What was he even doing here?Did he think that appearing like a knight in shining armor would suddenly erase the pains and tears that he caused me to shed? If that was what he thought, then he was joking."How are you doing, Hazel? I hear that you have been mated to my friend, Hegar and I hope he's treating you well," He murmured, picking up a plate to serve himself.Hazel glanced at me and giggled, grinning from ear to ear. I rolled my eyes and held back a snort at how she usually lost her senses once Hegar's name was mentioned.Once upon a time, I used to do the same but where did it lead me?"Of course, he treats me like an egg. I don't regret being his mate," She tucked her hair shyly, her cheeks turning red.My mouth was itching to drop a terse response but I didn't want Hazel to notice the strain between us. I wasn't sure I wanted to tell anyone about my predicament. It was easier
Chapter 84IrisI was also surprised by my outburst, after everything that they had done to me, they deserved to rot in jail but these people were motivated by what they thought I did.They felt I was a murderer, but most of them didn't know me well enough to give me the benefit of the doubt."They were confused about everything and I availed myself to them the day I came to the market, ignorant of their plans. So, let them go, Gradel. You don't have to punish them for feeling the way they felt," I said in their defense. He scoffed, staring at me as if I'd gone cray-cray. "Well, you have to understand that it isn't about you. It's about my will to protect you from anyone who thinks they can hurt you and go scot-free,"Fury seared through me. "Then you'll lose me if you don't do what I asked," I screamed. He tilted his head to the side, confused. "I'll lose you? What are you talking about?"I inhaled deeply and let out an exhale, slowly counting to ten in my heart. It wouldn't be pro