Chapter 40: The Beta’s Taunts Anna POV

As the guard pushed Lucas and me back inside the cell, the hefty clang of the door reverberated like a death knell. The sound of the latch clicking shut made my breath catch as I fell and landed against the wet wall.

I whirled toward the guard and growled, "You said we were free to go."

His face was hidden by the faint torchlight as he sneered. "Free? The Alpha never said that. He stated you were still being watched. This is part of it." He turned and marched down the hallway, his boots resounding against the stone floor, without saying another word.

My chest boiled with rage as I let out a harsh breath. Being watched? Under lock and key, more precisely."

Lucas took his seat on the narrow bench and leaned back as if the cell were a throne rather than a cage. "Calm down, Lia. It’s better to being put to death right away."

I paced the length of the cell and mumbled, "That’s not saying much." With each step, the walls felt like they were closing in on me, and I could still feel the pressure of the council’s inspection.

Lucas said, "Lia," in a lighter, almost fun tone. "The name fits you, I must say. Back there, quick thinking."

I froze in my tracks and gave him an angry look. "Do you find this amusing? Lucas, they will figure it out. The Beta is already aware that something is wrong."

"But you didn’t break under pressure," he said, his eyes shining with what appeared to be respect. "You even succeeded in portraying me as your long-lost brother. I’m amazed."

I choked back the reaction that was building on my tongue while crossing my arms. Arguments were useless. One thing he was right about was that we weren’t yet dead. But the Beta’s claims hung over me like a thundercloud, and the weight of the lie we’d spoken was oppressive.

The sound of coming footfalls chilled my spine, as though they had been called forth by my thoughts. They were too familiar, planned, and purposeful. Just as I turned to face the cell door, the Beta emerged, his towering figure occupying the small doorway.

He spoke, his tone brimming with arrogance, "Well, well. In shackles, the siblings were reunited. It’s incredibly touching."

"What are you looking for?" I asked, keeping a calm tone of voice despite my heart’s quick pounding.

The Beta took a step forward, a sneer twisting his lips. "I came to check on the well-being of our mysterious Lia."

The sound of my true name on his lips made my stomach turn. My chin was raised in scorn as I answered, "I have no idea what you’re talking about."

"Well, but I believe you do." His eyes pierced mine as he leaned in and clutched the bars. "I know what I saw, but you can fool the Alpha with your little sob story. Your kind of power is not typical of a wolf."

I made myself stay composed by clenching my hands. "You’re wrong."

"Am I?" His eyes darted to Lucas as he laughed ominously. "And this is your ‘brother’? Is he even aware of your true identity? Or is he merely a pawn in your scheme?"

Lucas stood, his steps careful and unhurried, his face impassive. "Be careful," he warned, his tone low and foreboding. "You’re asking for trouble now."

The sound of the Beta’s laughter echoed throughout the dungeon. "Is something wrong? No, I believe I’ll let her handle that." His eyes narrowed as he turned back to face me. "The Alpha will finally discover your lies, so it won’t be long. I’ll be there to make sure you pay the price when he does."

"Why hold off?" My voice was sharper than I meant it to be, but I shot back. "Why don’t you tell him right away if you’re so certain of yourself?"

He smiled more broadly. "Because it’s much more entertaining to watch you squirm."

My blood heated, but I made myself stay grounded. It wouldn’t help to strike out; it would only make his doubts worse. Rather than letting him see the terror that was seething beneath my anger, I looked him in the eye.

As he moved toward the bars, Lucas remarked, "Enjoy the show while you can. Because you will be held accountable for your deeds after this is over."

The Beta’s gaze moved to Lucas, and he smirked briefly before straightening up. "We’ll check on that." His steps faded into the distance as he turned on his heel and stormed off.

My shoulders slumped as the worry left my body, and I let out a shaky exhale. I muttered, scarcely raising my voice above a whisper, "He’s not going to let this go."

"No, he won’t," Lucas agreed, taking a seat again. But it is his mistake. He’s too preoccupied with showing himself right to see the bigger picture."

I scowled and sank down on the bench next to him. "What’s the bigger picture?"

"That we are not his adversaries," he stated clearly. "At least, not yet."

I studied him, looking for any hint of dishonesty. Even though he was quiet, I couldn’t quite place the flare of something more in his eyes.

"For someone imprisoned in a dungeon, you’re incredibly self-assured," I said.

"And you’re incredibly negative for someone who just beat a council," he shot back, a small smile pulling at his lips.

I leaned back against the chilly stone wall and shook my head. "Lucas, this isn’t a game. If they learn my true identity..."

"They won’t," he cut in, his voice hard. "Not if we follow the narrative."

The Beta’s words gnawed at my resolve, but I still wanted to believe him. The air felt heavy, and the cell walls seemed closer than before. I was truly cornered for the first time in years.

Lucas’s hand brushed mine as he reached out. It was a quick, nearly undetectable movement, but it made me jump. My pulse quickened as I glanced at him.

He spoke steadily and kindly, "We’ll get out of this. I swear."

I nodded, but my mind was still hazy with doubt. We had to wait for the time being and pray that the Beta’s obsession wouldn’t end up killing us.