Chapter 113
Juno’s POV
dragged myself from the depths of sleep. My body felt like lead, exhaustion clinging to me despite the full night’s rest. Augustin was already up, his side of the bed empty but still warm. I heard the shower running and forced myself to sit up, rubbing my eyes.
Strange. I’d done nothing physically demanding yesterday, but still feel extremely tired. I pushed the thought aside and swung my legs over the edge of the bed.
By the time Augustin emerged from the bathroom, I was dressed and staring absently at my reflection. My eyes looked dull, my skin pale.
“Ready for breakfast?” Augustin asked, coming up behind me and placing a gentle kiss on my neck.
I nodded. His scent wrapped around me, comforting and strong
The dining room was thick with tension when we arrived. Bryloch and Adryx were already seated with Scarlett and Freya. No one spoke beyond brief greetings.
I picked at my food, moving it around my plate without much interest. The cloud of Evanth’s arrest hung over all of us, a storm ready to break at any moment. I wanted this whole mess resolved quickly.
Our relationship was still so new, still finding its footing. Augustin and I were learning each other, working through differences, accepting each other’s worlds. This crisis was the last thing we needed when our love was still tender, still growing.
“Juno will accompany me to question Evanth and Quentor today” Augustin announced, breaking the silence.
“I’d like Scarlett to join us,” Bryloch said. His tone was respectful but firm.
“Is that necessary?” Augustin asked.
Bryloch met his gaze steadily. “With respect, Alpha King, the consequences of this investigation affect all of Clifflands. As your Beta, I need to be fully informed.”
“And Scarlett’s insight might be valuable,” he added. “She has a unique perspective on political machinations.
Augustin clearly wasn’t pleased with the request, but he nodded anyway. “Fine.”
“Then Freya should come too,” Adryx added, “Her analytical skills could prove useful.”
I saw Augustin’s fingers clench around his fork, I placed my hand on his thigh beneath the table, a silent message not to lose his temper.
He exhaled slowly, then nodded again. “Very well.”
Then I pushed my barely–touched food away, waiting for breakfast to end. The sooner we dealt with this situation, the
better.
The prison area was located in the east wing of the manor, a section I’d never visited before. As we walked the stone
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corridor, memories of my own captivity flashed through my mind. Evanth had Imprisoned me and my friends after Helena’s death and his mother’s attack. I still couldn’t understand why the attacker had spared Amelia’s life.
What if the attack wasn’t mearg to kill her at all? The thought stuck me suddenly. What if it was just meant to look that
way
My musings were interrupted when we turned a corner and found Evanth standing outside his cell, chained and surrounded by uniformed officers I didn’t recognize.
Augustin stopped abruptly. “What is the meaning of this?”
One of the officers stepped forward and bowed. “Alpha King, we have orders from the Council of Elders to transfer the prisoner to their custody.”
“On what grounds?” Augustin demanded, his anger filling the corridor.
“Treason is to be judged and punished by the Council, according to ancient law.” The officer handed Augustin a document. “These are the official papers, signed by Elder Quentor himself.
Augustin barely glanced at the papers before ripping them in half. “Get out,” he growled. “Now.”
The authority in his voice made even my wolf cower. The officers hesitated only a moment before bowing and backing away, leaving Evanth in the custody of Augustin’s Delta guards.
“Take him to the interrogation room,” Augustin ordered, and we followed as they led Evanth down another corridor.
The interrogation room was sparse–a table, three chairs, and stone walls that would muffle any sound. Evanth was secured to one of the chairs while we took positions around the room. His eyes darted to each of us, finally settling on his
brother.
“What is this about, Augustin?” Evanth demanded, yanking at his restraints. “First your mate threatens me, and now I’m charged with treason? Have things deteriorated so badly between us? We’ve had our disagreements, but this-”
“You forged my signature and seal,” Augustin cut him off, his voice cold as ice. He circled the table slowly. “You sent Theron to Forestvale to create chaos. You knew the development tax issue was fabricated, yet you used it to cause unrest.”
“I did no such thing!” Evanth’s gaze shifted to me, desperation in his eyes.
“Look at me, not her,” Augustin snapped, slamming his palm on the table. “Answer the questions. Did you forge my signature?”
“No!”
“Did you send Theron to Forestvale?”
“No, I swear it!”
“Then how did he end up there with orders bearing my seal?” Augustin leaned in close to his brother’s face.
I pressed my palm against the wall, suddenly lightheaded. My stomach lurched, and I took a deep breath to steady myself. The room seemed to tilt slightly, the scents intensifying uncomfortably.
I pushed the thought away. I couldn’t afford to show weakness now.
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“I’m innocent,” Evanth insisted, his voice cracking. A thin sheet of sweat covered his forehead. Theron is lying. I never assigned him any task in Forestvale or anywhere else.”
“Then why would Theron implicate you?” Augustin asked, “What would he gain by specifically naming you?”
‘Scarlett and Freya exchanged glances from where they stood in the corner. I could tell they were thinking the same thing I was this seemed too convenient.
–
Evanth’s eyes narrowed. “Maybe you should ask your mate.” Hepat the word. “Her and her former Alpha. How convenient that this all starts after she arrives. She suddenly loves you, and all hell breaks loose in our territories.”
Augustin’s fist slammed onto the table. “Watch your tongue.”
“Think about it,” Evanth pressed, “Theron could be working for Matthew or Kieran. They’d love nothing more than to see Clifflands divided. Don’t be blind, brother. We tore these women from their homes, from their matés. His gaze shifted to me, his eyes cold and accusing. “You think they just forgot their love for them? That they wouldn’t seek revenge? This woman lived with Matthew for years. Who knows what plans they made before she came here.”
I felt the knife–twist of his words. Seraphine growled within me, offended by the implication. My scent must have soured with hurt because Augustin’s hand found mine, squeezing tightly.
“I said, watch your tongue,” Augustin repeated. “Question my mate’s loyalty again and these chains will be the least of your concerns.”
My heart pounded.
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