Chapter 32

Tristan POV

The hall was getting dry, more of the pack members leaving to find their way into their bed, which made sense since it was way past midnight.

Only a few elders were still at the table holding a small court of their own at the end of the table, in the midst of all this noise or the hum of conversation and the clinking of goblets Isla excused herself, slipping away quietly, I didn’t follow her because she was not a child.

If I chased after her, it would look suspicious and frankly stupid since I didn't have anything to say to her so.i.wss definitely going to sit here.

So instead, I remained seated and as relaxed, as I could manage keeping my gaze fixed on the line of pack members filtering past our table to offer their farewells.

My wolf, however, wasn’t fooled.

Ever since she had walked out of the room, my senses had heightened as I searched for her as the beast bristled under my skin, restless, tracking her scent even as it faded from the hall.

“She’s young,” Rhea murmured from her place to my right.

I looked over to her, trying not to show any facial expression. My aunt always spoke softly in public but her words always carried a weight to them even when no one else could hear them.

She didn't believe a woman should scream or shout and she definitely believed on carrying herself as delicately as possible. She was a beta, so to her and omega should be much better.

“And untested. Already wandering off while the elders are still in the room. You’ll have to get her under control before she embarrasses you further.” she continued and I couldn't help it this time a sigh left from deep within my gut.

I didn’t rise to the bait because that would make her veer off even more aunt Rhea rarely gave advice without sharpening it into a weapon first.

“I’ll handle it,” I said evenly.

“You’d better,” she replied, sipping delicately from her glass. Then, almost casually, she added,

“And as for your brother…”

My shoulders stiffened. Of course. Kieran.

I had been wondering how long it would take her to bring that up herself.

“You cannot keep allowing him to linger.” I cut her a glance.

“Excuse me?”

Her eyes narrowed, sharp and knowing.

“Kieran. Your brother. Every minute he remains here, he undermines you. He undermines her. You should have had him escorted out the moment he set foot in this hall.”

“You can’t let this continue.”

I turned my head slightly, giving her a cool look.

“He hasn’t done anything yet.”

Her laugh was low and humorless.

“Hasn’t he? “

“No he frankly hasn't” I replied and she huffed

“You sound like a fool waiting for a dagger to pierce his ribs before realizing he was being hunted. “

“He’s my brother.”

“He’s a rogue, Tristan. Rogues are a disease. “

“ He walked into this hall uninvited, sat himself at your table like he belonged there, and unsettled every elder in the room. That’s harm enough.”

“He hasn’t raised a hand against anyone,” I countered.

“If ignoring him keeps the peace, then perhaps that’s best.” I replied slowly and her eyes flashed, sharp as a hawk’s.

“That’s not an option, Tristan. He’s a rogue. You know the law as well as I do. Rogues cannot be reintegrated, not after abandoning the pack bond. To let him stay is to invite rot into your foundations.”She stated emphatically and my wolf stirred uneasily. Rogues were dangerous, yes—but Kieran was still blood. My blood.

“If you let him linger here, you’re telling the entire pack that weakness is acceptable.” she continued as of sensing that I wasn't convinced. I wasn't sure I would ever be convinced but then again there was no need to let her know that.

“Would you have me kill him, then?” I asked, my voice low enough to keep it private.

Her lips curved, though it wasn’t a smile.

“Find a way to remove him. Whether that means exile or death, I leave to you. But leaving him in your halls, near your Luna…” Her gaze slid meaningfully toward the empty seat Isla had vacated.

“It will only end in ruin.”

My jaw clenched and I stilled at the insinuation, looking around the room I realized Kieran was indeed missing and while that didn't mean anything it didn't mean she was wrong, but the truth still sat bitter in my mouth.

Rhea leaned back, satisfied, as though she’d already won. Then, after a long pause, she spoke again, her tone deceptively lighter.

“It’s high time you found your Luna, Tristan. Truly found her. The pack is waiting. They will not follow a king who hides behind shadows forever.”

Her meaning was clear.

Viviana.

Or Isla.

I didn’t answer her. Couldn’t.

Instead, I stood, excusing myself from the table before the bitterness in my chest broke free.

\---

The corridors were quieter than the hall, torchlight spilling against stone, the air thick with the scent of wine and pine. My wolf tugged me forward, following the faint trace of Isla’s scent.

I found her in the garden. My mother's garden, Kieran and I had loved to play there as a child.

At first, all I saw was the curve of her gown in the moonlight, her hair glinting silver under the torches. She was turned slightly away from me, her head bowed as though in thought but she wasn’t alone. A shadow lingered near her, tall and too familiar.

Kieran.

The moment my wolf registered his scent, it stilled inside me, cold fury spreading through my chest.

“Isla,” I growled under my breath, though he didn’t hear. My voice rose.

She spun toward me instantly, her eyes wide, caught between guilt and relief.

“Tristan,” she breathed, and for a moment, I almost believed she was glad to see me. She stepped toward me quickly, too quickly, as if trying to put space between herself and my brother.

“What are you doing out here?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

“I needed air,” she said quickly, her tone smooth but her pulse betraying her.