Chapter 8

Molly’s POV

“She’s missing an earring,” Ollie had pointed out. He was right; Queen Goldie had the same silver earring in one ear as the one I held in my hand. Her eyes locked onto mine, holding my gaze for a long moment as I tremulously raised my hand to reveal the missing earring.

“I found this,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I overheard you talking in the study. You said you weren’t anywhere near the library. So, why was your earring here?”

She remained silent for what felt like an eternity, and I could feel Dana tensing up beside me. We were both out of our depth, but I couldn't let the queen falsely accuse Theo of something he didn't do.

Without warning, she swiftly took the earring from my hand, her lips tightening into a thin line as disapproval flashed through her cold eyes.

“Alpha King Theo didn’t kill that maid,” I told her, keeping my voice steady but low.

“You think you have everything figured out?” she asked, her tone darkening ominously. “You’re in for a rude awakening.”

With those words, she turned on her heel and left the library without another word.

A rude awakening? What did that even mean?

I shuddered at the thought and tried to shake it off as I stood in the quiet library, watching Queen Goldie storm away from me. It was hard to believe she was trying to blame Theo for the maid's murder, as if it were something she had done many times before.

Shaking my head in disbelief, I couldn't help but wonder if this was a common occurrence for her. While Theo was known as the most vicious and monstrous wolf in the land, Queen Goldie seemed even more sinister.

Feeling nervous about disturbing Theo in his study, I wondered if he knew what Queen Goldie had done. As the king, it would be surprising if he didn’t know. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door of his study, sensing his presence within the walls. My breathing caught in my throat, and my nerves rose as I waited.

He growled for me to enter, and I cautiously opened the door to see him at his desk, writing something down with an intense focus.

Theo appeared unperturbed, though his expression remained inscrutable due to the mask he always wore. It must have been uncomfortable to keep it on all the time.

He glanced up at me, his eyes no longer the scarlet they had been the night before but a deep blue. His gaze made my heart race. His scent filled the room, and for a moment, I thought my knees might give out, but I managed to maintain my stance. Even with the mask, it was impossible not to find him attractive.

His dark eyes scanned me from head to toe, causing my face to flush as I remembered the casual, baggy clothes I was wearing.

“What?” he asked when it became clear I wasn’t going to speak.

Snapping out of my daze, I met his eyes directly.

"I just wanted to see how you're doing," I said softly as I stepped into his office. He gazed at me for a long moment, attempting to comprehend my words. "Because of the maid who passed away..." I added, striving to maintain a calm tone.

He lowered his gaze back to his desk and resumed working. "Maids often die here. You'll get used to it," he murmured, his voice sharp, causing me to shiver involuntarily.

"I understand," I replied slowly. An oppressive silence fell between us before I gathered the courage to speak again. "I know you didn't kill her."

He paused in his writing to look up at me, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Oh really?" he questioned, his voice softening this time, sending a warm sensation through me as my cheeks flushed.

I gave a single nod. "Yes," I affirmed.

I wasn’t planning on elaborating further; I was certain he grasped that his stepmother was trying to frame him for the murders. As I looked at him, an odd feeling tugged at my heart. I wished I could discern his thoughts and emotions.

"I'm heading back to my father's house this afternoon," I informed him. "I need to collect the rest of my things."

"Take one of the guards with you," he commanded, his tone harsh once more as he turned back to his work.

"That won't be necessary," I responded. "My father's place isn't far from here. I won't be gone long."

He glanced back at me, and for a moment, I anticipated an argument, bracing myself for his temper. I feared he might lose control again like he did the previous night. I noticed his bandaged hand, a reminder of when he had stabbed himself.

I averted my eyes from his hand and attempted a polite smile before turning to leave. Before I could exit his study, I heard his voice behind me.