Chapter 71

Isadora's POV.

Just then, the elder who was presiding over the funeral took careful steps towards Golem and stared into his eyes in thorough examination. Suddenly, he exclaimed in a loud voice, overwhelmed with surprise, "He's the one! I don't believe it—the lost prince! All hail the king of the South!" He went down on his knees and bowed before Golem.

As the elder's words echoed through the cemetery, declaring Golem as the lost prince, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The crowd's gasps turned into cheers, celebrating the return of their long-lost royal heir. Golem, however, wore a dark expression, his eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and irritation at the unexpected revelation.

The park members followed suit, bowing before Golem, their faces filled with awe and reverence. My heart sank as I sensed Golem's displeasure with the sudden turn of events. His jaw clenched as he glanced down at the elder, who knelt by his feet, and it was evident that he was not inclined to embrace his newfound royal identity.

Golem debunked the revelation with frustration in his voice, "What the hell are you talking about, old man? I am not your lost prince. Have you been smoking on trees?" His eyes swept across the crowd, urging them to rise. "Get up on your feet good people of the south; this old man has me confused with someone else."

Before Golem could complete his sentence, the elder interjected in argument, "But it's you, young Prince. It's your eyes, you have always had that fire in your eyes burning brightly ,since you were a little boy, just like your father."

Golem thundered in anger,he had been concerned, the flames within him igniting both his words and the air around him as he barked. "Enough of this nonsense, old man!" In an instant, fire accompanied his words, and before anyone could react, the elder was set ablaze.

The celebratory scene turned into an instant chaos as members of the pack struggled to put off the fire, the atmosphere became tense with disbelief and fear.

I shot Golem a disapproving look, conveying my concern. "Golem, I feel like you're overreacting. It's not a big deal if they know the truth, what are you so scared of anyway."

Before Golem could respond, Matamoros interrupted, a curious look on his face as he turned to me ."Wait a minute, Isadora. Are you, by any chance, confirming that what the elder said was the truth, and this guy here is actually the Queen's lost son? I thought he claimed to be a distant relative instead"

"Yes, the elder is correct he's the queen's lost son and not any distant relative" I replied casually, feeling the weight of the revelation settling in.

Matamoros squinted his eyes, giving me a calculative look. "You speak with so much confidence? How did you confirm this and For how long have you known, how come you didn't bother telling me anything? I thought we were supposed to be partners who don't keep secrets from eachother."

Before I could respond, Golem interjected with determination, "that's because she's my mate, that's why."

The revelation hung in the air, and I tilted my head sideways, covering my face with a palm. This was precisely what I was trying to avoid, a confrontation. The moment Golem spilled the beans, I could feel Matamoros's eyes on me, seeking confirmation. He asked in a tone that demanded truth, "Isadora, is this true?"

I remained silent, caught in a web of emotions, uncertain of how to confront him. I didn't want to hurt him or break his heart, but the truth couldn't be hidden any longer.

Matamoros, his voice calm yet filled with intensity, said, "Isadora, look me in the eyes and tell me that this is a lie." I could feel his voice breaking with pain.

I hesitated, torn between loyalty and the inevitable truth. I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze, knowing that my silence spoke louder than words.

I wished for a second that the ground could open and swallow me up. The weight of the truth and its consequences pressed down on me, and I felt a deep ache in my chest.

Matamoros spoke again, and this time, I could feel him break in pain as he said, "Isadora, talk to me. Your silence is stabbing my heart."

Finally, I responded, my voice carrying a mix of regret and desperation. "Matamoros, you have to understand me. This was completely unexpected. I had no idea until I ran into him this morning."

Matamoros interrupted me, a few tear drops dripping from his eyes. "That's enough, Isadora. You don't  owe me any explanation . I just wanted to know if it was true or not. Regardless of whatever happens, I just want you to know that all I ever wanted was to see you happy."

Golem stood as a silent witness, an unreadable expression on his face, and I could sense the complexity of emotions swirling within him.

With that, Matamoros turned around and looked Golem in the eyes. He added, his voice carrying a mixture of request and warning, "Promise me one thing, Golem, that you will never make her suffer ."

Golem nodded his head in response.

With that said, Matamoros turned around and walked away slowly. I stood there, shattered, Golem wrapped his hands around me, providing a semblance of comfort, but the pain seemed insurmountable.

As I wiped the tears from my eyes, casting one final look at Matamoros, who was now a few meters away, the world around me took an abrupt turn. Suddenly, Matamoros turned around, running back to us, yelling as if he was trying to warn us of impending danger. He was farther away, and a sense of urgency gripped the moment.

Out of nowhere, an arrow hit Matamoros from behind, and he dropped dead on the spot. The shock immobilized me, and Golem's grip tightened around me in a protective instinct. A few other pack members rushed into view, running towards the graveside. Their panicked voices finally reached us as they yelled, "Lycans! It's a massacre!"