Chapter 72 Culprit

Chapter 72 Culprit
Cain POV
“Emma gave you a drink?” I asked, my voice low but firm. My hand didn’t leave her head, but my eyes were sharp. I needed her to tell me the truth. I needed to know exactly what had happened.
Ava nodded weakly, her lips barely moving. “Yes… she did…”
I could feel the tension in the room spike. My gaze shifted to Raven, who had been standing quietly beside the bed. Her eyes narrowed, her jaw tight. “I knew there was something off about that,” she said softly but with enough weight that it felt like a warning.
Ava’s hand went up, trembling as she tried to calm her. “No, no, don’t say that, Raven. Emma didn’t do anything…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Raven scoffed, her eyes sharp as daggers. “You trust people too quickly, Ava. You’ve always been too kind, too trusting. That’s how this happens.”
I clenched my jaw, my fingers tightening slightly in Ava’s hair as I tried to stay calm. There was no time for blame games, no time for guessing. I had to act. “Summon Emma,” I ordered the guards without raising my voice but leaving no room for debate. “Now.”
The guards saluted and left immediately, disappearing down the hallway. I kept my hand rubbing Ava’s head, hoping she could feel some comfort, some safety. Her body was tense, and her breathing was uneven. I spoke softly, more to her than anyone else. “It’s alright… I’ve got you.”
Raven gave a small nod but her eyes were still full of concern. “Go back and rest. Attend to your baby,” I told her, my voice firm but not unkind. Raven hesitated, lingering for a moment before she gave Ava’s hand a quick squeeze. “I’ll check on you in the morning,” she promised, her voice soft, almost breaking.
When she left, the silence was thick. Not long after, the guards returned with Emma. She looked pale, her hands slightly shaking. The usual confidence she carried seemed gone, replaced with a look that made me uneasy. She held her head high, trying to appear calm, but something… something felt off.
I stepped forward, my presence immediately commanding the room. “Emma,” I said, my tone cold and cutting, “explain yourself.”
Her eyes widened slightly, and she shook her head. “Alpha… I would never… I would never do such a thing. I swear. I didn’t… I would never hurt Ava.” Her voice cracked, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. She was crying, genuinely, or at least trying to look like it. But there was something there. Something I couldn’t ignore.
I took a step closer, my eyes locking onto hers, piercing, demanding honesty. “Are you lying to me?” I asked, my voice low and dangerous. Every instinct in my body told me to read her, to feel her lies.
Before Emma could respond, Ava’s hand reached up to mine. “Cain… please… don’t be harsh on her. She couldn’t have done this,” she whispered, her voice trembling but firm. I looked down at her, and for a moment, I wanted to let my anger rest. Ava trusted people too easily, yes, but her words had weight.
I narrowed my eyes at Emma, my voice cold and sharp. “Get out,” I commanded. The guards immediately stepped forward and escorted her away. I didn’t take my eyes off her as she left. Something was definitely wrong. Something I would uncover soon, but not now. Not while Ava needed me.
Once the room was empty, I shifted my focus entirely to Ava. I lifted her carefully into my arms, feeling her trembling against me. Every muscle in my body went rigid as I carried her through the corridors, growling at anyone who dared look our way. The hallways were silent as we moved, and I didn’t even feel their stares. My entire focus was on her.
Back in our chambers, I set her down gently. Her body was still weak, still shaking from the ordeal. I guided her to the bathing area and helped her into the warm water, letting it soothe her muscles. I washed her carefully, taking my time, making sure she was clean and comfortable. Her skin was delicate, sensitive from everything she had been through. I made sure every movement was gentle, careful not to hurt her.
After her bath, I wrapped her in a soft robe and led her to the bed. She sat on the edge, her body hunched slightly, her hands resting in her lap. I moved behind her, guiding her gently to lie down. Once she was settled, I sat beside her, my hand brushing her hair from her face.
“Relax,” I said softly, my voice low and steady. “Don’t collect anything from anyone except Raven. You hear me?”
She nodded faintly, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. I could feel the tension in her body slowly easing, just slightly, as I held her hand. I stayed with her until she closed her eyes, letting sleep take her at last.
The night was quiet, the chambers silent except for her slow, steady breathing. My mind, however, was alive with thoughts, with plans. Someone had poisoned her, and I would find them. I would trace every move, every shadow, every possible angle. They would not escape me.
When dawn came, I left the chamber quietly, careful not to wake her. My hands were clenched, my jaw tight. I had pack matters to attend to, but finding the person who had dared harm Ava was my first priority. I would not rest, I would not pause, until justice was done.
As I walked through the halls, the morning sun casting long shadows across the stone floor, I felt the weight of responsibility pressing on me. I had to protect her. Not just her life, but her peace. No one would ever harm her again, not if I could stop it.
The guards were already stationed for the day, but my mind was elsewhere. Every detail, every slight movement I had seen, every glance that seemed off in the past days, I cataloged it all. Emma had been suspicious, yes, but Ava’s words and her faith in her made me hesitate. 
By the time the pack chambers were filled with morning light, my mind had already mapped out the day, attend to the pack, gather information, set a few traps, and most importantly, ensure Ava remained safe and unaware of the danger surrounding her. She had been through enough. No one would ever see her suffer under my watch again.
I would find the one who dared poison Ava. And when I did, they would pay. I growled softly under my breath, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease slightly. Let the day begin.