Kaelan’s thoughts churned as he watched Liana leave his chambers, her steps hurried and unsteady. He couldn’t shake the feeling that the truth was within reach, just out of sight. Summoning his Beta, he paced the room, his frustration mounting.
When the Beta arrived, he bowed deeply. “Alpha, you called for me.”
Kaelan turned to face him, his expression unreadable. “Tell me, have you seen anything suspicious involving Liana?”
The Beta’s eyes flickered with unease, but he kept his tone even. “No, Alpha. Nothing of note.”
Kaelan stepped closer, his gaze sharp and probing. “Don’t lie to me,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “I can see it in your eyes. You’re hiding something.”
The Beta stiffened but didn’t speak.
Kaelan’s frustration boiled over. “Where does your loyalty lie?” he demanded, his voice rising. “With me, or with her?”
The Beta hesitated, his silence speaking volumes. Finally, he dropped to his knees, his head bowed. “Forgive me, Alpha,” he said, his voice trembling.
Kaelan’s heart sank, his suspicions confirmed. “What did you see?” he asked, his tone quiet but charged with anger.
The Beta hesitated again, his voice barely above a whisper. “Forgive me, Alpha, for sleeping with Luna.”
The words hit Kaelan like a blow, the room spinning around him. He staggered back, his breath coming in shallow gasps as the weight of the betrayal settled over him.
“You…” Kaelan muttered, his voice filled with disbelief. “You slept with her?”
The Beta didn’t lift his head. “It wasn’t planned, Alpha. I swear. I… I’m sorry.”
Kaelan slumped into his chair, his hands gripping the armrests tightly. Rage and sorrow warred within him, his mind struggling to process the revelation.
After a long moment, he rose, his expression cold and resolute. “Guards!” he barked, his voice echoing through the halls.
When the guards arrived, Kaelan pointed to the Beta. “Take him to the dungeon. Now.”
The Beta didn’t resist as the guards hauled him away, his head bowed in shame.