“Take him to the dungeon,” Kaelan ordered, his voice cold and unyielding. “Now.”
The guards hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “Yes, Alpha.”
As they turned to carry out the order, Kaelan stood abruptly, his gaze hardening. “And bring Liana as well.”
The guards exchanged a brief glance, the weight of his command settling heavily on them. “Liana, Alpha?” one of them asked cautiously.
Kaelan’s glare was sharp enough to cut steel. “Do not question me. Take her to the dungeon. She has betrayed this pack and me.”
The guards nodded, their expressions grim as they hurried out.
Kaelan followed at a distance, his chest heaving with the effort to contain his fury. When he reached the main hall, he saw Liana surrounded by the guards, her hands clutching at their arms as she struggled against them.
“Kaelan!” she cried, her voice shrill with desperation. “What are you doing? This is madness!”
Kaelan’s gaze was cold, his words sharp. “Take her away.”
The guards hesitated as Liana’s pleas grew louder, but Kaelan’s authority was absolute. They tightened their grip on her arms, dragging her toward the dungeon.
“I’ve done nothing wrong!” Liana screamed, her voice echoing through the hall. “This is a mistake!”
Kaelan didn’t respond, his jaw clenched as he followed them to the dark, stone-lined depths of the dungeon. When both the Beta and Liana were securely locked behind iron bars, Kaelan stood before them, his eyes blazing with anger.
“Your lies end here,” he said, his voice low but filled with menace. “I gave you trust, and you spat on it. Now, you will face the consequences.”
Liana clung to the bars, her eyes wide with fear. “Kaelan, please, I’m carrying your child!”
Kaelan’s lip curled in disgust. “That is a lie, and we both know it.”
Without another word, he turned and left the dungeon, the sound of their protests fading as he ascended the stairs. His heart was pounding, his wolf pacing within him, but he knew he couldn’t linger on his anger.
When he returned to his chambers, he tried to collect his thoughts, but a sharp knock at the door interrupted him.
“Enter,” Kaelan barked, his voice still edged with frustration.
A soldier stepped inside, bowing deeply. “Alpha, we have news.”
Kaelan’s eyes narrowed. “Speak.”
The soldier’s expression was tense, his words deliberate. “We’ve located Mira.”
Kaelan’s breath hitched, his wolf stilling instantly. “Where?”
“She’s at the StoneWare Pack,” the soldier replied. “And she’s about to be mated to their Alpha. The ceremony is tonight.”