Chapter 10: Wrath Between Brothers

FINNIAN

I waited for Marie, fuming with anger. I wasn’t going to leave until the doctor arrived and checked on her. I needed to see the doctor treating her with my eyes before I left.

Soon, the bald-headed doctor of the pack walked in, bowing deeply. “Here I am, Prince Finnian.”

I pointed at Isolde lying weakly on the bed. “Take care of her and report anything wrong with her directly to me,” I said, my voice sharp and firm.

The doctor trembled slightly and bowed again. “I will definitely do that, my Prince.”

I turned to leave, my hand already reaching for the door handle, when I heard a faint, familiar voice behind me.

“Prince Finnian? Are you still there?”

I turned quickly, rushing back to her side. She was awake now, though her eyes remained closed. The doctor stepped aside as I approached and knelt by her bed.

Placing my palm gently on her forehead, I sighed in relief, it wasn’t as hot as before.

“Yes, I’m here… Queen,” I whispered, resting her head softly on my thigh. “The doctor is here to treat you. I’ll be back soon.”

Her voice came out soft and breathy, making my skin prickle. “Where are you going again?”

I hesitated. “To see my brother. I want to know why he did this to you.”

She shook her head weakly. “No… he didn’t do anything to me.”

I exhaled harshly through my nose. She was lying and I knew it.

“Let the doctor take care of you first,” I said, gently placing her back onto the bed. I signaled the doctor to begin, and he moved in without delay.

Then I stormed out of the room, fury growing with every step I took down my brother’s hallway.

I didn’t knock. I kicked his door open.

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He was seated, with his Luna beside him, looking startled like a guilty pup.

Both of them stared at me, my face burning with restrained rage.

Velin stood up slowly, offering a small bow. “I hope you take it easy with him,” she murmured, then walked out, closing the door behind her.

My brother stood and narrowed his eyes at me. “Spit it out! Why would you barge in like that?” His voice was low, but sharp.

“What did you do to Isolde?” I snapped. “Why was she burning up like that?!” I pointed in the direction of his door as if she were standing outside, my hand trembling from rage.

He scoffed. “Why do you care about her?! She’s my wife. I can do whatever I want with her.”

Seriously?

I stepped closer, my hands balled into fists. “You told me you’d let me handle it. And I know deep down...you don’t believe she killed your son. We both know she didn’t.”

He looked away, jaw tight.

“Then why are you trying to kill her?!” I yelled, but still my voice cracked with emotion, I couldn’t hold back anymore.

Why was I so angry?

I swallowed hard as I felt Marlin stirring inside me, itching to come out. But not now. I couldn’t let him.

My brother growled, stepping into my space. “You dare yell at me because of my wife? Don’t forget I’m still the Alpha King of this Pack! No one questions my actions.”

I chuckled bitterly. “No one dares to, until you murder an innocent woman… until you start a war between witches and werewolves!”

He froze.

“You forget, she's the daughter of...”

“Enough!” he cut me off, rubbing his hand through his short, black hair in frustration. Mine, long and falling to my shoulders, felt heavy as hell.

“I’ve heard you clearly,” he muttered, pacing the floor, clenching his jaw. “I just want to know who killed my son. My heir. My successor.” His voice cracked this time.

And all the anger I had been dragging like a heavy chain… slowly melted into something else. Something like sympathy.

I could feel his grief. I really could.

But grief didn’t give him the right to punish the innocent.

“What exactly did you do to her?” I found myself asking again, softer this time.

He stared at me like he was searching my soul. “How is that your concern, Finnian? Do you want to punish me because of her?”

I looked away, breathing heavily.

“No. I just want to know,” I said quietly.

“Well, you don’t have to,” he snapped. “Just keep her safe.”

I blinked. “Safe?” I repeated. “Now you care about keeping her safe? After everything you did to her?”

“Just do what I say and report to me,” he said coldly, walking to his bed and sitting like our conversation hadn’t just burned the air around us.

He was brushing it off. Just like that.

Fine.

“You can do whatever you want,” I said, my voice low with warning. “Just know, if you kill her, you're starting a war.”

He didn’t respond.

I turned toward the door and heard a faint movement. Like someone had been there, eavesdropping.

I opened the door fast, hoping I’d catch them, but it was already too late. Whoever it was… they were gone.

On my way back to Isolde’s room, I noticed Daze and Jared had returned to their usual spot guarding her door like their life depended on it. They both bowed slightly as I passed, but I said nothing.

Inside, I met Marie and the other maids standing by the bed, watching Isolde’s peaceful face as if she were already a goddess.

My eyes darted to Arianna. “Where were you when the King summoned her?” I asked sharply.

She bowed slightly, not even flinching. That was Arianna. Strong and composed, that’s why I chose her to lead the maids.

“I was summoned by Queen Felda.”

Felda?

The audacity! Didn’t Felda have her own maids?

“You’re not allowed to serve any other queen in this palace. Your duty is only to her,” I said, motioning toward Isolde. Arianna stared at me, her brows furrowed.

“Understood?”

“Yes, Prince,” she said, but her voice held a bitterness that didn’t sit well with me.

I turned to the other maid. “And you, Eve, report anything strange you notice to me, no matter how small.”

Eve nodded quickly. “I’ll do as you say, Prince Finnian.”

Good.

Arianna’s gaze flickered between me and Isolde...twice, like she was trying to read something.

I couldn’t even begin to guess what she was thinking.

But I knew this much, I wasn’t going to let anything happen to Isolde again.

Not under my watch.

Not even if it meant defying my own blood.