Isabella's POV

A cold silence fell over the room. Miss Kenton’s eyes widened. She asked sharply, “What did you say?”

“The guards… the ones stationed to watch Clara,” The guard’s words faltered. “They were found dead too. Throats slit. It was brutal. No sign of a struggle. Whoever did this—”

“Is still inside the Crescent Manor,” Beta Ryder interjected darkly, stepping inside. His jaw clenched as his eyes met Miss Kenton’s.

“Alert everyone,” Miss Kenton commanded, already heading for the door. “We’re starting a manhunt. Now. Search every inch of this house. No one leaves until we find the killer.”

The guard gave a quick nod and rushed out of the room to relay the orders.

My heart pounded in my chest. The danger surrounding me only seemed to intensify. I stole a glance at the Alpha, but his brow remained furrowed, his lips slightly parted.

Miss Kenton turned to me. “Stay here, Isabella,” she instructed. “Do not leave this room under any circumstances. Our Master is still vulnerable, and until we know who’s behind this, we can’t afford any risks. Don’t worry, I’ll arrange for guards to watch over both of you.”

I gave a tight nod. What else could I do, anyway? “I understand,” I replied quietly.

Beta Ryder, already halfway through the door, stopped and shot one last wary glance at me before disappearing into the hallway. Miss Kenton followed swiftly, her footsteps echoing in the corridor as the Crescent Manor’s alarms blared to life.

Left in the dimly lit room, my gaze fell on Alpha Alaric.

‘Who could have done this?’ I thought. ‘And why now, when everything seems to be falling apart?’

A soft groan broke the silence, pulling my attention back to him. His fingers twitched, curling into the sheets.

“Alpha?” I whispered, leaning in closer to check on him.

His dark eyes fluttered beneath closed lids, and for a brief moment, I thought he might wake. But then his face contorted, and he muttered something I couldn’t make out.

“Alpha!” I called, gently shaking his shoulder, but he didn’t respond.

The door creaked softly again. I braced myself, expecting it to be Miss Kenton or Beta Ryder. But when no one entered, my heart skipped a beat. Had the killer found their way here?

Outside, the distant sounds of shouting guards and clashing weapons suddenly pierced the silence, echoing through the halls.

I reached out, gently taking Alpha Alaric’s hand. Fear tightened in my chest. I just wanted to be reassured, even though I knew this man was far more dangerous than death itself. I searched for the familiar warmth of his touch, but all I could feel was the cold weight of unease settling in my heart.

I remembered what he had asked me before he collapsed.

“You’re Alpha Alaric Wolfhart,” I murmured, tracing the lines of his palm. As if the words could rouse him, I whispered softly near his ear, “And yes... I am your wife.”

A strange feeling stirred inside me. Something I couldn’t quite explain. It was warm, almost light. And it somehow calmed my raging thoughts. I had been playing a role I’d been told to, but why did it feel so much like the truth? I couldn’t help but smile.

Fate really had its own ways. I had always imagined my end would come at the hands of terrifying creatures or in some tragic car accident. But never had I expected to meet him. Not just any man, but Alpha Alaric Wolfhart.

The son of the infamous Mafia Lord and the Alpha of the Sylvan Pack, whatever that meant.

“Alpha Alaric Wolfhart,” I repeated, louder this time. “I’m your wife. I’m Isabella Sinclair…”

I had no choice anyway. Miss Kenton had been clear. I was to protect the Alpha at all costs, even if it meant living a lie...

I trembled at the sudden noise outside, my heart hammering in my chest. I gripped Alpha Alaric’s hand more tightly.

“What’s going on out there?” I whispered breathlessly.

Slowly, the doorknob twisted. Then the door creaked open. I held my breath, bracing myself to see who stood beyond it. A figure stepped inside. His eyes glowed faintly, his muscles straining as if on the verge of transforming into some terrifying beast.

He lingered in the doorway, breathing heavily. Fresh blood streaked across his bare torso.

“Leave,” he commanded. “Let me protect Alpha Alaric.” His voice was low. “I swore an oath with my life.”

But I didn’t move. I couldn’t. My instincts screamed that if I walked away now, Alpha Alaric wouldn’t make it through the night. Slowly, I shook my head. “I’m sorry, but I won’t leave Alpha Alaric…”

Beta Ryder’s patience snapped. In a blur, he lunged forward, his hand clamping around my neck as he hoisted me off the ground. His grip was tight, cutting the air from my lungs. He leaned forward, his face inches from mine.

“Do you fucking want to join the others in hell?” he snarled.

My eyes blurred as I struggled to breathe, my fingers clawing helplessly at Ryder’s arm. I was no match for his strength. For a brief moment, I thought this was how it all would end. But I was glad I had protected someone.

Just as darkness began to close in around me, the door slammed open. Miss Kenton stumbled into the doorway. Her face was heavily bruised, her clothes partly torn. Her eyes widened the moment she saw Beta Ryder holding my throat.

“Stop!” Miss Kenton’s voice cracked. “Please, don’t kill her!”

Beta Ryder turned toward her, his eyes narrowing furiously. “And why should I spare her?”

Miss Kenton’s lips quivered as she answered, barely above a whisper. “Because… she’s my daughter.”

My lips parted. ‘Daughter?’ The word hit me like a blow. But there was no time to react.

Ryder’s lips twisted. “Your daughter?” he repeated. “Really?”

Miss Kenton nodded quickly, tears streaming down her bloodied face. “Please… I’m begging you. Let her go.”

But Ryder’s face darkened. His grip on my throat tightened. “You’ve made a grave mistake, Kenton.” He hurled me aside and lunged at Miss Kenton. She had no time to react, and Ryder’s claws slashed across her chest.

Miss Kenton gasped, collapsing to the floor as blood pooled beneath her, staining the ground.

I let out a terrifying scream. “No!”

Ryder turned toward me, a cruel smirk playing on his lips. He stepped forward, lifting his hand, fingers curled into a claw. “You should’ve run when you had the chance.”

I trembled, but my entire body refused to obey. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for the end. But just as Ryder’s hand began to fall, a faint sound broke through the silence. My eyes snapped open. I instinctively turned toward the nearby bed.

Alpha Alaric’s eyelids fluttered. Then his dark eyes locked onto Ryder. His fingers twitched, the first signs of life returning to his muscular limbs.

Ryder froze, his eyes widening. Alpha Alaric was waking, and it seemed the poison’s effects were beginning to fade. He readied himself to strike, but it was already too late. The air grew heavy. A low growl rumbled from Alpha Alaric’s chest as he slowly pushed himself upright.

“A-Alpha Alaric…” Ryder stammered, his voice barely a whisper. “How?” He cleared his throat. “You’re awake…”