Lennox’s POV
I didn’t stop walking until the cold air hit my face.
The door slamd behind , echoing down the hall, but I didn’t look back.
If I did, I would turn around.
And if I turned around, I would break out of character.
My steps were fast. Too fast. My chest burned like I couldn’t get enough air.
Every word I had said to her replayed in my head.
I don’t love you.
It was a mistake.
Lies.
Cruel, ugly lies.
I reached the far end of the corridor and pushed open a door that led to an empty training room. The mont I was alone, everything collapsed.
I slamd my fist into the wall.
Pain shot through my knuckles, sharp and hot, but I welcod it.
I hit it again. And again.
"Fuck!" I growled.
My breath ca out rough. My hands were shaking. My vision blurred.
I slid down the wall and sank to the floor, my back against the stone. My head dropped forward, my elbows resting on my knees.
I had survived death.
I had survived betrayal.
I had survived four years of being unconscious.
But that?
That nearly killed .
I squeezed my eyes shut, but it didn’t help. I could still see her face. The way her eyes looked when I said those words. The way sothing in her broke.
"I’m sorry," I whispered into the empty room. "I’m so sorry."
My chest felt like it was being crushed from the inside.
I wanted to go back.
I wanted to tell her the truth.
I wanted to pull her into my arms and say her na the way I used to.
Olivia.
But I couldn’t.
Not yet.
If I told her now, everything would explode. And the person who tried to kill would disappear forever.
So I stayed silent.
And silence was killing .
I pressed my fist to my chest like I could hold my heart together.
"She knows," I muttered. "She’s starting to know."
She had looked at differently tonight. Too closely. Too knowingly.
Soon, I won’t be able to pretend anymore. I leaned my head back against the wall and stared at the ceiling, my throat tight. I need to know who wanted to kill and stop all this pretense.
I needed answers.
I needed the truth.
I needed to end this pretending before it destroyed everything.
That was when I felt it.
A presence.
The door creaked open.
I stiffened instantly and pushed myself to my feet.
He stepped inside.
My father.
For a split second, my heart nearly stopped.
Of course... he didn’t recognize .
The spell was still holding.
But the way he looked at —
the long stare, the sharp eyes—
it was the sa way Mother had looked at earlier.
Like he felt sothing he couldn’t explain.
"Do I know you?" he asked slowly.
I bowed my head slightly, keeping my voice steady. "No, sir."
He didn’t answer right away. He just studied , his gaze moving over my face, my stance, the way I stood.
Then he said, "Walk with ."
My stomach tightened.
"Yes, sir," I replied, falling into step beside him.
We walked down the corridor in silence. Every step felt heavy. I kept my breathing calm, my face blank.
Please don’t see , I thought.
Please don’t feel it.
"The spell has to work," I reminded myself silently.
After a mont, he spoke.
"I’ve heard you’re good," he said. "Strong. Skilled. Especially in combat."
"Yes, sir," I answered. "I’ve trained most of my life."
He nodded slightly. "I can tell."
We turned down another hall, away from the busy parts of the pack house.
Then his tone changed.
"I’ve also heard rumors," he said.
My shoulders tensed.
"Rumors?" I asked carefully.
He stopped walking.
I stopped too.
He turned to face fully. "That you’re having an affair with Olivia."
My brows pulled together. "I don’t know what you’re talking about, sir."
He studied again. Then, slowly, he smiled.
"You don’t have to deny it," he said calmly. "I know when a man is lying about his feelings."
I stayed quiet.
"You like her," he continued. "That much is obvious."
I said nothing, my mind racing.
Where is this going?
He resud walking, and I followed.
"You’re not the first man to fall for her," he said. "And you won’t be the last."
My jaw tightened.
"She’s powerful," he went on. "Loved. Desired. And dangerous to the wrong people."
That made my skin crawl.
Then he said sothing that made my blood run cold.
"I can help you have her."
I stopped walking.
He turned back, watching my reaction closely.
"In return," he added calmly, "you’ll help ."
My fists clenched at my sides.
"Help you... how?" I asked carefully.
His smile didn’t reach his eyes.
He didn’t answer right away.
Instead, he turned and continued walking, lifting his hand slightly for to follow. I hesitated for only a second before falling into step behind him. My thoughts were spiraling now.
Help how?
What exactly are you planning?
We moved through quieter corridors, guards stepping aside as he passed. No one spoke. No one questioned him. He led the way like a man who still believed the pack belonged to him.
Finally, we reached his private chambers.
He opened the door, stepped inside, then paused and looked back at . His eyes flicked over my face one more ti, sharp and unreadable.
"Co in," he said.
I did.
The door shut behind us with a soft but final click.
The room was dim, lit only by a few lamps. Heavy curtains blocked the windows. The air slled of old wood, smoke, and sothing bitter. He walked to a small table near the fire, picked up a bottle, and poured himself a drink.
He didn’t offer one.
He lifted the glass, took a slow sip, then finally spoke.
"Before I say anything else," he said calmly, "you will swear to that whatever is said in this room stays here."
My pulse thudded hard in my ears.
"I swear," I said after a brief pause. "Whatever you say stays between us."
He watched closely, then nodded.
"Good," he said. "Because if you try to betray ... if you try to tell anyone what I’m about to tell you—no one will believe you."
He took another sip.
"You’ll be a guard accusing a once Alpha. Do you understand that?"
"Yes, sir," I replied evenly.
"I won’t betray you."
A slow smile crossed his face.
"That’s wise."
He set the glass down and turned to face fully.
"I want my throne back."
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