?Chapter 855:


    Jett’s gaze darkened slightly, his tone growing more serious. “The mayor’s symptoms strongly suggest poisoning.”


    A hush settled over the table. Then, turning his gaze to Maia, Jett continued, “Before he fell ill, did he consume anything out of the ordinary? Any unusual meals or drinks?”


    Maia’s brows knitted together as she fell into deep thought. After a moment, she shook her head firmly. “My husband’s food is carefully monitored. Every step of preparation is scrutinized, and those serving him are loyal and trusted. There is no way he could have been poisoned.”


    “Not necessarily!” Alden suddenly cut in, his voice breaking through the conversation like a de through silk.


    All heads turned toward him in unison.


    Leisurely, he swirled the wine ss in his hand, the deep red liquid forming slow, hypnotic ripples. His voice was casual, almostzy, yet it carried an unmistakable weight. “A week before he fell ill, he attended a banquet hosted by Cody.”


    Cody! Jett and I exchanged a sharp nce. Something about this didn’t sit right.


    A sense of unease coiled in my gut, a whisper of instinct warning me that Dayton’s condition might be connected to Cody.


    Maia’s expression darkened, her voice turning sharp as she scolded, “Don’t talk nonsense, Alden! Cody is a high-ranking official, personally appointed by His Majesty to defend the borders of the werewolf territory. Why would he harm a mayor?”


    “Hah!” Alden let out a sharp, coldugh as if Maia had just said the most absurd thing imaginable. His voice dripped with mockery as he leaned back, a smirk ying at his lips. “Really? Even now, you’re still afraid to speak the truth? Do you honestly think Cody would barge in here and wipe us all out just for saying his name?”


    Makenna’s POV:


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    The moment Alden mentioned Cody, Maia mmed up entirely, her lips pressing into a thin line. She refused to utter another word, retreating into an unsettling silence.


    The dinner, already awkward, ended on a sour note.


    Jett was eager to brew a potion to slow Dayton’s worsening condition. Without wasting a second, he hurried away from the table. I, too, bid Maia farewell, intending to retreat to my room for some much-needed rest.


    However, as I passed through the dimly lit garden, Alden materialized out of nowhere, blocking my path with an infuriatingly smug expression.


    A sharp pang of unease shot through me, and I instinctively took a step back, putting some distance between us. My voice was steady, though my nerves prickled. “What do you want?”


    Alden’s lips curved into a slow, knowing smirk. “Why so jumpy? Got something weighing on your conscience?”


    I met his gaze head-on, refusing to let him rattle me. “I’ve always conducted myself with integrity. There is nothing for me to feel guilty about.”


    With a flick of my wrist, I gestured impatiently for him to move aside.


    “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get some rest.”


    But before I could turn away, Alden suddenly seized my wrist. I jolted in shock. “What do you think you’re doing?” I demanded, struggling to wrench myself free, but his grip was firm, unyielding.


    Leaning in just enough for his warm breath to graze my skin, he murmured, “Aren’t you curious about the connection between Cody and Marehelm?”


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