CHAPTER FIFTY SIX


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    Father nodded. “Back then, Nn’s father and I were close. Nn often visited. He was quiet, timid even, nothing like he is now. You two were inseparable. People used to joke that you two might be fated mates one day.”


    My heart skipped. I couldn’t believe that I was that close to Nn when I was young.


    “But after his father died,” Father continued, “he grew distant and cold. He resented the world. He resented me. I always med myself for not finding the truth behind Ryker’s death.”


    I touched his arm gently. “You can’t me yourself. That wasn’t your burden to bear.”


    I had never truly known what happened the night Nn’s father was killed. I had been too young, but one thing I did know: my father would never have killed him. If Nn truly believed otherwise… then there had to be some terrible misunderstanding.


    Father let out a low sigh and set the basket aside. “It doesn’t change the fact that Nn has hidden motives now. He wouldn’te to Silverfang without reason. And now Jason ising here too.”


    A groan of frustration slipped out of me. “Why is heing?”


    “He ims to be sorry for the chaos at his wedding and says he wants to study warrior tactics here,” my father said, his tone dry. “I don’t believe a word of it. Both he and Nn came here for reasons they won’t admit.”


    “You believe me now,” I pressed.


    “I always believed you, Talia,” my father said firmly. “But you must also trust that I know what I am doing.”


    I nodded, letting out a breath. He had been right so far about Nn. He hadn’t harmed me–if anything, he had protected me. “I know, and I do.”


    “You must still be careful, Talia. Neither of them can be trusted fully,” my father said. “There is no telling how Jason will react once he realizes you are the Silverfang princess.”


    I forgot that I never revealed my identity to him. Solon made him leave during my banquet. I would have to be very careful, especially now Viki is dead.


    “I’ll be careful,” I promised.


    Father gave me onest look before turning back to the basket of petals. “That’s enough for tonight. Come, I’ll show you how to make Rosefall.”


    But as I left the garden, one thought gnawed at me: if neither Nn nor Jason could be trusted, then who would strike first?


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    LOARTES FITY SEVEN


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    CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN


    Jason’s POV


    Henry and I reached Silverfang byte morning. The guards stepped aside immediately, lowering their heads as I passed. Servants along the path bowed low, their eyes fixed on the ground, careful not to meet my gaze. Their submission pleased me. This was the way it should be.


    I was the battle-harden Alpha Jason of Shadoww. I fought wars and bled for dominance. I had wed my way into power with strength that few could match. I demanded respect and here, in the Alpha King’s territory, I intended to have it.


    Nn had nothing on me. He thrived on cruelty, but I was more deserving of the Alpha King’s favor.


    Even with Solon’s report about Viki and the Redbone Flower, the King had allowed me to enter his territory. That alone gave me hope. If he meant to ignore me, he would have barred me from the gates. Instead, I was here. That had to mean something.


    At the entrance of the main hall, Beta Logan waited. He looked at me with a neutral expression. He didn’t bow to me, which irritated me. Even though I wasn’t his Alpha, he still should respect my title.


    “Alpha Jason,” he greeted. “The Alpha King is upied and cannot meet you at this time. Guest quarters have been prepared. If you wish to observe warrior training, the grounds are open to you.”


    That was all. There was no feast, no wee, not even a false smile to soften the blow.


    “I appreciate the courtesy, Beta Logan.”


    Logan inclined his head once more, then gestured to a servant to escort us. He turned away before I could say another word.


    “This way, Alpha Jason and Beta Henry,” the servant said. We followed him without saying another word. My wolf paced restlessly in me, seething at how Beta Logan had dismissed me like I was nothing.


    The guest quarters were grand enough with fine furnishings, carved wood, heavy curtains, but the luxury did little to soothe my pride. As soon as the servant left, I finally let my smile drop. I rounded on Henry. “What the hell was that? You told me the Alpha King had no issue with meing.”


    “He didn’t. He epted your request within 24 hours,” Henry replied.


    “Then exin to me why he treated me like I was nothing! This must be due to Prince Solon. The Alpha King still must be upset about Viki. Her lying and using a banned substance had nothing to do with us. She disgraced us!”


    Henry stayed calm and ced a hand on my shoulder. “I think you need to calm down, Alpha. This could be so much worse than it is. So, just take a breath.”


    I shrugged Henry’s hand off and said, “I don’t need to be appeased. I need to be respected!”


    Henry walked away from me, rubbing his temples. “Jason, as your Beta, listen to me. Don’t make something out of nothing.”


    “What are you saying? You’re supposed to be on my side!” I eximed.


    “I am on your side, Jason!” Henry snapped. “That’s why I am telling you to let this go. You are overthinking it.”


    “Was he the same way with Alpha Nn?” I asked.


    Henry paused. He rubbed his hand over his face before saying, “Why is that relevant? What the Alpha King did or