Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 212

Ezra's POV

The ride down was silent, tension crackling in the air. When we reached the security level, I strode directly to the guard station.

"Take me to see Isolde. Now." My voice left no room for argument.

The guard nodded nervously, leading me down a sterile hallway while the elders struggled to catch up. I could hear their labored breathing behind me but didn't slow my pace. Let them suffer.

As we approached the detention room, my heart began to beat faster. Behind that door was my mate—my true mate—locked up for something she didn't do. My blood boiled at the thought.

"Wait here," I commanded the elders as they finally caught up, their faces flushed with exertion.

"My king, protocol states—" Elder Nash began.

"I said wait here." I felt my eyes flash gold, my Alpha command making both elders flinch and step back.

The guard unlocked the door, and I stepped inside, my heart clenching at the sight before me. Isolde stood instantly, her face streaked with dried tears, her normally confident posture now uncertain. Despite everything, she was still beautiful—still mine.

"You came," she said, her voice a mixture of relief and caution as she approached the bars separating us.

I moved closer, fighting the urge to tear the bars apart with my bare hands. "When can I leave this place?" she asked, hope flickering in her eyes.

I reached through the bars, gently cupping her cheek. "Soon, I promise." The words felt hollow, insufficient. I, Ezra Silverwood, CEO of Silver Moon Group and Lycan King, couldn't simply command her release without risking chaos in my pack and company.

"Baby, the situation is more complicated than you think," I continued, keeping my voice low. "If I just release you now, it could cause a rebellion... Many believe you're guilty—the elders, other Alphas, even some of my executives."

Isolde's face fell. "So I have to stay here? Until when? Until you find proof of my innocence?"

"Not for long," I assured her. "I'm already investigating. I'll do everything in my power to speed this up... "

I leaned closer, dropping my voice to a whisper. "I know this is a trap. Evanthe planned this from the beginning to separate us. I'll expose her and prove your innocence. I'll get you out of here."

Isolde gripped my hand through the bars, her eyes welling with fresh tears. "Faye is lying. I knew nothing about any poison in my dress... I hate Evanthe... but I would never try to harm her or her innocent baby. I was set up!"

"I know," I said firmly. "I never doubted you. That's not who you are. I know you." My words brought a tearful smile to her face, and it took everything in me not to break down the cell door right then.

"Please get me out of here soon," she pleaded. "I can't stand being locked up."

My chest tightened at her vulnerable tone. "You won't be punished for something you didn't do. I swear on my life, Isolde." I squeezed her hand gently. "For now, I need you to stay strong and trust that I'll handle everything. You still trust me, right?"

She nodded, though her eyes remained fearful. "Yes, I trust you'll find the truth. I'm just... scared."

Her admission cut through me like a knife. I leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead through the bars. "I'll come see you often," I promised.

"I'll see you soon," I said, pulling away reluctantly. "I promise you won't be here long."

The sound of her soft sobs followed me as I exited, each one feeling like a physical blow.

Once in the elevator, I took a deep breath, centering myself.

"Orion," I called him. "Where's the maid? The one who accused Isolde at the gala?"

"She's in interrogation room one on the first floor," Orion replied. "Waiting for you."

As the elevator doors opened to the first floor, I stepped out with renewed purpose.

Entering the interrogation room, I found Faye handcuffed to a table, Orion standing guard behind her. With a slight nod, I dismissed him, and he quietly left the room.

"Faye." My voice was deceptively calm as I approached the table. "Look at me."

The maid raised her head, her face expressionless as she met my gaze.

"Are you going to tell me the truth willingly, or do I need to beat it out of you?" I asked, my tone conversational despite the threat.

"My king, the truth has already been told," Faye replied steadily. "Isolde asked me to prepare that dress, and she gave me the vial to put in the hidden pocket..."

"Did you know what was in the vial?" I asked, my eyes narrowing.

Faye shook her head. "No, I didn't. She just gave me the vial, and I didn't question what was inside."

"You didn't find it strange that she asked you to hide a mysterious vial in her dress for a formal event?"

"I was just following orders," Faye answered. "It's not my place to question what she asks me to do."

I laughed coldly. "So your defense is that my mate told you to prepare a dress with some mysterious liquid for her to wear to an official dinner, and you didn't have even a hint of curiosity or suspicion?"

Faye remained silent, her eyes darting away.

"Since you were just following orders," I continued, "tell me exactly when, how, and where Isolde gave you this vial. Was anyone else present?"

"I—I..." Faye stammered, her eyes shifting nervously.

"You're lying, aren't you?" I said directly. "That vial didn't come from Isolde at all."

"No!" Faye protested vehemently. "I swear I'm not lying. Isolde gave me that vial. I just didn't know what was in it!"

I leaned forward, placing both hands on the table. "I'm not an idiot, Faye. I'm the CEO of Silver Moon Group and the Lycan King. You don't get to frame my mate and walk away. I'm giving you some time to think this through... If you're smart, you'll tell me who put you up to this. If you're not, you can stick to your story, and I'll personally uncover the truth about you and whoever is behind this."

With those words, I straightened up, slipped my hands into my suit pockets, and walked out of the interrogation room with a grim expression.