(Isara’s POV)
When the seventh bell rang from the pack tower, I walked down the grand stairs wearing a simple black gown.
Xavian stood in the main hall beside Brienne. The moment he saw me, his brows drew together.
“You wear black?” he asked.
“I have nothing to rejoice over,” I answered softly.
His jaw tightened, yet he said nothing more.
Brienne wore a flowing pink gown that made her glow like a blessed Luna under the full moon.
“You look radiant,” Xavian told her gently.
She smiled brightly. “Thank you.”
He did not spare me a glance.
A servant rang the arrival chime at the entrance.
“That will be your parents,” Xavian said as he went to receive them.
I watched him greet my mother and father warmly, embracing them as if he were the perfect son in law.
My mother, Rhoswen, noticed my dress at once. “Isara, why are you dressed in black? Tonight is a celebration.”
“I cannot celebrate while Sariah still fights for her life in the healer’s den,” I replied calmly.
“Oh.” My mother’s face remained cold. “That is unfortunate. But this evening is about Brienne and her joyful news.”
Of course it was. Nothing else mattered to them.
We moved into the dining chamber.
I sat at the far end of the long oak table. Xavian took the head seat as Alpha. Brienne sat on his right. My parents took the seats to his left.
They laughed and spoke among themselves as if I were not present. I felt invisible in my own home.
Halfway through the meal, Brienne rose to her feet.
“I have something to share,” she said, her voice trembling with excitement.
All eyes turned toward her. Xavian looked proud.
“I am with pup,” Brienne said softly.
My mother gasped and rushed to embrace her. “My sweet girl. That is wonderful.”
My father, Nolric, nodded with a wide smile. “Congratulations, sweetheart.”
“Who is the father?” I asked quietly.
The room fell silent.
Brienne blinked at me. “What?”
“I asked who fathered the pup,” I repeated. “You are not mated. You have no known partner. So who is he?”
“Isara,” my mother snapped. “How dare you speak like that.”
“It is a fair question,” I said evenly.
Brienne’s eyes filled with tears. “I was seeing someone in secret. He passed away months ago. This pup is all I have left of him.”
The lie flowed easily from her lips.
I looked at my parents. They avoided my gaze. That was when I understood.
They knew…
They all knew the pup belonged to Xavian. My own parents knew my mate betrayed me with my sister and they celebrated it.
“I am sorry for your loss,” I said without emotion. “And congratulations on the pup.”
Xavian cleared his throat. “As I mentioned earlier, I will host a grand celebration this coming Saturday. Allies, trading partners, warriors, all will attend to honor this blessing.”
My mother clapped her hands happily. “How exciting. Brienne, you will need a new gown.”
“It is already prepared,” Xavian replied with a small smile. “Only the finest for my… for Brienne.”
He nearly revealed the truth. I saw him stop himself.
“Isara, you must wear something proper as well,” my mother said, glancing at my black gown with disapproval.
“I own many gowns,” I answered quietly.
“None fit for such a celebration,” she replied. “Tomorrow you and I will visit the city tailors.”
“I would rather spend tomorrow at the healer’s hall beside Sariah.”
My mother’s eyes hardened. “Isara, that woman is dying. There is nothing you can do. But you can stand beside your sister during her joyful time.”
That woman. Not your foster mother. Only that woman.
“If you will excuse me,” I said as I rose from my chair, “I do not feel well. I am going to rest.”
“Isara, sit down,” Xavian ordered sharply.
“No.”
“I said sit down.”
“And I said no.” I met his gaze without fear. “I came as you demanded. I heard the announcement. I am leaving.”
I turned and walked from the dining chamber.
Behind me, Brienne’s voice trembled with false tears. “She despises me, Mother.”
“Do not worry, my dear,” my mother soothed. “At least now, thanks to her, you are…” Her words dropped too low for me to hear.
My breath caught.
They knew everything Xavian had done. And they approved.
I climbed the stairs and closed the chamber door behind me. I lay upon the bed, staring at the ceiling while laughter, clinking goblets and music drifted upward from below.
They celebrated my suffering.
Soon, there would be nothing left for them to celebrate.
