Chapter 0260

“What’s your take on this?” She wouldn’t be the first unwillingly marked.

Brianna just shrugs.

“We’re handling it. Either way, I know it’s not my place to ask.

But just… hold off on killing Julian for a bit. Let me figure things out. If I can’t find anything, do what you must.”

“You’re right. It isn’t your place.” Truth is, I didn’t want him dead either.

“Forty-eight hours, Brianna. That’s all you get.”

“Forty-eight hours,” she repeats, turning toward the door.

“Give my regards to Sebastian.”

She spins back, eyes wide. “I didn’t say a word.”

“Didn’t have to. He was supposed to be at your rescue. Turns out he’d already left the pack.

Thank the moon he wasn’t off buying more liquor.”

“I told you I wouldn’t talk.” Her words come out rushed.

“And you didn’t. Just answer me this—is he still drinking?”

She shakes her head.

“Good. Forty-eight hours,” I mutter.

She hurries out.

I sigh, swiveling my chair toward the window.

How did it come to this with Julian?

Father would’ve been furious.

I feel like I’ve failed him.

Failed my parents.

Julian and Isabella were raised the same.

Same rules, same expectations.

Isabella followed them. He never did.

Always causing trouble.

But this time… this time he went too far.

He might have cost me my family.

Athena slips into the office.

Her scent washes over me, erasing all others.

She stays quiet. Waiting. Sensing my rage.

“You heard everything?”

“I was on the stairs. Zachary and Isabella are arguing. Brianna ran out—didn’t even see me.”

She pauses. Her heartbeat is barely audible.

“Forty-eight hours isn’t long, Alexander. You gave me more time.”

“You were terrified. You needed to adjust. You weren’t plotting to kill us.”

She moves in front of me, blocking the window, and settles on my lap.

Her arms wrap around my waist. She rests her head on my chest.

“You know your brother better than anyone. He’s stood by you in wars. Helped you secure alliances.

Brianna said something’s off. Did he really give you nothing during interrogation?”

“All he mentioned was me bringing the Lycans here.

I can’t force answers—I’m not his Alpha anymore.

I’ll give Brianna the forty-eight hours. Then I decide.”

She nods slowly. “And if Seraphina shows up?”

“Seraphina can be killed. Honestly, I’m surprised she hasn’t appeared yet.

It’s been days. No reports from the guards.”

“Like Isabella says—no news is good news.”

“Usually, yes. But not when we’re waiting for her to attack. Where are the boys?”

“Asleep. It’s late.” She gestures toward the dark sky.

“Stay here. I need to question my brother again.”

She nods and slides off.

I leave her in the office and head back to the dungeon.

Julian is in wolf form.

Lying on his side, struggling to breathe.

Brianna was right. He’s trying to kill his wolf spirit.

“Look at me,” I command.

He doesn’t move.

“Look at me, Julian!”

His body begins shifting back.

It’s slow. Agonizing. As if it’s draining his last ounce of strength.

A bloodcurdling scream tears from him as his spine snaps into place.

He collapses on the floor. Panting. Screaming with every breaking bone.

I’ve inflicted pain. Delivered cruel punishments.

But this is horrific. And it’s not even by my hand.

“She’s coming,” he mutters before passing out.