HIS DESTINED ALPHA

SHATTERED TRUST

💗CH-35💗

As Magnus walks through the quiet hallways of the palace, he feels his anger simmering just beneath the surface. He tries to keep his steps steady, his face calm, but every step feels heavier with the weight of Alec's hidden truths. The fact that Alec could keep something as serious as Edom's past danger from him stirs a sense of betrayal that only seems to grow the closer he gets to Alec's study.

When he reaches the door, he barely hesitates before opening it. Alec is there, seated at his desk, absorbed in paperwork. He looks up, surprised to see Magnus, but his warm smile quickly fades when he sees the intensity in Magnus's eyes.

"Magnus," Alec starts, rising from his chair. "Is everything alright?"

Magnus crosses his arms, his gaze sharp. "I don't know, Alexandeer. You tell me." His voice is low, but there's no hiding the anger that laces each word. Alec's expression shifts to one of confusion and concern as he approaches, but Magnus doesn't back down.

"Magnus, what's going on?" Alec asks, his tone cautious.

Magnus clenches his jaw, the questions he's been holding back spilling out. "I found out about Edom, Alec. I found out that it was in danger, and that you, Thomas knew about it. But no one told me-not even you." His words are like a challenge, a demand for Alec to explain himself.

Alec's face falls as he realizes the gravity of what Magnus knows. He opens his mouth to speak, then hesitates, clearly struggling to find the right words. "Magnus, I was going to tell you, but..."

Magnus shakes his head, anger and hurt flashing in his eyes. "You were going to tell me? Really? Or were you just hoping I wouldn't find out? How long were you planning to keep this from me?"

Alec's shoulders slump, and he looks away, guilt etched across his face. "I didn't want to worry you, Magnus. I thought it was something I could handle on my own."

Magnus's face remains hard as Alec's words hang in the air. He takes a step back, his gaze sharp and unforgiving. "You think that just explaining it away will make everything better?" he snaps, his voice cutting through the quiet of the study. "Alec, I can't believe that you'd keep something like this from me and expect a simple apology to fix it."

Alec's expression shifts, remorse deepening as he reaches for Magnus. "Magnus, please-"

But Magnus pulls his arm back, anger flaring in his eyes. "Don't," he says coldly. "Don't try to make this right in a moment. You kept me in the dark, made decisions for me as if I were fragile, and then expected me to be grateful that you're 'protecting' me?"

Alec's shoulders slump slightly, but he doesn't argue, knowing that he's crossed a line Magnus may not easily forgive.

Magnus gives Alec a last, bitter look. "I thought I could trust you, Alec, but clearly, that trust meant nothing to you." He turns and strides out of the study without another word, leaving Alec alone in the heavy silence.

As he walks through the dim corridors, his mind races with the frustration, the hurt, and the undeniable feeling of betrayal. Magnus doesn't look back, each step filled with his simmering anger, as he returns to his chambers, determined not to be so easily placated.

As Magnus closes the door to the bedroom behind him, the quiet is almost suffocating. The room, usually a sanctuary where he feels closest to Alec, now feels cold, like a hollow shell of the life they've built together. Each step he takes toward the bed is heavy, and his heart pounds with a mixture of hurt and disbelief, each beat a painful reminder of the distance Alec's secrets have put between them.