Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 68: Eyes That Burn the Truth

DEREK's Story

Adeline's stare stayed with me long after she was gone. Something in it had cut deep—calm, but dangerous. Like a quiet threat dressed in gold.

The medics had taken Deniz to the infirmary. I returned to my office, but I wasn't really present. My mind hovered where she'd gone—on that edge between hope and regret.

I was waiting for news. Waiting to face Clara.

I knew what Clara had done. Knew why, too.

But that didn't matter.

It wasn't justifiable. Not even close.

"She deserves the harshest punishment," David snapped in my head. "Expel her."

"If only it were that simple," I muttered.

But nothing involving Clara ever was. She and her brother were the Beta's children. Practically raised in my house. Her brother was mated to my sister. Family, in the way that made everything political. Everything messy.

I hated how many times loyalty got tangled in power.

A knock pulled me out of my spiral.

"Come in."

Paul stepped in, as solid as ever. "Deniz is awake. Stable vitals. She's conscious."

Relief hit me like a wave I didn't want to admit I needed. I already felt her through the bond—but hearing it out loud helped.

"What about Clara?"

"We've secured her. She hasn't said a word."

"We interrogate her. No delay."

Paul gave a short nod, then hesitated. "Luna Adeline wants to speak with you."

"Where is she?"

"In the infirmary. Minor shoulder injury. Nothing serious."

I grabbed my coat. "Let's see her first."

The hallway felt colder than usual, despite the familiar walls. My boots echoed on tile. Paul walked beside me, quiet. Alert. He could feel the weight of this moment just as much as I did.

We reached the room. Adeline sat on the edge of the bed, shoulder wrapped, hair swept over one side like she'd planned the look. Her gaze snapped to mine the second I stepped inside.

Paul gave a curt nod and pulled the door shut behind me.

"You wanted to talk?" I asked, careful with my tone.

She didn't speak right away. Just looked at me. Her eyes weren't sharp like before—just steady. Focused. She was doing the calculation behind her silence.

"I'm not giving you up," she said finally.

I stayed silent.

"I saw how you held her," she added. "The way you didn't breathe until she did. But I don't care. You promised me I would be Luna. And in this world, that still matters."

Still, I didn't speak.

"You don't have to respond," she said, stepping forward. "Your silence speaks louder than lies."

I clenched my jaw. "Are you alright?"

A tight smile. "Perfect."

She kept her voice even, but the burn beneath her words was obvious.

"I'm not here to throw things or cry. I just wanted to make something clear."

She took another step.

"You made me look weak in front of the pack. Don't do that again. Don't hug her. Don't kiss her head. Don't touch her like she's yours. Especially not in front of them."