Misguided Wolves

31. Passion and Poison

Kate trailed Isabeth and her minions through Vintr’s opulent palace, her mind swirling with questions she held back—Isabeth’s guarded charm revealed little. At the harem’s grand doors, a brass serpent knocker’s jeweled eyes glowed as Isabeth tapped its nose. “Yessss?”

“Hey, cutie!” Isabeth purred. “It’s me, Isabeth. Showing the new girl what awaits a good sister. Let us out.”

The doors creaked open to a green-hued hallway lined with guards. Kate spotted a young wolf, the burly warrior from the battlefield. She smiled. “Glad you’re alright.”

He stood taller, earning a proud grin from an older captain. “Our newest guard—young, but skilled. Protects you ladies well.”

The captain’s fatherly warmth stirred Kate, though she hid a smile as Isabeth’s minions swooned. Isabeth’s smile tightened, masking irritation. “Good to know we’re safe—Castiel’s treasures, after all.”

The captain, unimpressed, cleared his throat. “Stay within castle grounds. Back before dark.”

“Of course!” Isabeth chirped. “Just showing our sister her home.”

He bowed, gesturing them onward. Isabeth turned tour guide. “This wing’s Castiel’s—green. His brother’s is red, the king’s purple, the queen’s white. Common areas mix colors with the royal crest.”

At another serpent-knocker door, she said, “Castiel’s chamber—enter only when summoned.” She nodded across the hall, voice bitter. “His… mate’s room.” She spat “mate” like venom, hurrying past, pointing out guard quarters and lavish decor.

The ballroom dazzled—marble pillars, gold accents, jewels in the soaring ceiling. “Bare now,” Isabeth said, “but ring ceremonies for new sisters or brothers are grand. Yours is coming.”

“Brothers?” Kate asked, tilting her head.

Isabeth sighed. “The queen’s scheme to strengthen the kingdom.” She whispered, “Really, she’s jealous of the men’s harems and wanted her own. Her three brothers are lackluster—she doesn’t see men have more love than one woman can hold.”

Her minions giggled; Kate joined, pitying the queen’s trapped fate. Isabeth led them through the throne room, library, and gardens, where the setting sun cast vibrant hues. “Wait here,” she told her minions, beckoning Kate. “Just us.”

They walked silently, the garden’s floral scent calming Kate’s nerves. Isabeth paused at white buds, fingers grazing their petals, a rare genuine smile softening her face. “Queen of the night flowers—blooming only under moonlight. A reminder to cherish small beauties.” Sadness flickered in her eyes. “We don’t see their bloom here. Find joy in this cage, Kate. Don’t let rebels poison you. Bloom in the dark.”

She stepped closer, her hands cupping Kate’s face, thumbs tracing her cheeks with fervent warmth. Her eyes burned with a desperate passion, as if pleading for Kate to surrender to this life. Before Kate could react, Isabeth leaned in, her lips capturing Kate’s in a fierce, lingering kiss, soft yet commanding, her breath hot and urgent. The intensity stole Kate’s breath, bewildered by the sudden fire in Isabeth’s touch. Kate’s mind reeled—part of her wanted to pull away, but Isabeth’s raw need held her frozen, a mix of seduction and sincerity clouding her senses.

Isabeth pulled back, eyes smoldering, smoothing her dress. “Let’s return before trouble finds us.” She turned, leaving Kate rooted, heart pounding, unsure if the kiss was manipulation or a glimpse of Isabeth’s truth. Kate followed, ignoring her confusion, as the minions trailed behind.

The captain greeted them at the harem doors, arms crossed. “Almost sent a search party.”

Isabeth swatted his shoulder playfully. “Worried, captain?”

He sighed. “Don’t make tardiness a habit. Dinner’s ready.”

Isabeth giggled, entering the harem. Kate pondered Isabeth’s duality—passion masking fear, or loyalty to Castiel? At dinner, Ionia beamed. “Welcome back! How was the tour?”

Isabeth’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Great, thank you.”

Kate squeezed Isabeth’s arm, playing along. “Lovely—Isabeth’s a perfect guide. I’m excited for more.”

Isabeth’s surprise turned to a warm smile, but Ebony growled, standing abruptly. “Enjoy being her pet!” She stormed off, demanding her meal in her room. Isabeth rolled her eyes. “She’s possessive—like a wolf, no offense. She wanted my mark, forbidden here. We all wear Castiel’s at the ring ceremony.”

She revealed a snake-and-symbol mark on her neck, a twisted mate’s mark. “The snake’s Castiel’s; the symbol’s Vintr’s brand for the owned. You’ll get yours. Ebony couldn’t share me after we… grew close. I ended it to avoid breaking rules. She’s bitter.” She sighed. “She won’t be a problem much longer. I hope you’re not possessive, Kate.”

Kate frowned. “She’s leaving? I thought no one could.”

Isabeth shrugged, twirling Kate’s hair. “Not on two feet. Don’t worry—let’s focus on us.”

****

That night, Ionia visited, reading a book at Kate’s table. She looked up, smiling. “Day one, and Isabeth’s smitten. Well done. What did you learn?”

Kate recounted the tour, the kiss, and Isabeth’s hint about Ebony. “She said we won’t worry about Ebony long.”

Ionia’s face darkened. “Isabeth and Ebony were mates. Ebony wanted to flee overseas, but Isabeth broke their bond, fearing the unknown. She chose this cage.”

Kate’s words slipped out. “It’s easier to let others control your fate.”

Ionia nodded. “Exactly. Did she hint at plans? She’s scheming with maids.”

Kate shot up. “She said Ebony’s leaving—not on two feet. And you said her bite’s poisonous!”

Ionia’s eyes widened, realization dawning. She slammed her palms on the table. “Poison! She’s using maids for slow poison, masking it as illness!”

She hugged Kate tightly. “Thank you—this saves Ebony. Keep close to Isabeth; loosen her tongue.”

Ionia slipped out, leaving Kate to collapse into bed, the kiss’s fire lingering as exhaustion pulled her into sleep.