Isabella’s POV
I woke to the sound of the metal door unlocking.
My body tensed before my mind was fully awake. Life in the Redmoon Palace had already trained me to react first, think later.
The guard didn’t speak. He only jerked his chin, ordering me to follow.
I walked through the empty corridors, still smelling the disinfectant I’d used last night. My arms ached from hours of scrubbing. My knees too.
It was so obvious Leon liked assigning work that forced me to the ground. It wasn’t an accident.
When the guards finally pushed me into his private chamber, the Lycan King stood with his back to me, shirtless, scars running across his shoulders.
He didn’t look at me when he spoke.
“You’re late.”
I swallowed. “The guards opened the door late.”
He turned then. Slowly. His golden ey
