Jolie stormed into her office, slamming the door with a force that echoed through the mansion. Her hands trembled as she clutched the edge of her desk, her mind replaying the failures of the day. First, she had let the wolf—Maxwell—escape. Then, her attempt to eliminate Zoelle had ended in humiliating defeat. But what infuriated her most was Rynald. His concern for Zoelle, the tenderness in his eyes as he tended to her, was seared into Jolie's mind. How could he betray her like that?
With a feral scream, she swept everything off her desk, books and papers crashing to the floor. A crystal vase followed, shattering into glittering shards. The destruction barely scratched the surface of her rage. She grabbed a chair and flung it against the wall, its legs splintering on impact.
The commotion drew Mr. Lee, who hurried down the hallway, his cane tapping furiously against the floor. He burst into the room, his face pale. "Jolie! What is going on? Are you hurt?"
Jolie turned, her breath ragged, her face streaked with tears. "Grandfather, I can't take it anymore. Rynald is slipping away from me! He… he cares about someone else!"
Mr. Lee approached cautiously, his expression softening. "My dear, you're overthinking this. Rynald agreed to this engagement, didn't he? He knows his duty. You must trust him."
Jolie shook her head, her voice quivering. "But what if it's not enough? Zoelle is a threat, Grandfather. If we wait too long, I could lose him forever."
Mr. Lee hesitated, his love for his granddaughter clouding his judgment. "What are you suggesting?"
Jolie stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Let's announce the engagement at the full moon ceremony. Show everyone that Rynald is mine."
Mr. Lee sighed, but her pleading eyes broke his resolve. "If it will ease your heart, then so be it. The announcement will happen at the ceremony."
As he left the room, Jolie wiped her tears, her lips curling into a victorious smile. The first step of her plan was complete.
---
Miles away, Maxwell bolted upright in bed, his body drenched in sweat. The pain in his side from the wound Zoelle had treated was nothing compared to the panic gripping his chest. Zoelle was gone. She had left without a word.
Stumbling to his feet, he ignored the throbbing pain as he found Mr. Adam in the kitchen, sipping tea.
"Where is she?" Maxwell demanded, his voice rough.
Mr. Adam set down his cup, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Maxwell's urgency. "Zoelle left. She said people were following her, and she didn't want to put your life in more danger."
Maxwell's fists clenched. "You let her go? She's out there, vulnerable, and you just let her leave?"
"Maxwell," Mr. Adam said firmly, "she will only lead them to us. After all, she's human. Wolves can smell human beings. She thought it was the only way to protect you. And need I remind you, you were the one who insisted we keep your survival a secret."
Maxwell's anger simmered. "She doesn't understand what she's up against. I have to find her."
Mr. Adam sighed. "If you go after her, you risk everything. Think this through."
But Maxwell was already heading for the door. "I don't care. She's in danger because of me. I'll bring her back, no matter what."
---
Zoelle sat in her living room, staring blankly at the coffee table. The events of the past two days weighed heavily on her. Wolves had attacked her twice, and both times, Rynald had been there to save her. It couldn't be a coincidence. He had to be following her. But why?
She rubbed her temples, trying to piece together the puzzle. Maybe she had misjudged him. Maybe he wasn't some creep tracking her every move. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
A noise outside jolted her from her thoughts. Curiosity getting the better of her, Zoelle slipped on her shoes and stepped outside. Down the road, she saw a moving truck parked in front of the house that had been vacant for months.
As she approached, she spotted him—Rynald, directing the movers. Her breath caught.
Rynald turned, his eyes lighting up when he saw her. "Zoelle! What a coincidence. I didn't know we'd be neighbors."
Zoelle crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "You're moving in here?"
Rynald nodded. "I bought the place a while ago. It needed some work. Lucky timing, right? I heard the commotion last night and saw you were in trouble. Being nearby, I couldn't just stand by."
Zoelle studied his expression, searching for any hint of deceit. His explanation made sense, but something still didn't sit right.
"I guess… it's good to have someone close by," she muttered.
Rynald smiled warmly. "Exactly. And if you ever need anything, just knock."
As she walked back to her house, she couldn't help but feel that his words, though friendly, carried an underlying tension.
---
Later that evening, as Zoelle sat reflecting on the day, there was a knock at the door. Her heart leaped. Was it Rynald again? She opened the door, but it wasn't Rynald. It was Maxwell.
He was pale, disheveled, and visibly injured. Zoelle gasped, reaching for him. "Maxwell! What happened? Are you okay?"
Maxwell shook his head, his voice strained. "I don't have time to explain everything. You're in danger, Zoelle. You need to come with me."
Zoelle hesitated, her heart pounding. "What are you talking about? I can't just leave."
"Please," Maxwell begged. "I'll tell you everything, but we need to leave now."
Before she could respond, Zoelle noticed movement outside the window. Piercing golden eyes stared back at her, sending chills down her spine.
"The wolves…" she whispered.
Maxwell grabbed her hand. "We have to go. Now."
Without another word, Zoelle followed him out the back door. A car waited for them, Mr. Adam at the wheel. As they sped away, Zoelle's mind raced with unanswered questions.
When they reached the remote castle, Maxwell led her to a lavish room. Zoelle was stunned by the opulence surrounding her.
"You're safe here," Maxwell assured her. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, I'll tell you everything."
Zoelle wanted to protest, but exhaustion overtook her. As she lay down, her mind churned with curiosity and dread for the truths that awaited her.