I was still lying on the bed, the silken sheets gathered loosely around me, when the door creaked open. The sound was soft, but sharp enough to pull me upright in an instant. I sat up quickly, back straight, eyes fixed on the figure stepping inside.
Relief washed over me, but it wasn’t desperation. It was calm, calculated relief, like the kind a queen feels when her most loyal knight returns from battle alive.
"Uncle," I said, voice steady, though my eyes searched his face. "How did it go?"
He closed the door behind him, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then he walked toward me, each step measured, deliberate. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, smooth, but carrying the weight of news.
"Damon was furious," uncle Fridolf said. "So angry that he nearly lost control. He paced like a beast ready to tear everything apart. But I managed to convince him. He will not act rashly, at least, not yet."
I tilted my head, curiosity flickering more than worry. "So what did he decide?"
Uncle Fridolf’s sharp eyes held mine. "His plan is to confine you here, in your chambers, until proof is found. He agreed to launch a full investigation. But until then, you are not to leave this room. No one in, no one out, unless permitted."
I smirked faintly, the corner of my lips curling. "Confined? Is that supposed to scare me?"
Uncle Fridolf gave a small, thin smile in return. "I thought as much. No, you do not frighten easily. But still, Damon believes this will keep you under watch, keep you from... moving freely."
I shrugged lightly, brushing a hand across the sheets. "If that is all he can do, then let him. Let him watch me rot in here if it makes him feel safe. He still has nothing. No proof. And without proof, all he has are his suspicions."
Uncle Fridolf’s eyes sharpened. "True. But his suspicions are dangerous, Belinda. He hates you for what he believes, and that hate can blind even a wise Alpha. That is why we must move carefully now."
I leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "And the others? Rowan, Kael? What did they say?"
Uncle Fridolf folded his hands neatly behind his back, the very image of calm strategy. "I spoke to them as well. They are cautious, yes, but not driven by Damon’s rage. In fact, they listened to reason. I persuaded them to let me lead a separate investigation of my own. A quiet one. One Damon does not control."
I straightened at that, my smirk widening into something closer to satisfaction. "So they trust you more than him." Get full chapters from 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵·𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮·𝓷𝓮𝓽
"Not more," uncle Fridolf corrected softly. "But they see the value in balance. Damon burns too hot. Someone had to keep the flame from consuming the truth before it is even found. They gave me permission to head this investigation. That gives us ground, Belinda. It gives us time."
A laugh slipped from me, low and smooth. "Then the game tilts in our favor."
Uncle Fridolf gave a faint nod. "If we play it well, yes. The next step is to find a way to get you out of this. To ensure that when the evidence comes, it will clear you, not condemn you."
I exhaled slowly, finally letting my shoulders ease against the pillows. "You always know how to handle things, uncle. Damon may spit fire, but you... you are the one who cools it."
He regarded me carefully. "Do not be too quick to relax, Belinda. Damon will not let this rest easily. He may not strike now, but he will circle, waiting for the smallest mistake. You must give him none."
I waved a hand dismissively. "Let him circle. Let him stew in his rage. He is the only one truly against me. The others, Rowan, Kael, they are hesitant, but they are not my enemies. Damon stands alone in this."
Uncle Fridolf’s eyes flickered with thought. "For now, yes. But you must remember, hate has a way of spreading. If we misstep, he could pull them to his side. That is why you must remain calm. Collected. Unmoved. Do not give him the satisfaction of seeing fear in you."
"Fear?" I laughed lightly, shaking my head. "Uncle, I have none. Why should I fear? He cannot touch me without proof, and proof does not exist. He is gone."
Uncle Fridolf inclined his head slightly, acknowledging my confidence. "Then hold to that strength. It will be your shield. And while you sit here, I will move outside these walls. I will listen, I will watch, I will guide the course of this investigation. And when the time is right, we will turn everything back to normal."
I reached out, taking his hand briefly, my voice low but certain. "And with you at my side, uncle, I will not only survive. I will win."
He gave my hand a firm squeeze, then pulled back. "Then we understand each other. Rest now, Belinda."
I watched him as he turned toward the door, every movement sharp and precise.
"Uncle," I called softly.
"Thank you," I said simply.
Uncle Fridolf paused at the door, his hand resting lightly on the handle. He turned back toward me, his gaze sharp, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"That is why you must join hands with me, Belinda," he said quietly. "If you do, we will have the upper hand in all of this. Damon’s anger will not matter, Rowan’s caution will not matter, Kael’s doubts will not matter. Together, we will control the outcome."
I tilted my head, studying him. "You mean... I shouldn’t trust anyone else?"
"Not anyone," uncle Fridolf said firmly, stepping closer again. " They may smile, they may speak gently, but they are not for you. Only I am. Only me."
His words sank into the room, heavy, deliberate.
I narrowed my eyes slightly. "And why, uncle, should I trust you above them?"
He leaned forward, his voice dropping lower, steady and sharp. "Because I have never wavered. I have a mission here and I will see to the end of it."
I studied him, a faint smile curving my lips. "What are you planning, uncle?"
For the first time, his smile deepened, a flicker of something cunning sparking in his eyes. "What I plan, Belinda... you will know in time. Not now. Not yet. First, I must see to clearing your name. That is the priority. Once that is done, then you will see the rest."