From Betrayed Luna to Wolf Queen (Lillian) novel Chapter 174

Third–Person POV:

At the mention of “Simon“, Iris stiffened, a hard knot twisting in her gut.

Still, she managed to reply, “A lot’s happened these past few days. I haven’t had a chance to bring it up yet. But don’t worry–I’ll handle Simon.”

Simon…

Iris had long suspected Simon was her mother’s son with Marcus. And now her mother wouldn’t stop asking about him.

The pressure in her chest tightened, sharp and suffocating. A cold flicker of ruthlessness passed through her eyes.

If he really was her mother’s pup… then he couldn’t be allowed to live. She needed her mother all to herself.

Margaret, oblivious to Iris‘ turmoil, kept pressing. “You have to get Simon away from Julian, and fast. Don’t let this drag on- something bad will happen.”

“I know.”

“As for that sickly temale pup…” Margaret’s voice trailed off for a beat.

She’d been keeping up with everything going on in Iris‘ life lately.

Edith had reported the little female’s condition was worsening. She’d seemed fine before.

But the way things were headed, the girl might not make it.

Margaret’s tone was casual, almost detached. “After all, she’s just a female. Even if she dies, we need to make sure it serves a purpose.”

The words were light, but they dripped with cruelty.

Iris‘ chest clenched, then went cold. “Don’t worry, Mom.”

“I’ll make sure her death means something.”

Just as she said it-

The hospital room door clicked open.

Iris flinched, her head snapping up. Julian stood in the doorway.

He’d almost overheard them last night, and now…

Margaret was still talking through the speaker, louder in the quiet room. “I know she’s your own flesh and blood, so it’ll hurt. But the way things are now-”

Before she could finish, Iris frantically ended the call.

Her face was rigid as she looked at Julian. “Ethan. You’re here.”

Julian stared back, his expression icy. He didn’t say a word.

That cold, silent stare made Iris‘ heart pound wildly against her ribs.

She forced calm into her voice. “Why are you looking at me like that? I…”

Julian remained silent.

He strode into the room on those long legs, pulled a chair directly up to her bedside, and sat down.

The chair legs scraped against the floor with a harsh screech.

The sound–and the chill he brought with him–made Iris‘ heart lurch violently again.

Julian still didn’t speak.

His silence was smothering.

Especially with that frozen look on his face. Iris found it harder and harder to meet his eyes.

Iris‘ breath hitched.

Julian held the cigarette between his fingers, his cold gaze locked on her.

Ever since Lillian had started making trouble, he’d looked at her with this same chill.

But this time… there was an extra layer of danger in it.

Iris‘ heart hammered in her throat.

After a few steadying breaths, she pushed down the rising panic. “My mom was saying… if it comes to it, maybe we should consider letting him go.”

Julian…

His eyes turned even frostier.

“She doesn’t know about the female yet,” Iris rushed on, weaving a desperate cover for Margaret’s final words. “She said the male pup has been sick so long… It’s been so hard on him. She told me to let him go, even though it hurts.”

As she spoke, Julian’s expression darkened.

Her tears began to fall in earnest. “She also said… to make sure the pup’s death counts for something.

‘Ethan, how can a tiny pup’s death count? My mom just doesn’t know how to comfort someone, does she?”

By now, Iris was sobbing openly, every bit the grieving mother.

Julian’s breathing grew uneven, too.

ris cried harder. “Tell me… how could I ever let him go? He’s my pup. Just a tiny little thing… How am I supposed to make his death nean something?”

Feeling Julian’s breath grow more and more ragged, Iris slowly felt her head clear.