The Beta's Regret (Eden and Eros) novel Chapter 225

With Eros's hands covering mine, we made our way hand in hand through the hallway.

I felt how tense he was beneath his grip. I knew that this test meant so much more to him than he shows. And despite the fact I wasn't the one who was about to face the first test, I felt the weight of the test on me already.

Eros had a lot more to lose than Ryker did. The Elders already looked up to him and expected him to do better; however, Ryker's attempt to soil Eros's image has been devastating.

I gently squeezed Eros's hand, and he looked at me with a soft smile “You didn't have to come with me.”

“And you don't have to do this alone.” I replied.

He smiled. “Thank you.”

I nodded. I meant every word I said. I would always be there for Eros.

Finally, we stopped in front of double doors that opened almost as soon as we arrived in front of the study hall.

The hall had bookshelves that lined the wall and were filled with scrolls and what looked to be ancient books. In the center of the room, a conference-like table stood in the middle. The twelve Elders all sat around it, engaged in a small conversation. Ryker sat apart from them, his expression blank.

As soon as we entered, the room went silent. All eyes fell on us. The way the Elders looked at Eros felt like their eyes were boring into him, assessing him like an object.

I frowned.

I hated the look they gave him. It was like they had begun to rule Eros out because Ryker was able to sweet-talk his way into their favor and manipulated Eros, giving him a bad image.

I looked at Ryker. He gave me a self-assured smirk that showed his confidence.

He leaned back in his chair, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. He appeared as if he knew things that we didn't.

Eros must have seen him too, but he didn’t react. The only response he gave to Ryker's taunts was a tight grip on my hand.

Eros must be tired of Ryker’s games and chose to simply ignore him.

The Elders didn’t greet us. Instead they cast a disapproving look at us.

“You are late.” Elder Vallarta said through clenched teeth.

“My apologies. I was... occupied.” My mate apologized.

I felt guilt prick me.

It was my fault. If only I had allowed him to go when he was supposed to, we wouldn't have arrived late. But still, I was glad Eros tension had lessened before we walked out of the room.

“That is not an excuse.” Elder Crandall raised a brow at him. Ryker had been here for quite some time now. That is the right thing to do. Perhaps it simply means Ryker is more intentional about this than you are.”

Eros frowned. “I can assure you that is not the truth.”

His pulse quickened.

I knew what the Elders were trying to do. They wanted to incite a rivalry between the two brothers. They were trying to take advantage of the hatred they have for themselves to create a competitive test.

However, I had a strong belief it would not turn out the way they wanted if it continued like that.

I looked at Ryker. He leaned against his chair with an irritating ease, like he owned the room. It was as though we were employed for his personal amusement. His exaggerated confidence annoyed me, especially knowing he cared less for the people.

The door opened, and we turned to see an elderly woman in her late sixties enter the room. Despite her age, she still looked agile.

She was unfamiliar to me, but I assumed she was a part of the whole process.