SERAPHINA’S POVI can't help shaking as I take his hand and climb onto the altar, not after what I've just witnessed with so many eyes.I'm more nervous, even terrified, of the man standing behind us and watching us carry out his plans perfectly. A part of me is scared for what else he has in store for tonight, even with him being absent."Are you okay?" Artemis whispers to me, the look of worry in his eyes.I take a deep breath.How can I be, after everything that's just happened? I disliked Kamila and her ideologies. We fought most of the time, but once upon a time, we were somewhat friends, at least for a night.And even with her recent betrayals, I never hated her to the point of wishing for whatever happened to happen right in front of me and everyone else like that.It's not her fault that she was tied into a bond that was fake and grew feelings for Artemis, yet she has to pay the price for it, bearing such inevitable pain.I find myself breathing too hard, blaming myself for it
KAMILA’S POV I wake up on a bed. My entire body hurts as if I've been seared by flames hotter than the sun, coupled with the deafening silence echoing from within me. The place where the bond used to occupy, a space I never noticed before, feels like an empty gash expanding with every second I breathe, consuming me entirely. I feel weak, sickly, tired, with no strength in my body. I'm like a husk of what being a werewolf should feel like, barely able to feel a connection with my wolf and panicking with every sensation coursing through my body, every reminder of what has happened and what I have lost. My bond is broken; I was rejected by my own mate, a fate almost as terrible as death, and yet I had to face it. I had to stare at the man who meant the world to me at some point and watch him rip out a piece of me in front of everyone, in front of her. She's finally won me; she finally has everything I always wanted. She's happy while I suffer the aftermath of losing a mate, of bein
SERAPHINA’S POVI snuggle against the warmth of Artemis' body, inhaling the natural scent that oozes off his skin, an intoxicating and addictive musk.It feels so good to smell him, touch him, drowning in the coziness of his close proximity that fills me with a strong sense of comfort. It’s like my first taste of safety in days, and I never want to let go of it.He's like the wooliest, comfiest sweater personified.It could be the natural pull between us or our strengthened bond; whatever it is, I let the feeling engulf me completely, surrendering to the primal need.His fingers run through my hair, brushing through my scalp in soft, soothing motions that lull me in and out of sleep every few minutes until the car we're in comes to a sudden halt, seizing the vibrations.The car is taking us to Artemis' birth home, the place of our Moon Fête, or however King Silvan put it.It's a honeymoon meant for werewolves, a magical escape from the ordinary, where the newly mated couple can bask i
SERAPHINA’S POVI feel my consciousness jolt back into my body with a sudden start, and I sit up too fast, breathing hard and feeling sweat dripping down my back.I just had a nightmare, the details vague but the symptoms clear: the lingering fear clouding my thoughts, the pounding in my chest, and the rushed breathing that always accompanies nightmares.My panicking eyes search desperately around me, fearing I might still be reliving the moment.Then, I see Artemis crouching over me, holding my arms while searching my face with equal desperation."Are you okay?" he asks, gripping my arm until my eyes focus fully on his face.Worry etches into his features, creasing his brows, and he's breathing just as hard. I can hear his heart pulsing as fast as mine, a shared reaction from our bond.I can sense his frantic thoughts, trying to figure out what's wrong with me.In a way, his touch helps my mind relax, reminding me where I am and who I'm with. Once I'm settled, I can breathe again, pa
SERAPHINA’S POVArtemis offers his hand to me in front of everyone, and I take it. We're guided towards the other end of the table where the Alpha King himself sits.However, there's just one chair for the two of us.I scan for a free one, intending to drag it over, but before I can, Artemis sits down and pulls me onto his lap, ass first, under the leering gaze of a dozen pairs of eyes.I tense up, trying to get off, but he firmly holds me in place, making it clear I'm not going anywhere.Whispers and mutterings about us start to fill the room, but Artemis remains unfazed, his expression stoic.Once we're settled, a man from the wolf delegation stands, clearing his throat to speak.“Greetings to His Majesty’s proxy, Prince Artemis, and...” He pauses, glancing briefly at me, “...Miss Seraphina.”His eyes quickly shift back to Artemis, his smile returning as the group offers a unified but reserved greeting, slightly bowing their heads while seated.“Actually, today’s discussion is one t
SERAPHINA’S POVI stand close by, waiting as the council members file out of the conference room, anticipating Artemis. Earlier, he had whispered in my ear to wait, assuring me it would be quick.Five minutes later, I'm observing him in a heated discussion with Alpha Rivan and others, who are now desperately trying to persuade him to rescind his earlier decision.Initially, they hadn't even acknowledged his presence, but now they're practically groveling at his feet for reconsideration.I can't help but chuckle at the unfolding scene.Artemis stands tall, responding to each member with a demeanor that radiates respect and distinction, the very embodiment of power and authority.Watching him, so confidently in his element, I feel a surge of pride.He's so much more than the irresponsible, bad-boy prince he was once portrayed as. This moment is a testament to his true capabilities, the person I've always trusted him to be.As I stare, perhaps a little too long, lost in my thoughts and s
ARTEMIS’ POVAgain and again, they try to convince me, showering me with words of praise for my performance, showing their gratitude for the presence I’ve graced them with, and ending every sentence with 'reconsider.'It makes me wonder if this approach has always worked with my father. A few words of praise, some flattery, and he would simply cave to their demands.I wouldn't be surprised.He’s always been the type to go soft over vain things that tickle his fancy, as long as he receives the reverence he desires from his subjects.But I don't give in, choosing not to ignore the clear discrimination just to please them. I ponder how this case would have ended if Sera and I hadn't intervened when we did.Finally, they give up, walking away and grumbling silently.Mr. Franklin steps forward towards me once the path is clear, a look of gratitude on his face.“I want to give my thanks again. You have no idea what you've done for my family and people. We've faced years of biased treatment
SERAPHINA’S POVI stare down at Artemis's sleeping face, resting on my thighs, running my fingers through his soft and silky black hair. It feels impossibly light and soft as I trace my fingers gently across the lines of his face.I can’t help but feel bad for him, having to hear about his mother’s condition from someone else, and from none other than Kamila’s father, no less, while his own father kept such important news from him.In the end, we made a call to find out she’s stable now, but he still seemed to be in a state of shock. The look of pain on his face tortured me.I wish I could take away a portion of it or perhaps understand even a fraction of it.Having a mother and watching her remain in a vegetative state all your life – in a way, it sounds more torturous than not having one or knowing yours didn’t want you.I guess there's a sense of certainty in knowing, rather than wondering if your mother loved you.He, however, is forced to watch on, forever hoping, wondering what