[Seraphine's POV]"Let go of my hand." I stared sharply at Cassian, who was forcing me to stop."Tell me where you're going first, then I'll let go," he insisted."Where? Of course, back to that hotel," I said, displeased. "You were the one who said you didn't want to get involved in the murder case, right? Well, it's decided. I'll handle everything myself."I brushed Cassian's hand off me, but he prevented me again. In this situation, I wanted so badly to slap him harder to make him realize. Unfortunately, my energy wasn't strong enough to hit him again."Ha …" Cassian sighed deeply, which only made me more irritated."Fine. I'll do as you wish."I looked up in surprise at his expression. "What?"Cassian rolled his eyes at me, just a few inches away. "I said, I'll do whatever you want. Investigating the murder case and anything that makes you feel uneasy. Everything."I was speechless at his words. Before I could say anything, Cassian pulled my hand again and forced me to lie back on
[Seraphine's POV]"Seraphine? Are you done with your treatment?"The first step I took led me to the voice of someone I knew very well: Cassian Maximilian. He had chosen to leave my medical facility to give me privacy, but it was the wrong move.When Cassian left the room, I successfully hypnotized and erased the memories of ten medical staff members at once. Those who knew about my pregnancy had their minds washed clean, so there was no memory of me being pregnant for five months anymore."Did you wait too long?" I replied, trying to change the subject.Cassian shook his head and took off his white coat, putting it on me. "Seraphine, how about we go home first? I want you to rest while recovering from your treatment."I glanced at him suspiciously. "And what about your promise? Aren't we going to handle that murder case?""What? Of course not," he replied hurriedly. "What I want is for you to recover first before getting involved in the investigation. I've sent my royal guards to tra
[Seraphine's POV]"Hey, Cassian! Are you stupid!?" I yelled at him forcefully after what he did to me.Cassian's face remained cold, indifferent to my struggling, and attempted to push him off with both my hands. He looked so relaxed, watching me struggle to get him off my body.As if he enjoyed seeing me in distress."What's so hard about answering my question?" he said it to me. "Just tell me if you're hiding something from me.""I already said there's nothing!" I shouted, full of emotion. "Are you crazy? I just recovered from my illness. And now you're picking a fight? Do you want to argue with me again here? In this palace?"Cassian remained silent. But his silence was filled with arrogance, and it only made me more annoyed."I don't want to get into a fight. Let me go," I retorted with a calm expression. I wouldn't let him know I was emotional and taking advantage of the situation.With all the strength I had, I pushed Cassian's body to make him move away from me. I was so focuse
[Cassian's POV]"Seraphine ... Wait, what happened to your stomach? Are you hurt or something?"*crash!*And just because of that one question, Seraphine was able to push me until my head almost hit the very sharp ceramic statue.My question was not unfounded. And I wasn't asking without awareness. When I forced Seraphine not to escape from me, I noticed something strange about her stomach.'Seraphine's stomach ... It's quite big considering her very small body. I distinctly remember the last time we were intimate, her belly wasn't that big. I recall a condition where the sufferer experiences swelling in the abdomen. I wonder if Seraphine has it too?' I thought at the time.After I fell with wounds all over me, thinking that Seraphine would at least be concerned about my condition, I was utterly wrong."D-don't bother me from now on, Cassian. I need rest."*Blam!*In a hurry, Seraphine went into the bathroom as if she was avoiding me. My wounds were only in the area around my back, an
[Cassian's POV]"No, there's nothing. Just forget what I said, Mother."Anxious, I could already feel my mother would keep bombarding me with various questions if I didn't escape. To avoid that, I quickly got up from my seat and left the room. Leaving her behind."Hey! Cassian! Answer your mother's questions! My child!"*Blam!*Seemingly cruel, but I intentionally slammed the door shut to drown out her questions. Queen Veronica fell silent inside as her son left her alone.Meanwhile, with a lingering pain in my back, I continued walking toward the first floor of the palace to meet someone.Certainly not Seraphine. I'm sure after what happened between us earlier, our relationship will now become more distant.I can't meet her for the time being.________________"Jesse."A young Alpha whose name I called suddenly placed a cup of warm tea he was about to sip down. Maintaining the respect and politeness that seemed ingrained in him, Jesse immediately stood up as he saw me approaching him
[Seraphine's POV]*Knock! Knock! Knock!*"Who is it?"In this vast and quiet room, the sound of a few knocks on the door is enough to resonate loudly. I freeze and stare at the door, which remains silent after the knocks."Seraphine? It's me. Can we talk for a moment?"I recognize the voice. It comes from behind the closed door, which I didn't bother to lock. Cassian. He's back from his treatment and now intends to come in.This is his room, his territory. Why bother knocking as if he cares about politeness? The Cassian I remember is a cold and ruthless Alpha who rarely cares about other people's feelings.So, I have no reason to respond. I leave the door as it is, without any intention to answer.*Knock! Knock! Knock!*"Seraphine. Can you please open up? There's something I want to talk to you about."*Knock! Knock! Knock!*"Are you already asleep?"Cassian is wasting his time calling me from outside when he could easily enter the room without considering me. What's up with him? Does
[Seraphine's POV]I couldn't deny it. The tension and fear that enveloped my mind dissipated and vanished thanks to his warm embrace. With patience and affection, I could feel how Cassian's cold and sturdy hands continued to stroke my back. My body drew closer to him, and he allowed me to rest my head on his broad chest.With this hug, I could hear Cassian's heartbeat pumping right next to my ear. It sounded soft yet firm, a rhythm so beautiful, like a melody or the sound of gentle raindrops.I closed my eyes, listening to the heartbeat of the Alpha holding me. Slowly, the fear and nervousness no longer dominated my consciousness. Like ocean waves tamed by the gentle breeze, I found peace thanks to Cassian by my side._________________"May I see the examination results?"I knew Cassian was surprised by my words just now. Perhaps he had thought of not discussing Riana's death anymore after witnessing my reaction to the news. And as he was about to hide the white paper, I instead asked
[Seraphine's POV]"Is there anything I can do for you, Miss Seraphine?" I was too focused on trying to find a moment to talk to Veronica without interruption that I forgot Jesse was standing right in front of me.Only when he called my name did I realize we had been standing in the front yard for quite some time? I quickly wiped the sweat from the bottom of my face, feeling nervous, and composed myself to look ready for the conversation."Jesse, do you remember the last moments when you stopped me from pursuing Riana, on the night we stayed at that hotel?" I straightened my face to meet his gaze, waiting for his response with hope in my eyes."Of course, Your Highness," he replied. "I prevented you from chasing after Riana because it was getting late, and the morning was approaching. I didn't do anything to Riana that night."My eyes widened when I realized my previous question might have sounded like I was suspecting Jesse of being involved in Riana's death."No, no, no. That's not w
Jesse's eyes glinted with determination as he focused his magical energy. The air around him crackled with frost as he channeled his ice magic, forming intricate patterns with his fingertips. With a swift gesture, he unleashed a powerful surge of icy energy toward Dorian Phoenix, freezing the very air around him."Impossible!" Dorian cried out in shock, his movements slowed by the encroaching ice. "How dare you interfere with my plans!""Now, Miss Seraphine!" Jesse shouted, his voice cutting through the icy wind. "Finish him while he's vulnerable!"I nodded, my determination burning brighter than ever. With newfound strength, I summoned the shadows, melding them into a powerful force. The darkness wrapped around me like a protective cloak as I lunged at Dorian, my movements swift and decisive."You think you can defeat me?" Dorian snarled, trying to break free from the icy prison Jesse had created. "I am invincible!""I won't let your arrogance stand," I replied, my voice steady and u
[Inner Power][Seraphine, there might be another way,] the inner power spoke, its voice calmer now we have cleared this argument.[Instead of stopping time, which would drain a considerable amount of magic, consider manipulating Dorian's memories. If we can alter his perception, we might create an opportunity for Jesse's escape without risking your energy too much]"But how do I manipulate his memories without him noticing?" I asked, intrigued by the new idea yet uncertain of its feasibility.[Focus on a specific memory, something powerful and emotional,] the inner power advised.[It could be a moment of joy or triumph that he experienced. If we can alter that memory slightly, it might create confusion in his mind, giving Jesse the chance to break free.]"I'll need all the concentration I can muster," I replied, my determination renewed. "But if it means keeping both Jesse and our child safe, I'm willing to try."
[POV Seraphine] Heart pounded in my chest as I watched Jesse, the loyal and fierce warrior, standing tall against the onslaught of ten alphas, each driven by a savage determination to end Cassian's life. The clash of steel against steel, the snarls of the alphas, and the resolute determination etched on Jesse's face created a chaotic symphony of battle. Jesse moved with fluid grace, his every movement calculated and precise. His sword danced in the air, deflecting blows, parrying attacks, and striking back with a deadly accuracy that left the alphas on the defensive. Despite the overwhelming odds, Jesse fought with unwavering resolve, a testament to his loyalty and dedication to protecting Cassian. The alphas lunged and snarled, their claws slashing through the air, but Jesse evaded their attacks with a combination of speed and skill. His movements were like a mesmerizing dance, a deadly ballet amidst the chaos of battle. With every strike, he pushed the alphas back, refusing to yi
[Seraphine’s POV] Rage burned within me as I confronted Dorian, the source of my anguish and the architect of our torment. He stood there, his eyes gleaming with malevolence, a cruel reminder of the pain he had inflicted upon us. The scars of his past atrocities marred his features, a testament to the darkness that resided within his soul. "Dorian," I hissed his name, my voice laced with a lethal combination of anger and sorrow. "You think you can destroy us, manipulate time to suit your sinister desires? You've taken Cassian from me twice, but I won't let you succeed again." His laughter echoed through the chaos of battle, a chilling sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Oh, Seraphine, you're as predictable as ever. Your love for Cassian blinds you to the true power I wield. I've seen the depths of your despair, tasted the bitterness of your failures. You're nothing but a pawn in this grand design." The mere mention of my failures fueled the fire within me. Determination replac
A jolt of anticipation and fear gripped my heart as the transferred magic surged within me, its newfound power tingling in my veins. With eyes widened in surprise, I focused my mind, allowing the energy to guide me in my search for Cassian. My heart pounded in my chest as I channeled the newfound magic within me to locate Cassian. The forest around us seemed to blur as my consciousness extended, reaching out like tendrils of ethereal energy. Images and sensations flooded my mind, and then, there he was – Cassian, my beloved, but he was not as I remembered him. Shock washed over me, freezing me in place. Cassian, the epitome of strength and resilience, was now in a dire state. His once vibrant aura was dimmed, surrounded by an ominous darkness that seemed to seep into his very essence. His eyes, once filled with determination, now held a glimmer of desperation. "Jesse," I gasped, my voice barely a whisper. "We need to find him quickly. Cassian is in grave danger." Jesse's eyes wide
[POV Seraphine] Battle had left me drained, my energy reserves depleted, and my magic waning. I stood amidst the aftermath of the fierce conflict, my chest heaving with exhaustion. The tendrils of my spatial and temporal magic slowly dissipated into the night, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed. Jesse, too, looked weary, but his presence remained a comforting anchor amidst the chaos. I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for his timely intervention and unwavering support. Together, we had managed to overcome the sorceress's malevolent power, but the cost had been high. I gazed at the sorceress, now defeated and powerless. Her once formidable demeanor had crumbled, and she lay on the ground, breathing heavily, but devoid of the dark energy that had fueled her. The threat she posed had finally been extinguished. However, the victory did little to alleviate the exhaustion that weighed on my shoulders. The relentless battles, the emotional turmoil, and the imm
[POV Seraphine] A sense of reluctant acceptance settled within me as I acknowledged Jesse's presence and the need for an unexpected alliance. We stood together, united by the urgency of our mission. "Alright, Jesse," I said, my voice firm. "Let's work together. But we need a plan, something that can help us defeat the sorceress quickly before she can cause more harm." Jesse nodded in agreement, his eyes sharp with focus. "I have a suggestion," he began, his tone steady. "The sorceress draws her power from darkness and chaos. If we can disrupt her connection to that source, we might weaken her enough to strike a decisive blow." I considered his words, the logic in his strategy apparent. "But how do we disrupt her connection to darkness?" I asked, my mind racing to find a solution. Jesse's lips curved into a thoughtful smile. "I've encountered similar situations in the past. There's a ritual, a powerful one, that can sever a sorcerer's link to their source of power. It requires pre
[POV Seraphine] My breaths came in ragged gasps, the edges of my vision blurring from exhaustion, when an unexpected presence gripped the air. Both the sorceress and I stiffened, our eyes widening in shared astonishment. A powerful aura emanated from the figure approaching, an aura tinged with an ancient, primal energy. "Who ... who are you?" I managed to choke out, my voice barely audible. The words hung heavy in the charged atmosphere, but the mysterious alpha remained silent, their identity shrouded in an enigmatic silence. The sorceress, too, seemed taken aback, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Another interruption?" she sneered, her confidence momentarily shaken. "Do you think a mere alpha can change the course of this battle?" The mysterious alpha's silence was deafening. Their presence alone seemed to shift the very essence of the forest around us, commanding attention and respect without uttering a single word. A profound sense of unease settled over us, like a storm ga
The battle raged on, the clash of magic echoing through the ancient trees like thunder. Every spell I cast, every bolt of energy I conjured, drained me further. The sorceress was a relentless force, her attacks coming like a torrential storm, each one wearing down my defenses.With every passing moment, weariness crept into my bones. My limbs felt like lead, my breaths came in ragged gasps. The relentless assault of the sorceress pushed me to the brink of surrender. Doubt gnawed at my resolve, whispering that perhaps I couldn’t win this battle, that I should yield.The sorceress, sensing my exhaustion, grinned triumphantly."Feeling the weight of your futile resistance, Seraphine?" Her voice dripped with malice. "You can't keep this up. You're just a mere mortal, after all. Give up, and I might spare your pitiful life."Her words struck a chord of fear within me. For a moment, I wavered.Could I continue to fight? Could I protect my family ag