The wind howled around her, pushing the rain harder against her skin, but Seraphina didn’t flinch. She couldn’t. Not now. The ground finally gave way beneath her efforts, and the hole deepened. It was only then, when she had made enough space to gently lay Cora’s body to rest, that Seraphina allowed herself to pause. She gazed down at her sister’s lifeless form, her heart ripping in two at the sight.The woman who had always stood beside her, who had protected her when they were children, who had been her one constant in this cruel world… was gone. Her only family was gone, and there was no one left to turn to.Tears blurred Seraphina’s vision, but she wiped them away quickly, her face set in grim determination. The world may have taken Cora from her, but Seraphina would not let it claim her soul too. She would take everything from them—Rowan, Ryan, anyone who had a hand in her sister’s death. She would find a way to make them suffer.The rain continued to fall, but she didn’t care. I
~Seraphina’s feet barely touched the ground as she moved through the trees, her body stiff with exhaustion, her heart heavier than it had ever been. The world around her seemed distant, muted, as though everything had shifted into another plane, one where only the pain of her loss existed. Cora’s death still felt like a cruel joke she couldn’t escape from, a nightmare that played on repeat in her mind.But there was no time for grief now.Her hands, covered in the damp, sticky earth from the grave she had dug with trembling hands, clenched into fists. She had buried Cora. She had done it herself because no one else had cared enough to help her. Not even Rowan. Not even the pack. She could still hear his voice ringing in her ears from that day, the words cold and dismissive, an accusation that cut deeper than any blade.“You’re weak, Sera. You’ll never be good enough for the pack or the world. You couldn’t even protect your sister,so how are you going to fight on her behalf”The words
---Kael stood like stone, unwavering in the face of Seraphina’s pain. His eyes, dark and intense, didn’t falter. His jaw was tight, muscles coiled with the tension of someone who had long buried their emotions beneath layers of duty and resolve. He didn’t care about the glances or the murmurs; all that mattered was the truth. The truth.“This isn’t about the pack, Seraphina,” Kael said, his voice low, rough. “This is about Cora. About what happened to her. You deserve to know the truth. We both do.”Seraphina’s heart hammered in her chest, and for a moment, she couldn’t breathe. The words sank in slowly, like heavy stones in the pit of her stomach. The truth.Her lips trembled as she whispered, barely above a breath, “The truth?” She laughed softly, a sound filled with pain and regret. “The truth is that I couldn’t protect her. The truth is that I’m not good enough. I’ve never been good enough.”Her eyes were wild, frantically seeking answers she feared she’d never find. She wanted t
Seraphina’s blood ran cold. Elara. Of course. She had been waiting for this. The storm that had been simmering beneath the surface was now erupting, and it was as expected—Elara wasn’t going to let this go quietly.Kael took a step back, his posture stiffening as he broke their moment of connection. He didn’t look at Seraphina; his eyes were fixed firmly on Elara, though there was something in his gaze that betrayed his frustration.Seraphina wiped at the tears that had threatened to fall, forcing them back with a huff. The last thing she wanted was Elara’s interference. She’d had enough of it. Enough of the insults, the dismissals, the coldness from someone who clearly couldn’t understand.But Elara was relentless. She hadn’t changed. Her expression was one of disdain, as if she could barely tolerate the sight of them together.“Kael, you’re making a fool of yourself,” Elara continued, her voice sharp and unforgiving. “You told the entire pack that Seraphina would never be your mate.
As the car began to move, the rain pelting against the windows like gunfire, she finally found the strength to speak again.“Where are you taking me?” Her voice was shaky, but she fought to control it, to demand answers.The man, seated across from her, finally looked at her—his piercing eyes meeting hers through the shadows of the car. She had never seen eyes like his. They were dark, but not just dark. They seemed endless, like a storm rolling in from far across the horizon.He was handsome—breathtakingly so. His jawline was sharp, his lips thin but perfectly sculpted, and his hair, dark and damp from the rain, fell around his face in a way that made him look both feral and regal.But there was something else. Something about him that stirred her, something that demanded both fear and awe.He spoke then, his voice calm but laced with an undeniable authority. “I’m taking you somewhere safe.”Safe? She scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. Safe from what? She didn’t know who he w
–Luca was already getting tired, he doesn't know how he could convince Seraphina to go back with him, he knew no one would believe anything just like that.“I will go back and deal with my problems alone and in my own way, do not meddle in anything, I don't need you. I never asked for you to come into my life, you are just a man who wants to control everything around you, arent you? But I am sorry, I am not the perfect woman who would fit in that position that you want” Seraphina spat in anger, with tears streaming down her face.The silence that followed with thick tension. Luca didnt react, not even a flicker in his eyes. he simply kept driving, the storm outside and the storm inside her both swirling with equal force, it was a night to remember, tough and sad. Seraphina couldn't stay silent any longer. She twisted in her seat, her eyes burning with fury. “You think you know everything? You think you can just walk in and tell me what to do? Who are you really? I am different, I am
The cold rain battered against Seraphina’s skin as she walked away from the car. Each drop felt like a needle, sharp and unforgiving. She didn’t care. The storm inside her was far more violent than anything the sky could throw at her. She could still hear Luca’s voice, but she ignored it, stepping into the darkness of the night.Her feet slipped on the muddy ground, but she steadied herself, her mind clouded with rage, confusion, and a deep, gnawing hurt. She’d come to this place, this forsaken pack, seeking solace, seeking love, seeking some kind of understanding. But all she had found was betrayal, rejection, and the harsh, bitter sting of her own misjudgments.She didn't care about the rain, the mud, or the cold. She only cared about one thing: Kael. Her Alpha. The man who had promised her the world, only to rip it away without a second thought.Her breath came in sharp bursts, each step taking her closer to the pack. Her body shuddered, not from the cold, but from the storm of emo
The rain pounded relentlessly against Seraphina’s skin, each drop a sharp reminder of the torment in her chest. Her steps faltered, the weight of her shattered world pressing down on her as she trudged through the mud-soaked forest. She had nowhere to go, no safe place to seek refuge. Her heart bled for Kael, but it was a wound that had long been festering. Now, with his cold words echoing in her mind, she realized that there would never be a place for her in his world. She had been nothing but a passing moment, a brief distraction in the life of an Alpha too consumed by his own ambition to see the truth of their bond.She didn’t know where she was heading. It didn’t matter. She had no home to return to. No one would ever accept her now, not after what Kael had done. She couldn’t go back to her pack. They would see her as weak, as broken. And as much as she hated herself for it, she couldn’t face their judgment.A cold gust of wind whipped through the trees, causing Seraphina to shive
The wind howled through the dense forest, rustling the trees as dawn broke over the horizon. The sky bled shades of orange and pink, casting a golden glow over the dewdrops clinging to the grass.Seraphina sat by the riverbank, her knees drawn to her chest, watching the water ripple against the stones. Her fingers absently traced the curve of her stomach, a slow, steady smile forming on her lips.She had felt it—faint but unmistakable.Life.Her pup.Their pup.Kael’s scent drifted toward her before she heard his footsteps. He was cautious, quiet, still not used to approaching her without expecting a fight. But this was different.She turned before he could speak, her golden eyes locking onto his.Kael froze. “You’re smiling.” His voice was wary, laced with disbelief.Seraphina exhaled a soft laugh, shaking her head. “That’s a normal thing, you know.”Kael arched a brow. “Not for you.”Her smile widened. “Maybe that’s changing.”Something in his expression shifted—uncertainty melting
The forest was alive with whispers.The wind rustled through the trees, carrying the scent of damp earth and distant rain. My breath came fast, my pulse still erratic from our escape. Every step sent a sharp ache through my ribs, but I didn’t stop. Couldn’t stop.Kael moved beside me, his presence steady, his gaze sharp. He didn’t speak, but I could feel the weight of his thoughts pressing between us.We had escaped Varian. For now. But that didn’t mean we were safe.I glanced at Kael, his face half-lit by the rising sun. His jaw was tight, his movements tense. He wasn’t used to running—at least, not like this.“We need to find shelter,” he said finally, breaking the silence.I frowned. “Shelter? You realize we don’t have the luxury of stopping, right?”“You’re injured.”“I’m fine.”He shot me a look. “You were half-conscious five minutes ago.”I rolled my eyes. “I was dramatic five minutes ago.”Kael exhaled sharply, muttering something under his breath. “Stubborn.”I smirked. “You j
The first thing I noticed was the cold.It seeped into my bones, numbing the pain in my side where Kael’s blade had struck. My wrists ached from the silver shackles, burning against my skin. My head throbbed from whatever magic had knocked me out.But I was alive.Unfortunate for them.I cracked my eyes open, blinking against the dim torchlight. The stone walls around me were damp, lined with old runes that pulsed faintly. A prison.Footsteps echoed.I turned my head, forcing myself to stay still as the cell door creaked open.Kael stepped inside first. Behind him, Varian followed, moving like a king surveying his kingdom. His sharp, golden eyes locked onto me, filled with something dangerous.“You don’t look as dead as I expected,” Varian mused.I bared my teeth. “Disappointed?”Kael exhaled, rubbing the bridge of his nose like he had a headache. “Can we skip the part where you antagonize the person who holds your life in his hands?”I grinned. “Where’s the fun in that?”Varian chuckl
---Seraphina’s POVThe corridor was cold, damp, and far too quiet. My breath came in short bursts, my body screaming in protest with every step. But I moved, ignoring the sharp throb in my side. Mara was right behind me, her footsteps light but hurried.Kael led the way, moving like a shadow—quick, precise, eerily calm. He knew exactly where we were going. That should have reassured me. It didn’t.Mara leaned in, her voice barely a whisper. “Tell me again why we’re not stabbing him and running?”Kael didn’t even bother looking back. “Because I have the keys, and you don’t.”Mara made a face. “Smug bastard.”“Yeah,” I muttered. “That’s his whole thing.”Kael suddenly halted, pressing a hand to my stomach to stop me. Pain flared through my ribs, sharp enough to make me suck in a breath. He glanced at me—too quickly, too full of something dangerously close to concern—before shifting his attention forward.“Guards,” he murmured.Mara tensed. “How many?”“Two. Armed.”I exhaled through my
SeraphinaPain.That was the first thing I registered when I surfaced from the darkness. A deep, burning agony in my side, pulsing with every shallow breath I took. It was a constant, throbbing ache, reminding me that I was still alive. Unfortunately.The second thing was voices. Low, distant murmurs threading through my hazy thoughts.“…should have been more careful.”“I got the shot in, didn’t I?”“You nearly killed her.”“She’ll live.”Their words floated around me, barely registering through the fog of pain and exhaustion. My head lolled to the side, and I forced my eyes open, blinking against the dim torchlight. The room was blurry at first—just dark stone walls, shadows flickering across the damp floor.I shifted, or tried to. Something heavy and cold bit into my wrists and ankles. Chains.Well, that wasn’t good.I exhaled sharply, my throat dry and raw. “If you’re done talking about me like I’m not here, maybe one of you could be polite enough to tell me where the hell I am?”T
---“You’re bleeding.”I blinked, my vision still swimming from the exhaustion. Luca’s face hovered in front of mine, his brows furrowed.“It’s not my blood,” I muttered, wiping at my forehead and smearing more of the crimson mess across my skin.Mara snorted. “Yeah, that’s comforting.”Luca didn’t look amused. “You need to rest.”“I need to get out of here,” I shot back. “Then I’ll rest.”His jaw clenched. “Seraphina—”“Don’t start.” I pushed past him, ignoring the way my limbs screamed in protest. The Raven Clan was still behind us, and standing around debating my health wasn’t going to keep us alive.We moved in silence, our steps quick but cautious as we wove through the thick forest. The sounds of pursuit had faded, but that meant nothing. The Raven Clan didn’t make mistakes. If they weren’t right on our heels, it was because they wanted us to think we were safe.And I wasn’t about to fall for it.“Do you think they’ve given up?” Mara asked quietly.I scoffed. “Have they ever giv
She walked with them as they stepped outside. Seraphina’s vision blurred as the adrenaline that had fueled her through the fight began to drain from her body. The cool night air was a shock to her system, and the faint scent of damp earth and smoke filled her lungs. The battle had ended, but her own war was far from over.Luca didn’t slow down. His grip on her was firm, and though she was barely conscious, she could feel his resolve. He wasn’t going to let her fall behind, not now, not when they were so close to freedom. He kept moving, his warriors at his side, sweeping the area as they made their way toward the hidden exit from the compound.“I’m sorry, Luna,” Mara’s voice came from beside them, soft but filled with concern. “We didn’t—”“Don’t apologize,” Seraphina cut her off, her voice hoarse. “You did your part. All of you did.”Luca’s pace quickened. The sound of pursuit wasn’t far behind, but he was determined to get them out of the Raven Clan's grasp. The distant echoes of th
“We need to move,” she said, her tone urgent. She looked at the wounded scouts. “Can you fight?”One of the scouts, a woman named Mara, nodded, her face grim but resolute. “We’ll follow your lead, Luna.”Seraphina nodded once, then turned to the rest of her team. “We’re heading for the exit. Keep your eyes open. The Raven Clan won’t just let us walk out of here.”They moved quickly through the hallways, but the further they went, the more the tension in the air thickened. The sound of distant shouting reached their ears—someone had discovered the break-in."Stay close!" Seraphina commanded, her voice firm. “We’re not out of this yet.”Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the corridors, followed by the rapid pounding of feet. More guards were coming.Seraphina’s warriors formed a defensive line in front of her, weapons drawn, ready for the fight. She could feel the pressure mounting, but she refused to let it show. Not now. Not when they were so close.“Luna, we can’t keep them at bay
Luca’s eyes narrowed as he weighed the situation. "We can't just rush in blindly, Seraphina. The mountains are treacherous, and if the Raven Clan has set up defenses—""We don’t have time for caution," Seraphina interrupted, her voice low and sharp. "Those scouts are counting on us. Every minute we waste, they’re one step closer to death."Luca clenched his jaw but didn’t argue. He understood the urgency just as well as she did. “Fine,” he said. “We’ll go in prepared. But we need reinforcements. And a strategy.”“I’ll lead a smaller group,” Seraphina suggested, her eyes flashing with determination. “We’ll move quickly, hit them hard. You stay back with the main force. If anything goes wrong, we’ll need you to coordinate the backup.”Luca hesitated for a moment, clearly torn. But in the end, he nodded. “I don’t like it, but I know you won’t back down.” He placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm, his gaze unwavering. “Just come back to me.”Seraphina looked up at him, her expressio