The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a blade. Seraphina stood near the fireplace, arms crossed, her gaze locked on Luca with a mix of disbelief and frustration. The flames cast flickering shadows across her face, accentuating the sharpness of her features and the defiance in her eyes.Luca, seated at the head of the long wooden table, was a picture of calm—on the surface. But beneath that controlled exterior, there was something dangerous brewing. His jaw was tight, his hands curled into fists against the armrests of the chair.“So, tell me, Luca,” Seraphina began, her voice deceptively light. “What exactly is your grand plan now that your uncle is back, I am sure you two talked about the greatness of this pack, didn’t you?”Luca exhaled through his nose. He didn’t like the challenge in her voice, but he had expected it. Seraphina had never been the kind to sit back and accept things without questioning them.“I want the humans in the pack to train.” His voice was firm
Seraphina’s mind raced, her pulse quickening. “Who is this so-called uncle? What is his true intention?”Martha hesitated for a long moment, as if weighing how much she could say. She finally sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly as the weight of the truth seemed to settle on her.“Luca trusts him, but he doesn’t know that our uncle doesn’t wish him anything good,” Martha said, her voice tight. “He only wants the throne. He always has. He’s been waiting for this moment — waiting for Luca to make a mistake, to falter. And now that he has, our uncle is moving in, trying to manipulate him, pull him into his web.”Seraphina’s eyes narrowed, her mind trying to piece the puzzle together. “So you’re telling me that his uncle is trying to use Luca to take control of the pack?”Martha nodded, her expression grim. “Exactly. And it’s not just the pack that’s at risk. It’s Luca himself. He’s walking right into a trap.”Seraphina’s chest tightened with a mixture of anger and fear. She could feel
Seraphina met his gaze, her expression unreadable. Her lips were pressed into a firm line, but there was a hint of something softer beneath her resolve — a vulnerability, perhaps, that Luca had never seen before.“I need to talk to you,” she said quietly, crossing the room to stand before him. There was no anger in her voice this time, no sharpness. Just a calm certainty that unsettled him more than anything else.Luca exhaled slowly, his hand still resting on the back of the chair. “I think we’ve said enough already, Seraphina,” he replied, his voice low. “I’ve made my decision.”Seraphina’s eyes flickered with something — confusion, perhaps, or frustration — before she spoke again. “This isn’t about that,” she said, her voice steady. “This is about me.”Luca raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued despite himself. “What about you?”“I need to go,” Seraphina said, her voice dropping to a whisper, almost as if she were unsure of how he would react. “I need to visit the Ravenclaw Pack.
The journey from the stronghold to the Ravenclaw Pack was one of solitude, and in that solitude, Seraphina found herself lost in thought. The dense trees of the forest whispered in the wind, and the distant howls of wolves echoed in the night, the rhythmic beat of her heart matching the pulsing energy around her. With every mile she put between herself and Luca, every step further into the wilderness, a part of her felt lighter, more free. But with the newfound freedom came the weight of uncertainty.She had chosen this path, this road to Ravenclaw, for reasons she hadn’t fully understood until now. She wasn’t running away from anything, but rather toward something — a piece of herself, a fragment of the past that could shape her future. The Ravenclaw Pack wasn’t just an old alliance, it was a part of her bloodline. It was something she had never fully embraced, but now she had no choice. To move forward, she had to confront the past.And yet, as her journey stretched on into the unkn
The journey to the Ravenclaw Pack had been long, but Seraphina moved with purpose. The battle with the rogues had left her shaken, yet it had awakened something within her—a force she wasn’t sure she could control. Every step she took forward was another step into the unknown, yet there was no turning back.By the time she reached the Ravenclaw Pack’s borders, dawn was breaking over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the towering pines. The moment she stepped onto their land, she felt it—a shift in the air, a silent acknowledgment of her presence. She wasn’t just another traveler passing through. They had been expecting her.Two guards blocked her path, their expressions unreadable as they stood with their spears crossed before her. Their postures were rigid, their scents laced with suspicion.“Halt,” one of them ordered, his voice firm. “State your purpose.”Seraphina didn’t even blink. “I don’t repeat myself,” she said coolly.A tense silence followed, the guards exchanging war
The air was crisp, a sharp chill hanging in the autumn breeze as Seraphina stood in the clearing, her heart heavy. She could feel the weight of everything pressing down on her as she knelt beside the small grave, the mound of earth a reminder of the past she could never fully escape. The flowers in her hand — vibrant and delicate — trembled slightly, as if they too could feel the sorrow that filled the space.The memories of Cora, her sister, flooded her mind like a crashing wave. It had been years since she had last visited this place, years since she had said goodbye to the only family she had ever known. And yet, the pain of that loss was still as raw as the day they buried her.She placed the flowers gently on the grave, her fingers lingering on the cold stone that marked her sister’s final resting place. The name etched into the stone — Cora, beloved sister and daughter. The words felt too small, too insignificant to honor the woman Cora had been.Seraphina’s breath caught in her
Rowan stood in the dimly lit chamber, his fingers gripping the edge of the wooden table. Maps were scattered before him, some marked with red ink, others with clawed scratches that told stories of battle plans and bloodshed. His mind, however, was far from war at that moment.Nova stood across from him, her expression unreadable, her presence as cold and calculated as ever.“You should have told me sooner,” Rowan muttered, his voice low but edged with something dangerous.Nova’s voice was a whisper in the shadows, the kind that lingered like a cold breeze. Rowan sat at the edge of the table, his eyes narrowed, waiting for the next revelation. The flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows on his face, but it was Nova’s words that held his attention completely.“You’re right to be suspicious,” Nova said, her voice low and laden with intent. She leaned forward, the flicker of the flames dancing in her gaze. “Luca isn’t who you think he is.”Rowan’s jaw tightened. “I know that. But what e
Luca’s voice cut through the tension, his command clear and firm. “Continue your training,” he ordered, his eyes scanning the young warriors, who instantly resumed their sparring with renewed focus. He didn’t wait for them to finish before stepping toward Seraphina, guiding her with a firm but gentle touch toward the mansion.Seraphina walked beside him in silence, her mind still reeling from the conversation at Cora’s grave. Every step felt heavy, like the weight of the world was pressing down on her chest. But it wasn’t just the loss she’d encountered—it was the realization that her life was shifting in ways she couldn’t control. And Luca... Luca had become a constant force in her life, one that she wasn’t sure how to navigate anymore.Once inside, Luca led her into a quiet sitting room. The thick, velvet curtains shielded them from the light of the world outside. He closed the door behind them, his eyes never leaving her.“Sit,” he instructed, his tone quieter now, but no less inte
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