Their Actions, Her Pain

  “I'm curious about how you all can dance and laugh after destroying my family,” she said, her voice low but cutting. 

  Her words hung in the air between them, and for a moment, the music and laughter seemed distant.

  Adolphus’s smirk faded. 

  He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he looked at her. “We grieve in our own ways, Seraphina,” he said softly, his voice barely audible above the music. “You don’t have to understand it.”

  Her jaw tightened, but she didn’t reply. Instead, she stared at the dancers, her chest tightening with a mix of anger and sadness. 

  She refused to show weakness, especially here, but the weight of everything was suffocating.

  “Stay for a while,” Adolphus said, breaking the silence. His voice had softened, almost gentle. “You might learn something.”

  She shot him a glare. “I don’t want to learn anything from you.”

  But she didn’t leave. Something kept her rooted to the spot, and despite herself, she found her gaze wandering back to the dancers.

  Minutes later, 

  “Dance with me” Adolphus voice boomed.

  

  Seraphina glanced at him, her eyes narrowing. "I can't," she said, her voice barely audible over the music. "I don't belong here and I don’t care."

  

  Adolphus smiled, a slow, predatory smile that sent a shiver down her spine. "Nonsense," he said, extending his hand. "You are part of this pack now. Come, let me show you."

  

  She hesitated, her eyes flicking to his outstretched hand. 

  She could feel the heat radiating from his body, the raw masculinity that seemed to envelop him like a cloak. 

  

  Despite herself, she felt a stirring of interest, a longing for the warmth and connection he offered. 

  

  But then she remembered the blood, the screams, the way he had torn her family apart. Her heart hardened, and she shook her head.

  

  "I can't," she repeated, her voice firmer this time.

  

  Adolphus' eyes darkened, but he didn't withdraw his hand. Instead, he stepped closer, his gaze locking onto hers. "Yes, you can," he said softly, his voice a seductive whisper. "Trust me."

  

  Against her better judgment, Seraphina found herself reaching out, her hand trembling as it met his. 

  

  His grip was strong and reassuring, and he led her into the circle of dancers with a gentle but insistent pull. 

  

  The music seemed to pulse through her veins, the beat of the drums resonating in her chest.

  

  Adolphus moved with an easy grace, guiding her through the steps, his body close to hers. 

  

  She could feel the heat of him, the strength in his muscles, and despite herself, she felt a flicker of desire. 

  

  For a moment, she allowed herself to be swept up in the dance, to let her body move in time with his. 

  

  It was intoxicating, the way he moved, the way he made her feel.

  

  But then, as quickly as it had come, the moment shattered. 

  

  The memory of her family, their faces, their laughter, now gone forever, crashed over her like a wave. 

  

  How could she enjoy this? 

  

  How could she find any pleasure in the company of the man who had destroyed everything she held dear?

  

  Her body went rigid, and she pulled away from Adolphus, her eyes blazing with anger and pain. "I can't do this," she said, her voice trembling. "I can't forget what you did."

  

  Adolphus' expression darkened, but he did not argue. He simply nodded, understanding flickering in his eyes. "Very well," he said, his voice low. "I'll escort you back."

  

  Seraphina turned and began to walk away, her steps quick and determined. 

  She could feel Adolphus following, his presence a dark shadow at her back. 

  

  She quickened her pace, wanting to put as much distance between them as possible, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and defiance.

  

  As they reached the edge of the clearing, Adolphus' hand reached out to touch her arm, but she shrugged it off, her skin crawling at the contact. "I don't need your help," she snapped, her voice cold and hard. "Just leave me alone."

  

  He hesitated, his eyes searching hers for a moment before he nodded and stepped back. "As you wish," he said, his voice quiet.

  

  Seraphina turned and walked faster, her heart aching with a mix of anger and sorrow. 

  

  She could feel his eyes on her as she retreated into the shadows, and she knew that no matter how far she ran, she could never truly escape him. 

  

  But for now, she needed to be alone, to let the memories wash over her, to remind herself of why she could never let herself be drawn into his world.

  

  She reached the small hut she had been given, its walls a flimsy barrier against the night. 

  

  She slipped inside, closing the door firmly behind her. Leaning against it, she took a deep breath, willing her racing heart to slow. 

  

  She was safe, for now. But the knowledge that Adolphus was just outside, always watching, always waiting, was a weight she could not shake.

  

  She moved to the small window, looking out at the moonlit clearing where the werewolves still danced and sang, their voices carrying on the night air. 

  

  She felt a pang of longing, a desire to be part of something, to feel the warmth and connection she had lost. 

  

  But she knew it was a lie, a dangerous illusion. She could never forget what Adolphus had done, and she could never forgive him.

  

  With a sigh, she turned away from the window and sat on the small cot in the corner, her mind a whirl of conflicting emotions. 

  

  She had to find a way out, a way to escape this nightmare and reclaim her life. 

  

  But for now, all she could do was endure, and pray that the strength she needed would come before it was too late.

  

  She had told herself countless times to be softer and pretend she liked it here but it wasn't easy.

  

  She hated it here and no matter how peaceful and jovial they are she’d miss home and wish to go back. 

  

  She also hated to admit but she missed Adolphus.

  

  She missed the werewolf. The man that had been her hero and dream once.