Seraphine’s POVAs I made my way toward my room, a faint unease crept over me. Something wasn’t right. My steps slowed a bit when I noticed the door slightly ajar. I frowned. I knew I had locked it before I left.“Who the hell is in my room?” I muttered under my breath. My mind raced through possibilities. Maybe one of the maids had been careless and left it open after cleaning. But even that didn’t sit well with me. My personal space wasn’t something I took lightly.I stormed toward the door, muttering under my breath, “I’ll have their heads for this.”As I pushed the door open, the sight before me made my blood run cold. Lucien. Sitting on my bed. And right next to him, spread out in plain view, were the books and journals I had taken from the attic.Shit.“Lucien,” I began, my voice sharp, but it cracked under the weight of my rising panic. “How did you—”Before I could finish, his eyes met mine. The rage in them made my heart skip a beat. But it wasn’t just anger. There was somet
Seraphine’s POV“Keep moving, Luna!” Ryder shouted as we sprinted through the dimly lit woods.My heart pounded in my chest, each beat loud enough to drown out the chaos around us.The distant clash of metal, the snarls of wolves, and the panicked shouts of the pack kept me in a panic mode.The smoke in the air stung my eyes, but it wasn’t enough to block the fiery glow from the eastern border. The pack was under attack, and Lucien was out there. Fighting.My throat tightened as I whispered a silent prayer for his safety. Whatever our differences, I needed him to come back to me.“Move faster!” Ryder urged, his voice sharp with urgency.He glanced over his shoulder. Four guards flanked us, their weapons drawn and their senses on high alert.“Why arent in the cellar yet?” I gasped, struggling to keep up.“We will soon be,” Ryder said grimly. “It’s the safest place right now. Alpha’s orders.”“But??” I said, my stomach twisting. “I can fight—”“No!” Ryder cut me off, his tone leaving no
Seraphine’s POV“Fucking open your eyes!!,” a voice shouted, followed by the shock of cold water splashing over my face.I gasped, my eyes snapping open as my head jerked up. Pain was all in the back of my skull, sharp and unrelenting. My arms strained as I tried to move, but they were tied tightly behind me.“What’s happening?” I muttered, my voice harsh, panic clawing at my chest. My surroundings looked as though it was spining as I glanced around. My back was pressed against a rough tree trunk, the bark digging into my skin.“Who the hell are you?” I demanded, my voice sharper now, eyes darting to the figures standing before me.They were cloaked in shadows, their faces hidden by black masks. Five, maybe six men walked around me, their bodies tense and ready.One of them chuckled darkly, stepping closer. “You ask too many questions, Luna,” he said, his voice mocking.My heart skipped a beat. Damien’s men. That was my first thought. These weren’t strangers; they were enemies.“You m
Seraphine’s POV“Move it,” one of the guards barked, shoving me forward. My arms were still tied tightly behind my back, and every step I took sent a fresh wave of pain through my shoulders. The ropes cut into my skin, leaving them raw and burning.“Please, just listen to me,” I begged, stumbling over a tree root. “You don’t have to do this! Ryder is lying to all of you!”“Shut up, Luna,” the guard growled, his voice laced with venom. “You think we don’t know what you’ve done? The pack’s misfortunes started the moment you arrived. Ryder is right. You’re nothing but a curse.”“A curse?” I spat, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation. “Do you even hear yourself? What has Ryder promised you? Power? Status? He’s manipulating all of you!”Another guard stepped forward, his face twisted in a sneer. “Enough talk. Ryder’ll deal with you soon enough.” He grabbed my arm roughly, dragging me deeper into the woods.The air grew thicker with smoke, and I struggled to see through th
Seraphine’s POV“Ouch!” I shouted, jerking instinctively.“What now?” one of the guards grumbled, his hand hovering near the rope he was tying.“Something just bit me,” the second guard said, his voice sharp with alarm.“Bit you?” The first guard straightened, his face twisting in disbelief.“I think it’s a snake,” the second guard muttered, clutching at his calf. He stumbled back, scanning the ground frantically.“Snake?” the first guard repeated, his voice rising an octave as he bent to peer at the forest floor.This was it—my chance. Without hesitation, I lifted my leg and kicked the second guard square in the head.“Argh!” he screamed, staggering as he tried to steady himself.I kicked him again, harder this time, aiming for his temple. He collapsed against the tree with a dull thud and crumpled to the ground, unconscious.“Nice,” I whispered to myself, adrenaline coursing through me.The ropes were cutting into my skin, and every movement sent fresh waves of pain through my arms.
Lucien’s POV“Alpha,” the guards greeted, their voices steady but edged with exhaustion, as I stepped into one of the towers on the border. My body was soaked in blood, the metallic scent clinging to me like a shadow. Some of it belonged to my wounded men, some to the enemies we had slain. The battlefield had been relentless, and though we were gaining ground, the cost weighed heavily on my shoulders.“Report,” I said, my tone clipped. I was too tired for pleasantries.“We’ve pushed Damien’s men to the outskirts, Alpha. Their numbers are thinning, but they’re holding their ground,” one of the guards informed me, his expression grim.I nodded, wiping the sweat from my brow. “Good. But we’re not done yet. Finish them off. No one crosses our borders alive.”“Yes, Alpha.”I leaned against the cold stone wall, letting out a deep breath. Thorin, my wolf, stirred within me, his voice a low growl in my mind.“You fought well,” Thorin said.“You sure?” I replied, doubt creeping into my thought
Lucien’s POV“Then where is she?” I demanded, shaking him. “If anything happens to her, I’ll make you regret the day you were born.”“Alpha,” a voice interrupted from the doorway. I turned to see one of my scouts standing there, his expression grim. “We found tracks leading into the woods. They look fresh.”I released Ryder, letting him collapse to the floor. “Stay here,” I ordered him. “If you’ve done anything to harm her, you’ll pay with your life.”Turning to the scout, I said, “Lead the way.”The tracks were faint but clear enough to follow. My heart pounded as we moved deeper into the woods, the trees closing in around us. The thought of Seraphine out here alone, possibly hurt, filled me with a rage I could barely contain.“We’ll find her,” Thorin said, his voice steady in my mind. “She’s strong. She’ll survive.”“She has to,” I replied..****The woods were silent, apart from the crunch of leaves underfoot. My eyes shine to the lifeless bodies of our men scattered across the for
Seraphine’s POVI heard a loud voice shout, "Retreat!" It was the Alpha’s command. The sound of men running filled the woods. My heart felt a bit lighter, but my arm hurt so much. Blood was still dripping from the deep cut.I tried to walk, but my legs were weak. Everything around me looked blurry. Before I knew it, my knees gave out, and I fell. Everything went dark.When I woke up, I was leaning against a tree. The woods were quiet now, but I could still hear the men running far away. My chest rose and fell quickly as I tried to catch my breath. I held my hand over my wound to stop the bleeding.“Thank God,” I whispered. “The woods are safe now. I need to go back to the pack.”I pushed myself to stand, thinking of Lucien. But as soon as I moved, pain shot through my arm. I let out a loud cry without meaning to. Fear washed over me, and I quickly covered my mouth.“Who’s there?” a deep voice called out. My heart felt like it stopped.I looked around, shaking. A guard had stopped near
Seraphine's POVAs it stood... all I could do was just get pissed more and more. My wolf Fiona was way too weak... she couldn't even communicate with me really much again. I wasn't fed well, I wasn't even catered for well. I have just been locked up in this cage. But I don't regret my actions. I would do it again and again if I have to. I don't care. I am here to kill Lucien, and that I must do.Footsteps. Heavy ones. I knew the sound too well by now. The guard was coming with food. I sat up, my back pressing against the cold, damp wall. The air in this place was stale, filled with the scent of rot and old blood. I clenched my fists as the footsteps stopped right outside my cell.The metal door groaned open. A plate was shoved inside. Bread. Soup. The usual garbage. My stomach twisted in anger more than hunger."Eat," the guard grunted.I glared at him, my body tensed. He was careless today. Standing a little too close. If not for these damn chains... I felt my wolf stir weakly at the
Lucas's POVThe problem at hand is getting out of control. Alpha Damien is getting ground faster than I expected. I can feel the stress in the room as my leaders gather around the table in the strategy room. They’re all looking to me for answers, for some sort of plan that will turn this war in our favor. But all I can think about is the Luna—her words, her betrayal, and the chaos she’s brought into my life.“All I want right now is to make sure my pack is safe and that everything works out just fine,” I said, pacing around the room. “We need to win this war. No matter what.”“Alpha, may I speak freely?” one of the leaders, Marcus, asked, standing up.I waved a hand. “Go ahead.”Marcus cleared his throat, looking at the others before locking eyes with me. “The major reason we’re losing is because the soldiers believe the Luna is back. They’re saying she’ll bring bad luck.”My chest tightened. I slammed my fist on the table, making the leaders jump. “We are not here to discuss supersti
Lucas's POV"Get the army ready. We have a war to fight."That was my final order to the Twins before I left for the priestess’s house. I needed to ensure Seraphina would remain asleep for another year. My claim to the throne had to be secured, and she was the only real threat standing in my way.Arriving at the priestess’s dwelling, I was met by her servants, their faces blank and unreadable. They bowed slightly, stepping aside as I approached the grand entrance."I need to see the priestess," I said, my voice steady but firm.One of the servants hesitated before responding. "She is in her chambers, my lord. She will be called. Please wait here."I exhaled sharply, forcing myself to stay calm. I had no time to wait. But I knew better than to push the priestess’s patience. So, I sat down, my fingers tapping against the armrest of the wooden chair.Minutes passed. Too many. The anticipation was suffocating. I was so close to my goal, yet everything still felt fragile. If Seraphina woke
Lucas’s POVThe fight between Alpha Damien and Alpha Lucien has been going just as planned," I said, sipping my wine in my house. "Now, the right time for me to strike is near.""Uncle... strike what?"I turned to see the Twin Alphas standing in my doorway. Their sharp eyes studied me as if trying to understand my words."Ah, nothing," I said quickly, waving a hand. "Just talking to myself."They traded looks, clearly unconvinced, but didn’t push further."Alright," one of them said. "We actually came here to tell you that the other agents you sent are here. They’d like to see you."I nodded. "Good. I’ll be downstairs in a minute."They paused for a second before finally leaving, slamming the door behind them. I smirked, stirring the wine in my glass as I leaned back into my chair.Over a year ago, I had Seraphina taken to a healer, and she had been asleep ever since. That made it the best moment for me to take everything that was rightfully mine. Without her around, my plans were mov
Ryder's POVI walked outside angrily, still fuming. I did everything right for the pack. I made sure Seraphina was out. I made sure she was gone, yet she survived. And now she was back? Talking all kinds of nonsense to Lucien? Trying to ruin everything I had built? No. I wouldn’t allow it.“She should be dead,” I muttered, my fists clenching as I walked to my guards. “She was supposed to be dead.”As I approached, my guards straightened and bowed. “Beta Ryder.”“I have a job for you,” I said without hesitation. “Tell me about the guards around Seraphina’s cell.”One of them, Jax, stepped forward. “Her prison is heavily guarded, Beta. The Alpha ordered extra men to watch her. No one goes in or out without permission.”I cursed under my breath. Of course, Lucien would do that. “How many?”“Four inside, four outside. Two more at the entrance to the dungeon.”Ten guards. That was more than I expected. “Who’s leading them?”“Hale.”I gritted my teeth. Hale was one of Lucien’s most loyal me
Lucien’s POVI walked back into my study room, angrily, even as I was lost in thought on everything that Seraphina told me earlier. Was she actually right? That Ryder was behind her attempted death? Nah... It can't be true. She can't be serious, I said to myself, even as I was so angry, trying to suppress my anger.The door creaked open, and Ryder stepped in, his usual smug look in place. "Alpha," he said, nodding at me. "Our men are winning in the war at the southern part of the pack. We have the rogues cornered. Just a little more force and—"I didn't let him finish.Grabbing him by the collar, I slammed him against the wall, my fingers tightening around his shirt. His eyes widened in shock. "What the hell, Lucien?!"I growled lowly. "You tell me, Ryder. Tell me why Seraphina is saying you were behind her attempted death! Tell me why she would look me in the eye and swear that my own Beta—my so-called right-hand man—is a traitor!"He scoffed, his lips curling into an amused smirk ev
Seraphina’s POV"Ryder," I spat, the name hanging in the air like a poison. "Your so-called right-hand man is the one who wanted me dead.""What?!" Lucien's eyes flared with surprise, his hands shaking as he stepped toward me. "You're lying!"The slap came too quickly for me to brace myself. My head snapped to the side, and the sting burst through my skin. Blood rushed into my mouth, and I tasted iron on my tongue.I wiped my mouth slowly, a slow smile twisting up the corner of my lips. "I don't lie, Lucien. Not about things that matter.""You think you can turn me against my Beta?" His voice was low, angry, each word holding the weight of a threat. His jaw clenched as if holding back a monster, his whole body shaking with repressed anger.I laughed bitterly, tasting the metallic taste of blood again. "What makes you think I give a damn about your Beta?"He advanced, looming over me, his shadow swallowing the dim light in the cell. "You’d better stop lying, Seraphina. If you think you
Seraphina’s POVGuess the loneliness has started kicking in.Night was falling, and I could still hear the clash of Damien and Lucien's men outside. The distant sound of swords clashing and men grunting filled the cold air, a cruel reminder that the war was far from over. I shifted slightly, my chains clanking against the stone floor, the silver still burning my skin. My body was screaming in pain, but my mind? It was sharper than ever.At this point, I didn’t even know if I had made the wrong choice coming here all alone, against the Priestess’s will. But what choice did I have? I needed my revenge, and I needed it fast."You didn’t," a voice in my head said.Ava.I scowled. "Don’t start.""You should have waited," she said, her voice calm but firm."Waited for what?" I snapped, biting down the anger rising in my chest. "For Lucien to get stronger? For Damien to finish what he started? You saw what he did to us, Ava! And where were you? Where were you when I was almost killed?" My vo
Seraphina’s POVFucking get up...The voice was faraway, almost unreal. It repeated in my head, pulling me from the darkness. My body felt heavy, my limbs like dead weight. I tried to open my eyes, but they refused to follow. My head pounded, a dull ache spreading through my brain.Then—cold. Ice-cold water crashed against my skin, pulling me back into awareness. A sharp gasp ripped from my throat as my body jerked awake. My eyes flew open, and I saw them. Four guards stood around me, their faces emotionless, their eyes void of compassion. What the hell! I struggled, but something was wrong. My body refused to move the way it should. I reached for my wolf, calling to her, demanding her strength— But there was nothing. Silence. Panic crawled up my spine. My dog had never abandoned me. Not once. But now, she was gone—silent, inaccessible. I tried to move again. My arms didn’t budge. My legs felt stiff. What the fuck? I forced myself to look down and saw them. Chains. Thick, huge