Seraphine’s POVI pressed myself tightly against the wall, my breathing shallow. "Thank God, it’s just a guard passing by," I whispered, relief flooding me as the door opened and the figure stepped out. It was only a guard, walking past without noticing me. I quickly slipped behind a tall curtain, making sure no one could see or hear me.Peeking out carefully, I glanced through the slightly open door. My eyes widened as I spotted two figures standing inside. It was Lucien and Ryder. My stomach dropped at the sight of them together."What could Ryder possibly be telling him?" I muttered under my breath. My annoyance bubbled up. I wanted to storm in and give Ryder a piece of my mind, but I forced myself to stay hidden. I had to hear what they were talking about.Lucien’s shirt was still stained with dried blood. He hadn’t even cleaned up after the fight. His face was hard, his jaw tight. Whatever they were discussing seemed serious."What are you saying, Ryder?" Lucien’s voice was sharp
Seraphine’s POVI clenched my fists tightly, staring at the empty space where Lucien had stood moments ago. His words echoed in my mind, cutting through me like a blade. “She must pay for betraying us.” Betray him? How dare he accuse me of betrayal after everything I had done for him, for the pack! It was Ryder’s lies that poisoned his mind, turning him against me. But I wasn’t going to let their schemes destroy my life. No, not this time.I knew staying here was dangerous. If I didn’t act quickly, they’d find me and drag me back in chains. Escape wasn’t just an option; it was my only choice. My heart raced as an idea began to take shape. It was risky, but if I pulled it off, it might just save my life.“If they think I’m dead,” I whispered to myself, my voice trembling but determined, “they’ll stop looking for me. Lucien will know what it’s like to lose someone he loves.”I glanced down at my blood-stained clothes, a grim reminder of the earlier fight. What had been a horrifying orde
Seraphine's POVI heard a shout, startling me awake.“Who are you?!” someone bellowed. My eyes snapped open. I didn’t even realize I’d fallen asleep. My body felt heavy, my legs numb from trekking endlessly. Squinting against the early dawn light, I saw a figure standing a few feet away, clutching a spear.“I… I mean no harm,” I stammered, raising my hands in surrender.“Answer me!” the man barked, stepping closer. His face was rough, scarred, and his clothes looked like they’d seen better days.“I’m just passing through,” I said quickly. “I’m not here to cause trouble.”He didn’t lower the spear. Instead, his eyes narrowed, scanning me from head to toe. “You look like you’ve been in a fight. Blood everywhere. Explain yourself.”“It’s not my blood,” I replied, my voice steady despite the panic bubbling inside me. “I was attacked. Barely escaped.”“Attacked by who?” His voice carried suspicion.“Damien’s men,” I said, hoping the truth would earn his sympathy. “They… they won’t stop hun
Seraphine’s POV“Hey... you up?” A gentle tap on my shoulder shook me awake.I gasped and jolted upright with force, my heart racing. My hand shot out, grabbing the wrist of whoever had touched me.“Chill out,” Darek said, his voice calm but firm.Realizing it was him, I immediately let go, my face flushing with embarrassment. “Sorry,” I mumbled, rubbing the back of my neck. “I thought Ryder or his men were here.”“You’ve been through a lot,” Darek replied, shrugging it off. “It’s fine. Just try not to break my hand next time.”I gave him a weak smile. “Thanks for saving me earlier. I… I owe you.”“It’s nothing. You needed help,” he said simply, leaning against the wall. “Those guys are crazy. Bad news. You’re lucky I was here.”“Have you eaten anything?” he asked, his tone shifting to one of concern.I shook my head. “No, I haven’t. But I don’t want to be a bother. You’ve already done so much.”“You’re not a bother,” he said, waving off my concern. “Stay here. I’ll get you something.
Seraphine's POVI was seated inside when Darek returned, holding a dead rabbit in one hand. His face lit up as he stepped in, closing the door behind him with his foot.“Dinner’s sorted,” he announced, dangling the rabbit for me to see.“Was it a good hunt?” I asked, trying to mask the discomfort in my arm.“Yeah,” he replied with a grin. “Bagged a few rabbits. Figured we could make a stew.”“Wow. That sounds amazing,” I said, my mouth already watering. “I can help.”Darek’s expression immediately shifted. “No way,” he said, shaking his head firmly. “You’ve got an injury. You’re not lifting a finger.”“Oh, come on,” I argued, standing up. “I can handle a little cooking. It’s not like I’ll be chopping down trees.”He raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Seraphine, you’re supposed to be resting. Don’t make me beg.”I rolled my eyes and walked toward him, ignoring the ache in my arm. “You’re not going to stop me, Darek. I’m helping, whether you like it or not.”He groaned, rubbing th
Serpahine's POVAfter we’d finished eating, I leaned back in my chair, patting my stomach with satisfaction. “Darek, that was amazing. Thank you.”He chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re something else, Seraphine. You act like you’ve never eaten a decent meal before.”“Well, it’s been a while since I had anything that good,” I replied honestly. “You’ve got skills, I’ll give you that.”“Unimaginable,” he muttered, grinning. “That’s what you are.”I laughed, pushing my empty plate toward him. “You’re not too bad yourself.”He started stacking the plates, but then paused, looking at me. “Hey, just so you know, a friend of mine is stopping by later. Hope you’ll be okay with someone else around.”I frowned slightly, caught off guard. “A friend? Here?”“Yeah,” he said casually, standing and taking the dishes to the sink. “He comes by every now and then. Good guy. You’ll be fine with him around, right?”I tilted my head, feeling a bit uneasy but trying not to show it. “Sure, why not? It’s you
Seraphine’s POV“Seraphina!!! Is this really you?” Uncle Lucas said, his voice trembling as he rushed toward me.“Yes, it’s me!” I cried out, running into his open arms. I clung to him tightly, feeling a wave of emotions crash over me. “Uncle, it’s me!”He held me as I broke down, my tears soaking into his cloak. “It’s fine, dear,” he whispered soothingly, stroking my hair. “I’ve got you now.”I couldn’t stop the sobs from coming. “I haven’t seen you in years… so many years!”He pulled back slightly, his hands on my shoulders as he looked me over. “What happened to you?” His voice was laced with concern, but his eyes burned with fury. “You’ve reduced so drastically. What have they done to you, Seraphina?”“It’s a long story,” I murmured, wiping my eyes.“Your mate,” he growled, his voice dark with anger. “That Lucien—he’s going to pay for this. I swear it.”“No, Uncle,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “It wasn’t Lucien. It was his Beta, Ryer. He’s the one who hated me from the start.
Seraphine’s POVLucas gripped my arm firmly but gently as we stepped into the shadowed forest, the towering trees providing cover from the prying eyes of the pack's sentinels. The air was thick with tension, and every crunch of leaves underfoot made me jump slightly, though I tried not to let it show.“You know your brothers are still the Alphas of this pack,” Lucas began, his voice low but stern, cutting through the silence like a blade. “So the rule about you not coming back still stands.”I bit my lip, trying to steady the nerves swirling in my stomach. “I figured as much. So what do we do now?”Lucas glanced at me, his expression unreadable. “We have to hide you if we’re going to enter.” He looked over his shoulder at Darek, who had been trailing behind us with quiet, calculated steps. “Do you agree?”Darek nodded, his face serious. “It’s the only way. But the question is, where do we hide her?”Lucas’s sharp eyes scanned the dense foliage around us, his gaze darting from tree to
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