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
Seraphina's POVLucas guided me carefully through the dense woods surrounding the pack territory. The tension in the air was thick, each sound making my heart race. Derek trailed behind us, his eyes darting around, scanning for any signs of danger.“Are you sure about this?” I whispered to Lucas, clutching his arm. “What if they catch us?”“They won’t,” Lucas said firmly, his voice low but confident. “I’ve lived here my entire life. I know every corner, every hidden path. Trust me.”Derek gave a small grunt from behind. “Let’s hope your plan works, because I’m not exactly looking forward to a fight with your brothers.”Lucas smirked but didn’t reply. Instead, he pointed toward a narrow trail ahead. “This way. Stay close.”The path was overgrown, branches scratching at my arms as we moved deeper into the forest. The moonlight barely pierced through the thick canopy, casting eerie shadows around us.“What if someone’s patrolling?” I asked, my voice shaking slightly.“They won’t come thi
Seraphina’s POV“Samuel, Torrin, step outside and give us a moment,” he ordered.Without a word, the two men filed out, their footsteps fading into the silence. The wooden panel clicked shut, sealing us in. Now, it was just Lucas, Derek, and me.Lucas turned to me, his voice low but firm. “Say it again, Seraphina.”I squared my shoulders, my heart racing. “I said I went through Lucien’s library in his pack, and I found something. His ancestors were the ones who killed my parents.”For a moment, there was only silence. Then Lucas’s brows furrowed deeply. “Are you sure about what you’re saying?”I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling up. “Do I look like I’m joking, Lucas? I’m not a child. I wouldn’t come here and make something like this up!”Derek shifted uneasily, his gaze flicking between us. “Wait, Lucien’s family? The Moonbane Pack? They’re responsible?”“Yes,” I replied, my voice sharper than I intended. “I found records, detailed accounts, in journals passed down through gener
Lucien’s POVI was pacing the room like a trapped animal, my patience worn thin. Ryder, my Beta, stood in front of me, looking both frustrated and scared. The others shifted nervously, avoiding my eyes. My wolf was close to breaking free, demanding I act.“Sir, we couldn’t find her,” one of the warriors finally said, his voice shaking.I stopped in my tracks, turning sharply toward him. “What?!” My voice was a low, dangerous growl. “How can you say you couldn’t find someone who was taken right under your watch?”The warrior flinched but stayed quiet, staring at the floor. The room fell silent except for the sound of my breathing.Ryder stepped forward carefully. “Alpha,” he said calmly, “I think Seraphine might be dea—”I spun on him so fast that he stumbled back. “Say that again, and I swear I’ll rip your tongue out,” I snarled, my voice dripping with venom.Ryder raised his hands in surrender, bowing his head. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I spoke out of turn.”I exhaled sharply, trying to con
Lucien’s POVI woke up with a start, drenched in sweat. "A dream!" I gasped, sitting upright. My heart pounded like a war drum, my breaths coming in short, sharp bursts.Ryder barged into the room, his expression tense. "Alpha, are you alright?""A dream," I repeated, running a hand through my hair. "Just a dream."He studied me for a moment before stepping closer. "It’s been a week now, Lucien. You’re not yourself.""How can I be?" I snapped, swinging my legs off the bed. "Every night, I see her. The blood, her remains. It’s like she’s blaming me."Ryder hesitated. "Alpha, no one blames you.""I do!" I shouted, standing. "If I’d given her the attention, the love she needed, she wouldn’t have run off in the middle of a fight with Damien’s men.""You didn’t drive her away," Ryder said firmly. "She made her choices.""And I made mine," I retorted. "Choices that left her vulnerable."Ryder sighed. "Sitting here, tormenting yourself, won’t change anything.""Do you think I don’t know that
Seraphine’s POVLucas and I walked through the dense forest, the silence between us thick and suffocating. The only sounds were the crunching leaves under our feet and the occasional rustle of branches above. I couldn’t shake the weight of his words back at the house—the accusations, the secrets. But now, his focus was on something else entirely: taking me to the shrine of the Beauty Goddess.“What’s this shrine like?” I asked, breaking the silence.Lucas didn’t look at me. “You’ll see soon enough. It’s... unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.”“That’s vague,” I muttered, crossing my arms as I tried to keep up with his quick pace.Lucas stopped abruptly, turning to me with a look of warning. “Seraphine, this isn’t some casual visit. The goddess doesn’t appear lightly, and her shrine... it’s sacred. You need to approach this with an open mind and respect.”I rolled my eyes but nodded. “Fine, fine. Respect. Got it.”The forest began to thin, revealing an open clearing bathed in soft,
Lucien’s POVI sat at the head of the long, polished table in the council hall, my fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest of my chair. The air was thick with tension, the kind that settled deep in your chest and refused to let go. The elders were gathered, their expressions grim and serious, as always.“Sooo,” Elder Garret began, clearing his throat dramatically, “we actually called this meeting today to talk about a serious matter.”I bit back the urge to roll my eyes. They had called at least five meetings in the past few days alone, each one more tedious than the last. My patience was wearing thin.“What exactly do they want this time?” I muttered under my breath, loud enough for Ryder, my Beta, to hear. He stood beside me, his posture stiff and professional, but the slight smirk tugging at his lips told me he’d heard me.Garret’s voice broke through my thoughts again. “Alpha Lucien, we know these past weeks have been difficult for you. Losing Luna Seraphine was a tragedy
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