Lucien’s POVMy chest was still heaving from the run, my body trembling with exhaustion. Thorin had retreated into the recesses of my mind, silent for the first time in hours.Yet the ache in my heart refused to fade.I rubbed my hands over my face, trying to push back the tears that threatened to spill again. “Seraphine,” I whispered, her name a prayer on my lips. “What would you have done?”The forest was quiet, unnervingly so. No rustling leaves, no chirping crickets—just an eerie silence that made the hairs on my arms stand on end.And then I felt it.The distinct sensation of being watched.I froze, my instincts kicking in instantly. My eyes scanned the dark woods, my heightened senses on full alert. The air around me felt different, charged, like a storm waiting to break.“Who’s there?” I growled, my voice cutting through the silence like a blade.There was no answer, only the oppressive stillness.I stood, every muscle in my body tense, ready to fight. My eyes darted between th
Seraphina’s POV“Hope you slept well,” a deep voice said, pulling me from the edges of sleep. My eyes fluttered open, and there was Lucas, standing beside me with a cup of coffee in his hand.I sat up slowly, blinking to adjust to the morning light. “Thank you,” I murmured, taking the warm cup he offered. “I didn’t even realize when I fell asleep.” I glanced around, noticing the couch I’d curled up on. “Guess the couch won out last night.”Lucas leaned against the table, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “It’s fine. You needed the rest.”I sipped the coffee, savoring its warmth. My eyes wandered around the room again. It still amazed me how someone of royal blood, an heir to such power, lived in a place like this. The small, run-down cabin felt so far removed from the life he was supposed to have.As if reading my mind, Lucas chuckled. “You’re wondering why I’m living in this dump instead of some grand estate, aren’t you?”I raised an eyebrow. “Maybe. It just seems... unusual for som
Seraphina’s POVAs I was still lost in my thoughts, Derek came inside with his usual goofy grin plastered across his face."Oh ye princess of the land!" he said jokingly, bowing dramatically. I couldn't help but laugh at his antics."Oh yeah? Princess guard of the land!" I shot back, grinning.He chuckled, leaning against the doorframe. "Careful now, Princess. I might just make sure you get kidnapped since I'm your guard."I burst into laughter, shaking my head. "You're so silly, Derek.""Silly? Silly is what keeps you entertained," he said, winking. "Now, tell me, how have you been?""Not good," I admitted, the weight of everything catching up to me. "Where have you been anyway?"He shrugged casually. "Taking care of something.""What was that?" I asked, narrowing my eyes suspiciously."Nothing important," he said evasively, the mischief dancing in his eyes.I groaned in frustration. "Derek! Stop being so cryptic! Just tell me."But he refused to answer, shaking his head with a teasi
Seraphina’s POVHear me out now," Derek said, his tone low but firm. He looked straight at me, and for the first time, I noticed the tension in his eyes. "And hear me carefully.""Okay? Sure," I said hesitantly, unsure of what was coming.He glanced around the room, as if making sure we were truly alone. "When I went to the woods," he began, his voice quieter now, "I found out they were looking for you. Badly. They’re relentless, Seraphine. And the only way I could think of handling it was to make it look like you’re dead.""What?!" My voice shot up instinctively, but Derek was quick to hush me, placing a finger to his lips."Shhh," he hissed. "Don’t raise your voice."I glared at him, my heart racing. "You told them I was dead?""No," he clarified quickly. "I didn’t say anything to them. I took some of the clothes you bled in the day you came to my hut. I wrapped those clothes with more blood and left them where Lucien and his men would find them. Made it look like you were… ripped a
Lucien’s POVThe throne room was cold, and not just because of the temperature. It was empty, barren of the life it once held. Lucien sat on the high-backed chair in the center, his eyes fixed on the crackling fire in the hearth. Its warmth couldn’t reach him—nothing could.He clenched his jaw, his fingers digging into the armrests of his seat. The memories of Seraphine haunted him, invading his mind at every quiet moment. Her laugh, her fiery spirit, the way she challenged him when no one else dared. Gone. All gone."Alpha," a voice called softly from the doorway. It was Ryder, his Beta. Lucien didn’t move, didn’t even acknowledge the man’s presence until Ryder cleared his throat awkwardly."What is it?" Lucien’s voice was sharp, cold enough to cut.Ryder hesitated. "The scouts have returned. There’s no sign of… her." His words trailed off as if he feared finishing the sentence.Lucien’s hands tightened into fists. "Dismissed," he growled.Ryder lingered for a moment as if he wanted
Seraphina’s POVI’ve been indoors for so long, I thought I’d go mad. The walls of Derek’s cabin felt like they were closing in on me. My guards hovered like shadows, always watching, always waiting. I couldn’t even step outside to breathe without them following close behind.I needed peace. I needed to feel the sun on my skin, the wind in my hair. But most of all, I needed to clear my mind. Derek and Lucas had made it clear they wanted revenge. They wanted blood for what Lucien’s pack had done to my family. But that path felt so wrong to me. How could I strike at the man I… the man I loved? Even if he’d kept the truth about my parents’ death from me. Even if my heart was breaking every time I thought about it.I sat by the window, staring out into the forest, trying to muster the courage to step outside.The sound of the door creaking open broke my thoughts. Lucas walked in, carrying a rabbit in one hand and a proud smile on his face.“Hey, look who finally left her nest,” Lucas said
Seraphina’s POVI couldn’t sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, the same haunting images returned. Lucien, with his cold, calculating gaze. Ryder, his twisted smirk as if he knew something I didn’t. They loomed over me in my nightmares, their shadows stretching endlessly. They weren’t just haunting my dreams—they were stalking me, taunting me, reminding me of what could come if I faltered.I sat up with a start, my breath shallow and quick. The room was dark, save for the faint sliver of moonlight creeping in through the curtains. I felt trapped, suffocated by the four walls of the cabin.With a heavy sigh, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood. The cool wooden floor beneath my feet grounded me, but it wasn’t enough. I needed air. I needed to feel something other than this overwhelming dread.Wrapping a blanket around my shoulders, I stepped outside. The night greeted me with a gentle breeze, cool against my skin. The trees swayed softly in the wind, their rustling leaves
Seraphina’s POVLucas had insisted I come with him, claiming he had a plan to help me reconnect with my wolf. I had agreed, though doubt clung to me like a second skin. As we ventured deeper into the woods, the air grew cooler, the scent of pine and damp earth more pronounced.“You’re awfully quiet back there,” Lucas said, glancing over his shoulder.“Just thinking,” I replied, pulling my jacket tighter around me. “This place feels… different.”“It’s meant to,” Lucas said cryptically, his lips curving into a slight smile. “You’ll see soon enough.”Derek scoffed from behind me. “You sure you know what you’re doing, Lucas?”Lucas shot him a look. “Trust me for once, will you? Just keep your eyes peeled.”I sighed, my gaze shifting to the trees around us. “Where exactly are we going?”Lucas slowed his pace until he was walking beside me. “To a place I think might help you. But first, let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind.”I raised an eyebrow. “And what’s that?”He hesitated,
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