**Author's POV**
Kael placed his hand against his ear, feeling the warm, sticky blood seeping through his fingers. His gaze landed on Seraphina, who stood across from him with a sardonic smile playing on her lips.
Almost immediately, the knife appeared back in her hand, summoned by the dark energy hovering around her. She threw it again with deadly precision. Kael barely dodged, the blade slipping past him and piercing itself into the wall behind.
Without a second thought, he lunged at her, gripping her tightly but gently.
“Seraphina!” he shouted, his voice a desperate plea. But the woman he held wasn't the same person. The black magic coursing through her veins, consumed her, twisted her, and made her unidentifiable. Effortlessly, she threw him to the ground, her strength unmatched.
He stood up and ran to her, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. “Seraphina!” he shouted again, his voice laced with despair. "Please," he whispered, his voice trembling as he held her closer. "Come back to me."
For a moment, the air stilled. The sinister haze surrounding her flickered, then vanished, as if extinguished by his words. Her body was free in his arms.
Seraphina gasped, shoving him away. Her wild eyes darted around the room as she struggled to take in the scene. “What happened?” she asked, her voice cracking.
“What did I do?”
Kael hesitated, his expression unreadable, before he finally admitted, his voice low. "You… you were possessed."
Her eyes widened in horror as she stumbled back. “Possessed? By black magic? How?
Kael stepped toward her, his hands raised in a calming gesture. “It’s over now. You’re safe—”
“Stay back!” she interrupted, her voice a mix of fear and anger. “Am I… am I one of them now? Am I a witch?”
Kael’s heart ached at the tremble in her voice, but he stepped closer, refusing to let her spiral. “No, Sera. You’re different from them.”
“But I hurt you,” she whispered, her gaze locking on the blood dripping from his ear. “I did that, didn’t I?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Kael said firmly, reaching for her. “What matters is that you’re back.” He pulled her into an embrace, his arms strong and reassuring. She resisted at first, her hands pressing weakly against his chest, but eventually, she melted into him, burying her face in his shoulder.
The door burst open, shattering the fragile moment. Lunara stormed in, her face twisted with fury. “Kael!” she bellowed, her voice cutting through the room like a whip.
Kael reluctantly released Seraphina and turned to face her. “Lunara, calm down—”
“Calm down?” Lunara’s fiery gaze flicked at Seraphina.
In a blur, she crossed the room and slapped Seraphina hard across the face.
The sound echoed like a gunshot. Seraphina staggered but remained upright, her hand slowly rising to her cheek. Her narrowed eyes bore into Lunara, sharp and unyielding.
“Lunara!” Kael growled, his voice cold with restrained fury. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Lunara flinched but quickly masked her fear with defiance. “She needs to know her place,” she spat, glaring at Seraphina. “I am your future Luna, and she has no right to be near you.”
Kael’s jaw tightened, his eyes darkened. “Are you out of your mind? What makes you think you have the right to decide who is around me?".
His voice cut through the tension like a blade. “You’re done, Lunara.”
Her confident facade cracked. “W... What?” she stammered, blinking in disbelief.
“I said we’re done. Dating, marriage, all of it. It’s over.”
His tone left no room for argument.
“You can’t be serious,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
Kael’s stare was unwavering. “I’ve had enough of your jealousy and insecurities. This is the end.”
“You don’t mean that,” Lunara said, her voice rising in desperation. “We’re meant to be together! You can’t leave me!”
Kael’s patience snapped. “Have you ever loved me for who I am? Or was it always about the title and the throne?”
Lunara faltered, her lips trembling. “Of course I love you,” she said weakly.
Kael shook his head, disappointment etched on his face. “No, you don’t.” Without another word, he turned and walked away, guiding Seraphina with him.
“Kael!” Lunara’s voice cracked as she trailed after him. “Please, don’t do this. I’ll change. I won’t talk about the throne anymore! I’ll love you for you!”
Kael didn’t stop. His heart clenched painfully at her pleas, but he kept walking. Once inside his chambers, he slumped weakly onto the bed, burying his face in his hands. He had always doubted her love for him. He had once, despite that he imagined a future with Lunara.
In the garden, Seraphina traced her fingers along the petals of blooming flowers, their fragrance doing little to calm the storm raging inside her. Questions plagued her mind. Why had she gone feral? Could she truly control the dark power within her?
Nearby, hushed voices reached her ears.
“I heard the king’s guest is a witch,” one lady whispered.
“Do you think she’s part of the group killing the pack members?” the other replied.
Seraphina’s chest tightened as their words pierced her. Her hands trembled as she clutched at her dress and hurried out of the garden.
In the grand hall, the elders gathered, their faces grim with suspicion.
“Your Majesty,” Elder Mike began, his tone accusatory. “There are rumors that the woman staying here uses black magic. Isn’t she one of those responsible for the attacks on our pack?”
Kael’s eyes flashed with anger. “She isn’t responsible,” he said, his voice sharp. “She helped defeat them.”
“She shouldn’t be trusted,” Elder Addams interjected.
Kael’s voice turned icy. “No one will speak of this again. The black magicians are defeated. That is the end of it. Do I make myself clear?”
The elders nodded reluctantly, their eyes betraying their doubts as they dispersed.
Seraphina waited in the courtyard, her gaze steady, despite the turmoil within her. When Kael approached, she stepped forward. “Your Majesty,” she said softly. “I should leave. Thank you for everything.”
Kael’s brows furrowed in confusion. “You don’t have anywhere to go,” he said gently. “It’s not safe—”
“I’ll be fine,” she interrupted, avoiding his gaze. “I’ve caused you and your kingdom enough trouble.”
“You haven’t caused any trouble,” Kael insisted. “You helped us.”
Seraphina shook her head. “Goodbye, Your Majesty. Don’t come looking for me.” Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away.
Kael watched her disappear into the distance, his heart heavy with worry and regret.