**KAEL'S pov**
That night with Seraphina stirred emotions I’d never experienced before—something profound, something life-altering. She feared placing me in a position where I’d have to choose between her and the kingdom, but my mind was made up. I would fight for her. I would never let her go.
The next morning, as I left her apartment, my heart pounded with unrelenting questions. How could I save her? How could I save my kingdom? Could she ever fully trust me? The weight of these unanswered doubts pressed heavily on my chest.
Pushing the thoughts aside, I made my way to the Alpha Council Hall for the annual meeting. As I entered, my presence commanded authority, and the Alphas rose to their feet in respect.
“Your Majesty,” Alpha Dante began, standing from his seat. “There’s troubling news—a dark witch has emerged.”
My stomach twisted. I knew immediately he was referring to Seraphina.
He continued, “How do we eliminate her before she becomes more powerful and dangerous?”
My throat tightened, but before I could respond, Alpha Damian stood, his smug arrogance evident. “Eliminate her?” he scoffed. “I doubt the Lycan King would be willing to do that.”
Murmurs rippled through the room as the Alphas exchanged curious glances. Damian’s gaze remained locked on me, his words a venomous strike. “From a trusted source, I’ve learned that the witch is none other than his mate. She has even been in his palace.”
Gasps erupted around the hall.
“Is this true?” Alpha Adams demanded, his voice razor-sharp.
All eyes turned to me, their stares unflinching.
A heavy silence filled the room before I finally spoke. My voice was steady, yet laced with suppressed fury. “It’s astonishing,” I began, my tone cutting, “how quickly you judge without offering a chance for redemption. That’s how your kind murdered my mother and brother—without hesitation, without mercy.”
“Lycan King, watch your tongue!” Damian snapped, his voice filled with smug indignation. “We cannot allow you to remain as leader. Your mate is a witch, and your resentment for the past makes you a threat to this council.”
A bitter laugh escaped me. “I quit,” I said, rising to my feet. Their shocked expressions barely fazed me. “I quit being your leader and your ally. You’re nothing but traitors.”
Without another word, I stormed out of the hall, my boots echoing against the marble floors.
Leaving the council hurt more than I cared to admit, but regret didn’t follow me. If given the chance to choose again, I’d make the same decision every time.
Back in my chamber, I stripped off my regal attire and threw on something simpler. Grabbing my keys, I drove to Seraphina’s home. Only a few hours had passed since I left her, but I missed her desperately.
When I arrived, the silence in her apartment was deafening. I knocked, but no answer came. My heart sank as I pushed the door open. The room was empty—no trace of her anywhere.
She was gone.
“No…” I whispered, my chest tightening. She promised me. She promised to trust me. She couldn’t have left. I know her to be better than this.
“Seraphina!” I called, my voice echoing through the stillness. “Sera!” But only silence greeted me.
My gaze fell on a piece of paper lying on the table. With trembling hands, I picked it up and read:
Dear Kael,
I’m sorry I had to leave, despite my promises. But trust me, this is for the best—for both of us. My heart breaks knowing I must stay away from you, but I fear I will only bring destruction to you and your kingdom. Before you are forced to choose between me and your people, I’ve made the choice for you.
If the Moon Goddess wills it, we may meet again. Until then, stay safe, my king.
The letter slipped from my hand, fluttering to the floor as I sank into a chair. My heart ached with betrayal, the pain unbearable.
I drove back to the palace, gripping the steering wheel tightly, my anger boiling over. I'm done fighting for us. I'm done holding onto some who doesn't want to be held to. I thought, my resolve hardened.
“Collins,” I called as I entered my chambers.
He appeared promptly. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“Find Seraphina,” I ordered. But then the weight of my earlier resolve came crashing down. “No… Forget it. Get back to work.”
Collins hesitated but bowed before leaving.
Moments later, I called for him again, the anxiety clawing at me. I should at least know how she's faring, right? “Look for her,” I demanded, my voice sharp. “Find her!”
Hours later, he came back, his gaze troubled. "I can't find her, your majesty," he said, his tone low.
"She can't just disappear without traces. Keep searching," I ordered, my voice colder.
Collins searched tirelessly, but days turned into weeks, and Seraphina remained missing. A month passed with no sign of her, and the ache in my chest only deepened.
One evening, as I sat brooding in my chambers, a knock at the door broke my reverie.
A guard stepped in. “Your Majesty, you have a guest.”
“I’m not seeing anyone,” I muttered, dismissing him.
“It’s Seraphina,” he said, his tone casual.
I froze, my heart leaping. “Who?”
“Seraphina,” he repeated.
In an instant, I bolted from the room, ignoring the curious stares of the palace staff.
When I saw her, standing at the palace gates, a mixture of fear and unease clouding her beautiful features, my wolf howled with joy.
“Sera,” I called, my voice trembling with relief and worry. “I’ve searched everywhere for you.”
“Kael…” Her voice broke as tears filled her eyes. “I’m here now. But it’s either you save me… or you kill me.”
Her words struck me like a blow.
She stepped closer, her voice trembling. “I… I killed someone, Kael. A little girl. Innocent and full of life. She’s dead because of me. I'm dangerous. I'm a disaster."
Without hesitation, I pulled her into my arms, cradling her trembling body against mine. “We’ll fight this, Sera,” I whispered, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. “We’ll fight this together.”