Seraphina's POV
The elder's words was sharp enough to slice through the cold air of the dungeon, each syllabus a haunting echo. His milky, cold eyes seems to burn into my soul, as though he could see the darkness inside me that I had tried to hide even from myself.
"Tell me," I demanded, my voice hardening despite my resolve. "What happened to my mother?"
The elder leaned forward, his gnarled hands gripping the iron bars. "You really don't want to know, do you?" he rasped, his grin revealing his missing teeth. "Your mother trusted the late Lycan king, loved him even...but it was he who orchestrated her downfall."
My breath caught, the air suddenly struggling to pass through my airways. "No," I whispered," shaking my head in denial. "You must be lying."
The elder laughed, hollow and sharp. "I gain nothing by lying to you mother witch. The king feared and was envious of your mother's power. He made them to believe they were allies, partners. And when she grew too powerful, when the Whispers of her magic spread among his council, he betrayed her."
I stepped back, my whole body trembling. I had no memories of her, but in my mind I had always imagined her to be a heartless woman, who abandoned her child but instead she died, now this man was painting her as vulnerable and deceived.
"How?" I choked out.
"The king's betrayal wasn't swift," the elder continued, his voice almost mocking. "He made her to fall in love with him. He made her trust him completely. Believing the Lycan king cares, she helped him get rid of the last lineage of the black magicians and I was the only one who managed to escape. He became scared that she would become the next welder of the power and when she was vulnerable, she handled her over to the hunters. They burned her alive, while he stood and watched her."
The world titled beneath me and I grasp the wall for support. My stomach twisted, a mix of fury and grief surged through me. "Why?" I asked, my voice cracking. "Why would he do that?"
“Power,” the elder replied simply. “He feared what your mother represented—a union of magic and strength beyond his control. And now, you carry her legacy, whether you like it or not. And if you aren't careful, history would repeat itself. His son-the new king, your mate would betray you just the same way."
Then his voice dropped into a low dangerous whisper. "I can see destruction hovering around you."
I staggered away from the dungeon before he could say more, the elder's twisted grin following me like a shadow. His words settled in my chest, a heavy weight pressing against my ribs. My mother hadn't just be betrayed -she had been annihilated by someone she trusted. And now the same blood is coursing through me. The same fate is waiting for me.
I barely registered my return to my chambers as the tears blurred my vision. The cold dark space offering no comfort. Kael's earlier concern rippled through my mind. I wanted to trust him. I wanted to lean on him, but how could I? What if he betrayed me? I should trust no one but myself.
The sharp knock on the door startled and I turned to see kael stepping inside without permission. His presence stirring up emotions as the elders words tugged at me, but I managed to stay steady.
"You've been avoiding me," he said bluntly, his tone carrying an edge of frustration and worry.
"I've been busy," I muttered, turning to hide my tear-streaked face.
Kael didn't accept the excuse. "Is this about those two from earlier? Lucian and Lyra?
The mention of their names sent a jolt through me. I spun around to face him. What do you know about them?
"I've been asking questions," he said crossing his arms. "“Lucian’s rise to Alpha wasn’t exactly conventional. He’s here under the pretense of forming alliances, but there’s something off about him. And Lyra? She’s no ordinary envoy. They’re both hiding something.”
I bit my lips, the truth clawing at my throat. "Stay out of this kael," I said, my voice firmer than intended. "This doesn't concern you."
His eyes narrowed. "It does concern me, if it concerns you. I don't trust them, Sera. Especially Lucian."
The intensity of his gaze made my defense crumble. "Lucian… was my mate. He’s part of my past,” I admitted reluctantly. “A part I’m trying to forget.”
Kael’s expression softened, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes—jealousy, perhaps? “And Lyra?”
"She's a reminder of everything I want to leave behind," I thought bitterly. "They're both threats, kael. But I'll deal with them."
“Not alone,” he said firmly. “I’m here to help you, Sera. Whether you want me to or not.”
His words were a lifeline, but I couldn’t let myself grasp it. He can't be trusted. I turned away, the distance between us feeling like a chasm. “I don’t need your help, Kael,” I said firmly.
“Maybe not,” he said, his voice softening. “But you don’t have to face this alone.”
"Leave, Kael," I said in a final tone, holding the doorknob.
Without another word, he walked outside with his shoulders slumped in sadness.
The next morning, I stepped outside for a breath of fresh air, only to find Lucian waiting for me. His dark eyes softened as they met mine.
"Seraphina," he greeted, his voice low and soft as though afraid that I might bolt.
"What do you want, Lucian?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"I need to talk to you," he said. "Alone."
"There's nothing to talk about," I said firmly. "Whatever you think we had was over."
"I don't believe that, Sera," he said, stepping closer. "I made mistakes. But I still -"
“Don’t,” I snapped, cutting him off. “Don’t say it.”
His jaw tightened, but he didn't back away. "You can push me away all you want, but I'm not giving up on you. I'm the Alpha now, no one can question my authority if I take you as my luna."
Before I could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air.
“Well, isn’t this a touching little scene?”
I turned to see Lyra approaching, her heels clicking against the cobblestones. Her elegant dress and perfectly styled hair did nothing to soften the sharpness in her expression.
“What do you want, Lyra?” I asked, exasperation seeping into my tone.
She ignored my question, her gaze flicking to Lucian before settling back on me. “You really have no shame, do you?”
I frowned, confused. “What are you talking about?”
Lyra stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. “Don’t play dumb, Seraphina. You’ve been throwing yourself at my husband, hoping he’ll fall for your pathetic charms again.”
My confusion deepened as my eyes widened with shock. "Your husband!" I exclaimed, my voice louder than intended. You both are married?" Then after a moment, my shock turned to anger. “I’m not the one chasing after someone who doesn’t want me,” I shot back, gesturing to Lucian.
Lyra's face twisted with rage, her hand shooting up to strike me. But before it could land, a cold, commanding voice cut through the tension.
"Touch her, and you’ll lose that hand."
I turned sharply, my breath hitching as Kael stepped forward. His eyes burned like molten steel, a quiet fury radiating from him that promised destruction.