Seraphine's POV

The corridor lay engulfed in darkness, with only the pale moonlight streaming through the grand windows, casting eerie, shifting shadows along the walls. My pulse pounded in my ears, the oppressive atmosphere thick enough to choke on. Rooted in place, I barely dared to breathe as Leonel’s sharp voice sliced through the silence again, sending a fresh wave of chills down my spine.

"Who’s there?"

I swallowed the lump lodged in my throat, the icy air pressing into my skin like an unwelcome touch. Drawing every ounce of strength left in me, I stepped forward, allowing the dim glow to illuminate my face. Leonel’s gaze locked onto mine, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes before he quickly concealed it beneath his usual cold, unreadable mask.

"Seraphine," he murmured, his voice slightly softer, though a thread of suspicion still wove through his words. "What are you doing here so late?"

Forcing my composure, I willed my voice not to waver. "I couldn’t sleep. I came down for some water." My eyes flicked to Aurora, who stood just behind Leonel, her gaze gleaming with something that made my stomach turn. A triumphant smirk played on her lips, as if she had already won some cruel game.

Leonel’s brows furrowed slightly, his sharp eyes scanning me carefully. "Did you hear anything?"

My heart skipped a beat, but I met his stare with an unwavering expression, my voice betraying none of the unease clawing at my chest. "No. I just arrived."

Aurora sighed dramatically, her tone dripping with artificial sweetness. "We didn’t mean to disturb you, Seraphine. Leonel and I were just wrapping up."

My jaw clenched involuntarily, my fingers curling at my sides as I leveled my gaze at Leonel. "Wrapping up what?"

For the briefest moment, Aurora’s smug expression faltered before she could recover. Leonel, ever the master of deception, smoothly intervened, his tone almost casual. "We had a late meeting with Aurora’s pack. It ran longer than expected, and she wanted to stop by for tea before heading home."

My gaze darted to the table near them—bare, untouched, without even the faintest sign of tea or conversation. The air carried no lingering warmth from a recently brewed drink. The lie was blatant, and my stomach twisted, yet I forced my features to remain neutral, unwilling to grant them the satisfaction of knowing they had rattled me.

"Tea at three in the morning?" My voice was soft, but the edge to it was unmistakable.

Aurora stiffened, a flicker of irritation crossing her face, but before she could speak, Leonel placed a firm hand on her arm, silencing her. "You’ve been looking exhausted lately, Seraphine," he said, his voice taking on a forced gentleness. "You should take a break. Get some fresh air tomorrow. It’ll help clear your mind."

Every instinct in me screamed that something was wrong. Yet, I nodded, a small, artificial smile tugging at my lips. "Maybe I will."

Leonel’s shoulders relaxed slightly, as though he had won a battle only he understood. He smiled faintly, but there was no warmth in it. "Good. You’ll feel better."

Aurora shot me one last gloating look before brushing past me, her perfume sickly sweet in the stagnant air. Leonel followed, sparing me only a final, indifferent glance. "Go back to bed," he instructed, disappearing into the darkened hallway with her.

For several moments, I stood frozen, my hands trembling at my sides. My breath came in shallow bursts as I cast my gaze back to the empty table. The realization settled like lead in my stomach, solidifying the suspicions that had been gnawing at me. Whatever Leonel and Aurora were doing, it wasn’t just a late-night meeting.

The first streaks of dawn bled through my curtains, but the warmth of the sun did nothing to chase away the weight pressing against my chest. The conversation still lingered in my mind, gnawing at my thoughts, and as the hours stretched on, the unease only deepened. The crescent pendant around my neck, once a source of comfort, now felt distant, like a relic from another life.

By the time Elin arrived in the kitchen, I was already awake and dressed, too restless to sleep. She paused upon seeing me, setting a tray of fresh bread and fruit on the table.

"You’re up early," she remarked, her tone light, but the concern in her gaze was unmistakable.

"Couldn’t sleep," I admitted, sinking into a chair. I hesitated for a moment before asking, "Elin, do you know if anything’s happening tomorrow?"

Elin froze, her hands hovering over the tray, and I watched as her expression subtly shifted—guarded, cautious. She avoided my gaze, and the unease coiled tighter in my gut.

"Why do you ask?" she replied carefully.

I exhaled slowly, keeping my voice level. "Leonel told me I should go out tomorrow. He said I needed fresh air." I paused, feeling the words settle uneasily in my chest. "It felt… off."

For a long moment, Elin said nothing, then sighed heavily. "You’re not going to like this, Belle."

"Tell me," I demanded, my voice sharper than intended.

Elin glanced around the empty kitchen as if making sure no one else was listening before leaning in closer. "It’s an engagement party," she whispered. "For Leonel and Aurora."

Seraphine's POV

The Steelfang Packhouse radiated extravagance, a testament to Henrietta’s meticulous orchestration of her son’s engagement banquet. The grand ballroom pulsed with the murmurs of pack members and allies, each dressed in their most elegant attire. The entire event was a blatant display of wealth and status. Leonel’s mother had spared no expense, ensuring Aurora’s position as the future Luna was indisputable, and the message was clear to everyone present.

Hidden in the shadows, I remained unnoticed, tucked away in a secluded corner of the bustling hall. A headscarf obscured my features, and Elin had skillfully masked my scent, allowing me to move undetected. Yet, despite the precautions, the weight of betrayal pressed against my chest, suffocating and unrelenting.

“Seraphine, if they recognize you…” Elin’s whisper was frantic, her grip on my arm tightening. “They’ll rip you apart. Everyone believes Leonel sent you away on a vacation.”

“Vacation?” I echoed, bitterness dripping from my voice. “I suppose betrayal comes with rewards now.”

My gaze drifted over the sea of faces—their laughter, their false smiles. Their conversations floated through the air, each word laced with venom.

“Have you heard about the royal family’s bounty?” a woman murmured to her companion.

“Yes,” a man replied, lowering his voice. “They’re desperate to find the prince’s murderer. Maximilian may have been a disgrace, but his death shamed the kingdom.”

“Disgrace is putting it lightly,” another voice interjected. “He squandered fortunes and seduced countless women. Honestly, his death feels like justice.”

Hearing Maximilian’s name sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. Until now, I hadn’t allowed myself to process his death—my eldest brother, a cruel man who had inflicted more pain on me than I could count. But listening to them speak of him so casually… Did he deserve to die? Did anyone? The questions gnawed at me, but I shoved them aside. There was no room for grief in a hall filled with traitors.

“Aurora is perfect—strong, poised, and of noble blood. Seraphine was always… ordinary.”

I clenched my fists so tightly my nails bit into my palms. Their words sliced through the fragile remnants of my pride. But it wasn’t just the guests who scorned me—Henrietta, Leonel’s mother, added her own venomous sting.

“I never approved of Seraphine,” she remarked, sipping her champagne. “She was always beneath us. Aurora will provide the Alpha heir we need.”

My vision blurred as I struggled to steady my breathing. The pain of their words burrowed deeper than I had expected. And then, Henrietta spoke again, her voice coated in saccharine deceit as she rested a hand on Aurora’s arm.

“Aurora, my dear,” she cooed, her eyes gleaming with anticipation, “I can’t wait to meet my grandchild. I hope you conceive the Alpha heir soon.”

The words struck me like a physical blow. My own child—the one I had lost—the only tether I had to a future, was gone. Grief surged within me, threatening to unravel what little composure I had left. I gripped my stomach, my nails digging into my flesh as I fought to contain the tears clawing their way to the surface.

“Seraphine,” Elin pleaded once more, her voice thick with urgency. “Please, let’s go. You don’t have to do this.”

But I remained frozen, unwilling to turn away. I was done. Done hiding. Done being the fool. I yanked my arm free from her grasp, my voice low but resolute. “No. I’ve had enough. If they want to celebrate, I’ll give them something worth remembering.”

And with that, the last thread snapped.

I stepped forward, letting my scarf slip from my head. Gasps rippled through the crowd as whispers spread like wildfire, eventually giving way to a stunned silence. I didn’t need to speak—the recognition was immediate.

“Seraphine?”

“I thought she was on vacation!”

“What is she doing here?”

The murmurs were a mixture of disbelief and disdain. My presence had shattered their perfect evening. Leonel appeared beside me in an instant, his face a storm of anger and shock, his grip on my arm firm.

“Seraphine,” he hissed, his voice low and furious. “What are you doing here? You told me you were leaving today.”

I tilted my head slightly, feigning innocence. “Did I? I must have changed my mind.” My gaze swept the room before settling on his mother across the way. “What’s this celebration for, Alpha? You didn’t mention it when you suggested I take a vacation.”

Before Leonel could respond, Henrietta stepped forward, her lips curling into a sneer, her voice sharp with disdain.

“Yes, Seraphine, you shouldn’t be here!” she spat. “Can’t you see this gathering isn’t for a lowly omega like you?”

I squared my shoulders, lifting my chin defiantly, my voice steady yet laced with steel. “I wasn’t aware that an omega—who happened to be the Alpha’s long-term partner—needed permission to attend her own pack’s gathering. Or does that rule only apply to me?”

A tense silence fell over the room as I locked eyes with Henrietta.

“You’ve always been insolent,” she sneered. “What else can we expect from a she-wolf with such a lowly background? Are you so desperate for my son’s wealth and power?”

My blood boiled, but I kept my voice calm, each word dripping with venom. “Don’t project your own greed onto me, you wretched old hag.”

A collective gasp echoed through the ballroom, but Henrietta was beyond reasoning. Her hand shot up, and before I could react, the sting of her slap seared across my cheek.

I stumbled slightly but didn’t fall. Straightening, I met her furious gaze, unwavering. “You can strike me, Henrietta, but it won’t change the truth—you are nothing but a greedy old hag.”

Her face twisted with rage, her voice trembling as she shrieked, “Leonel, I want her banished! This instant! Guards, remove this insolent omega from my sight!”

The guards advanced, their hands reaching for me, but before they could touch me, a voice rang out from the corner of the room.

“By the Moon Goddess!” an elderly man gasped, cutting through the rising commotion. “The princess with the ice bloodline has been revealed!”

A stunned hush fell over the room as all eyes turned to him. He held up a newspaper, the front page displaying a portrait of a woman—her features strikingly similar to mine.

Whispers erupted around me, the murmurs growing louder as more faces turned to compare the image to my own.

“Doesn’t this look just like Seraphine?” Someone exclaimed, pointing in my direction.

Seraphine's POV

The room was suffocating, thick with silence, and every eye was locked on me. I could feel the weight of their gazes, the tension pressing down on my chest, as the portrait in the elderly man's trembling hands seemed to burn into the air. Leonel’s expression was unreadable, but his eyes? His eyes betrayed his shock as he flicked between me and the image. It was as if the world he thought he knew was unraveling right before him.

He opened his mouth, but no words came. I could see the struggle in him—he was trying to comprehend what was happening, trying to piece together the puzzle of the woman standing before him and the princess staring back from the portrait.

Before he could say anything, the grand doors burst open with a force that made everyone jump. Royal guards, their armor gleaming beneath the chandelier light, strode in like they owned the place. And standing at the forefront, a tall, regal man. His dark eyes locked onto mine, and with a bow that made the crowd murmur in surprise, he addressed me.

“Princess,” he said, his voice deep and commanding, “I have come to escort you back to the palace.”

Gasps rippled through the room, and I could feel the shift, the collective breath being held in disbelief. Even Leonel, who usually carried himself with such composure, faltered. His fists clenched as he shot forward, the anger in his eyes unmistakable.

“What is this madness? Seraphine is nothing but an Omega! A princess? That’s bullshit!” His voice boomed, echoing through the room like a thunderclap. But his defiance was met with a swift response from the guards. One of them stepped forward, sword raised just inches from Leonel’s throat, the tip glowing with an unspoken threat.

The man who had addressed me stepped forward, his voice colder than ice. “I am Tide, the right-hand man to Prince Evander. I am here to ensure her safe return to the royal family. You will show respect.”

I could see the disbelief on Leonel’s face as he processed this new reality, but before he could recover, I spoke, my voice cutting through the tension.

“Wait,” I said, my words quiet, but there was power in them—enough to make everyone freeze in place.

I took a step forward, my eyes sweeping over the crowd, then landing on Leonel and Aurora. The mixture of disdain and amusement on my face must have been palpable as I locked eyes with the Alpha who had once been mine.

“I have one thing left unfinished,” I said, my voice steady, unwavering. “Before I go, I’ll say this: You seem surprised, don’t you, Alpha?” I turned to Leonel, my lips curling into a smirk. “The lowly omega you thought couldn’t understand, can speak this language.”

With a flick of my wrist, the words I had kept hidden for so long flowed effortlessly from my lips, an ancient tongue, full of power and history. The language of royalty.

Leonel’s face drained of color. His entire body tensed, and he stammered, his voice faltering. “Y-You...” He couldn’t find the words, couldn’t fathom what I was showing him.

I let my smirk deepen, savoring the shock on his face as I continued, my words filled with ancient power. “I know exactly what you were saying that night at dinner, Alpha. All your little lies and insults. Did you think I wouldn’t find out?”

The silence that followed was so intense that you could hear a pin drop. Leonel’s throat tightened, his mouth working, but no sound came. The realization that I knew everything sank in, and the room hung in the air like a thick fog of tension. Aurora’s eyes darted between the two of us, confusion painting her face.

I turned to address the entire room, my voice now echoing through the hall in the common language, clear and commanding. “And I know exactly what this party is for. Steelfang.” My voice rang out, cutting through the murmur of the crowd. “You pack of backstabbers thought I wouldn’t find out, didn’t you? Thought I was too weak to know what you’ve been planning behind my back?”

I swept my eyes over them, my gaze sharp and piercing, each one of them feeling the weight of my words. “You tolerated your Alpha's cheating because I’m ‘just an omega.’ You thought my background wasn’t worth anything compared to Aurora’s, didn’t you?” My voice dripped with sarcasm. “No. You’re just horrible people.”

I let my words sink in, watching their faces twist in discomfort, guilt, and shame. Then I spoke again, my tone mocking, yet biting. “You thought I wouldn’t figure it out, that I wouldn’t know about this damned engagement the moment you posted and celebrated it behind my back. I knew.”

The guests could no longer look me in the eye. Their guilt was palpable, thick in the air, choking them as they shifted uncomfortably in their seats. I turned my gaze back to Leonel, my eyes narrowing with disgust.

“Don’t worry, Alpha,” I said, my voice dripping with venom. “You have my blessing now. Proceed with your engagement party. I don’t fucking care anymore.”

I turned away from him, the words leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. But as I did, my eyes landed on Henrietta, the woman who had caused me so much pain. My lips curled into a cold smile as I raised a hand.

“Before I go,” I said, my voice low but icy, “I want to make sure my point is made clear.”

I gestured to the royal guards. “Restrain her.”

The guards moved quickly, their hands clamping around Henrietta’s arms, and she reacted with the fury of a woman cornered. Her eyes flared, her voice high-pitched with rage. “How dare you!” she screamed. “How dare you touch me! I am the Alpha’s mother!”

I stepped forward, my face now inches from hers, and I sneered. “Who’s the lowly one now?” I asked, my voice dripping with disdain.

Before she could respond, I slapped her across the face, the sound of the impact ringing through the hall. Henrietta gasped, her cheeks reddening as she stumbled back in shock.

“You deserve worse,” I spat. “But I won’t hit you again. Your old bones might break, and I wouldn’t want that. But I’m sure you’ve earned every bit of that slap.”

Henrietta’s mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. Her eyes were filled with rage, but there was nothing she could do. I wasn’t finished.

With one swift motion, I slapped her again, harder this time. The sound of the second slap echoed through the hall, and Henrietta’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Stunned, the entire room fell silent. No one moved. No one spoke. They were all frozen, unable to comprehend what they were witnessing.

Without a word, I turned on my heel, my head held high. I walked toward the exit, flanked by the royal guards, the whispers of the crowd now deafening in my ears. But I didn’t care. As the doors closed behind me, I stepped out of the Steelfang Packhouse, leaving the past—and the broken bonds—behind me.

My future was now tied to something greater. Something royal. And I was done with them.