Seraphina’s POV

When I made the decision to bring all the survivors from the Zenith pack attack to our territory, I never imagined my parents would end up living under my roof. Our pack house overflowed with displaced families, forcing us to open our homes to those in need. Naturally, everyone expected the former Alpha and Luna to stay with their daughter.

The morning sun streamed through the kitchen windows as I watched them interact with my children. My chest constricted with a familiar ache. There was my mother, the woman who had always been too preoccupied with pack duties to spare me a moment, now sitting cross-legged on the floor braiding Elena’s dark hair with gentle fingers. Her movements were tender, patient in a way I had never experienced.

Perhaps their sudden affection for Elena stemmed from believing she was Roxanne’s child. That connection seemed to unlock something in them that had remained sealed away from me.

Across the room, my father chuckled as he lifted Theo into the air, catching him with steady hands before setting him down again. The same man who had barely acknowledged my presence as a child now radiated warmth and playfulness. They embodied everything I had dreamed grandparents should be.

My stomach churned with a sick mixture of longing and resentment. How could they transform so completely? Where had this capacity for love and attention been when I was small and desperate for their approval? The cold distance that had defined my childhood felt like a cruel joke compared to the easy affection they showered on my children now.

Watching them play the role of perfect grandparents brought joy to Elena and Theo, but it carved fresh wounds in my heart. Every gentle touch, every patient smile served as evidence of what had been withheld from me all those years. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

At least now the truth crystallized with brutal clarity. My father had never truly wanted me. He had simply wanted his mate back, and when she returned carrying the burden of an unwanted child, they had both chosen to discard that burden in favor of their perfect reunion.

Later that afternoon, I sought solitude in the den, staring out at the familiar forest that stretched beyond our property. Even these woods felt tainted by her presence, corrupted by memories I had tried to bury.

Her footsteps approached with predatory stealth. When I turned, those sharp, calculating eyes that had once inspired my admiration now filled me with disgust. She had given Roxanne everything while making me watch from the sidelines, a constant reminder of what I would never receive.

"You don’t want us here, Seraphina." Her voice carried no emotion, stating a fact rather than seeking confirmation. "I know that. And I know you never want to see us again."

I wished she would spare me whatever speech she had prepared. Nothing she could say would change the fundamental truth between us. Nothing could repair what had been broken beyond healing.

"But we are here," she continued, her tone softening slightly. "Because circumstances leave us no choice. And you have no choice but to serve as our Luna. But while we remain under your roof, I want to offer you something. Something that might benefit you. Benefit all of us."

My skepticism flared. What could she possibly offer that would serve my interests without advancing her own? More money? Another empty gesture designed to ease her conscience?

"I can teach you," she said, her voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "About the white wolf. About the power that runs through your veins."

"No." The word erupted from my throat before I could consider it. My heart hammered against my ribs. "I don’t want your help."

"Seraphina," she pressed, urgency creeping into her carefully controlled tone. "You are the only one capable of stopping him. The only one who can control what comes next. I spent considerable time among your father’s people, learning from them. I discovered things about the white wolf, about harnessing that power. I know how to guide you."

Dorian’s face flashed through my mind. The devastation he had wrought, the terror he inspired in everyone who crossed his path. The prophecy that haunted my dreams.

The admission tasted bitter on my tongue. "Fine," I said, the single word representing my complete surrender. "Teach me."

Dinner proved to be an exercise in barely controlled tension. My mother’s eyes tracked my every movement, studying me with uncomfortable intensity. Then, with her characteristic bluntness that never failed to unsettle me, she asked, "Where is Julian, Seraphina? He is your mate and the father of your children. Why isn’t he joining us for dinner?"

My stomach clenched. He was somewhere outside our walls, working tirelessly to protect both our pack and his own from whatever threat might come next. Everyone feared we would be the next target, and I knew he was strategizing our defense.

"He’s extremely busy," I replied, forcing my lips into what I hoped resembled a genuine smile.

I deliberately avoided seeking details about his activities. I didn’t care, and I appreciated that he respected my wishes by staying out of my sight.

My father nodded knowingly. "Of course. With everything that’s happened, he must have his hands full."

The remainder of dinner passed in a blur of polite conversation and the soft clink of silverware against plates. Afterward, I escorted Elena and Theo to their bedroom for the night. As I tucked them in, I noticed something different in Elena’s expression. A softness, a reaching quality that hadn’t been there before. She scooted closer to me, her small hand seeking mine.

Something was shifting between us, a tentative bond forming that felt like the beginning of genuine maternal love. Warmth bloomed in my chest despite everything else. Maybe, against all odds, something beautiful could still take root in the ruins of my life.

But even as hope flickered, the seer’s words echoed through my thoughts. I would either end the world or it would end me.

I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving my children motherless. Yet I knew with absolute certainty that I would do whatever it took to stop Dorian, even if it meant sacrificing myself in the process.