Chapter 173: Chapter 173 Unwelcome Reunion

Seraphina’s POV

I rubbed my eyes hard, certain exhaustion was playing tricks on me. But there she stood, unmistakable with that cascade of flame-red hair spilling over her shoulders. She looked exactly as I remembered, yet somehow transformed.

Age had sharpened her features, carved confidence into her posture. Like a specter from my darkest memories had materialized before me without warning.

"Cordelia?" The name barely escaped my lips. Shock rendered me speechless. "What are you doing here?"

She lifted one shoulder in a careless shrug, as if materializing in my territory was perfectly ordinary. That familiar smirk curved her mouth - the same expression that once promised she knew secrets I didn’t.

"I’ve been here for weeks," she said, plucking an apple from the counter and juggling it casually. "Father decided it was safer here. The Shadow Moon Fang took heavy damage when Dorian launched his assault."

She bit into the fruit deliberately, chewing slowly while studying my reaction.

The hatred I’d harbored since our first meeting hadn’t dimmed with time. It burned as fiercely as ever.

"The destruction was extensive," she continued conversationally. "Father thought it wise to relocate me during reconstruction. He didn’t want me exposed to the chaos and potential threats."

Mischief danced in her eyes. She resembled a predator that had cornered prey, savoring my bewilderment.

That look transported me back to those early days at Solstice Fang, when she’d tormented me relentlessly about my inadequacies, constantly reminding me that our parents favored Roxanne over me.

My cousin had transformed those first months into absolute hell, arriving precisely when I was most vulnerable.

Rage surged through me as the implications hit. She’d been residing here for weeks? On my territory? Without anyone informing me?

"Why wasn’t I notified about your presence in my pack?" I demanded, fighting to maintain composure. "I’m the Luna. I should be aware of everyone residing under my protection."

Cordelia’s laughter rang hollow and mocking.

"Really, Seraphina? I had no idea this was still your pack," she retorted, her tone deceptively light while her words cut deep. "Last I heard, you’d assumed control of Nebula Fang. You seemed completely absorbed with them."

She stepped closer, emerald eyes gleaming with malice.

"Naturally, I assumed you’d relinquished your position here," she said acidly. "In our world, legitimate Lunas don’t abandon their packs for other territories. Once you leave, you typically don’t return to leadership. I thought you’d moved on permanently."

Her words struck like physical blows. She was deliberately provoking me, questioning my worthiness as Luna by highlighting my departure.

I stared at her for several heartbeats. Then unexpected laughter bubbled up - dry and humorless. Some tension released from my shoulders.

"You haven’t changed at all," I said, shaking my head slowly. "Still the same sharp-tongued child I remember. Always ready with cutting remarks."

But then I remembered my position. I wasn’t some powerless girl she could intimidate anymore. I was Luna, and she needed to understand the hierarchy had shifted.

I moved into her personal space, my voice dropping to dangerous levels.

"Listen carefully, Cordelia," I said with deadly calm. "Everything has changed now. I’m not the same person you once tormented, and this pack isn’t your playground." I held her gaze unflinchingly.

"Mind your behavior," I warned coldly. "If you create problems for me or my pack, I won’t hesitate to act. You’ll be packed and heading back to Shadow Moon before sunset. Your wolf won’t even have time to protest."

My voice carried absolute conviction. Every word was a promise.

For one revealing moment, her facade cracked. Genuine fear flickered in her eyes before she swallowed hard, recognizing I meant business. My heart softened fractionally - she was still family - but I couldn’t show weakness.

She recovered quickly, straightening her spine and placing hands on her hips in defiance.

"You wouldn’t dare," she challenged loudly. "Julian would never permit it! My father carries influence, and he wants me protected here."

I drew myself to full height, allowing Alpha energy to permeate the space until the atmosphere grew thick and oppressive.

"I require no one’s permission," I declared firmly. "Especially not Julian’s. I am Luna of this pack, and my decisions are final."

Turning from her, I surveyed the kitchen. Every cook had stopped working to witness our confrontation, their expressions stunned. They needed clarity about authority.

"Everyone listen," I announced, my voice echoing off the walls. "From this moment forward, operations return to their previous state. This kitchen remains under my jurisdiction."

I glanced back at Cordelia before addressing the staff again.

"Anyone with objections can address them with me directly," I stated clearly. "I’ll handle any concerns personally. Is this understood?"

They nodded rapidly and resumed their tasks with renewed urgency.

I exhaled slowly. Confronting Cordelia hadn’t resolved my larger problems - a mate who despised me and refused my presence. I just wanted to escape this entire day.

I pivoted and strode from the kitchen, leaving behind the noise, rejection, hatred, anger, and Cordelia.

My heart still hammered from the earlier confrontation with Julian, and unease twisted my stomach.

I walked steadily until reaching my house.

But approaching the entrance, I spotted someone waiting.

Caleb.

He stood beside the front door, leaning against the frame with arms folded across his chest. Even from a distance, his demeanor screamed trouble. No smile brightened his features. No welcoming wave greeted my approach.

I climbed the porch steps, studying his grave expression. His brow was furrowed deeply, worry etched into every line.

"Seraphina, we need to talk," he said.

His voice carried low urgency. This wasn’t casual conversation. It sounded like an ominous warning.

I recognized that tone immediately. Whatever news he carried wouldn’t be welcome. I drew a steadying breath, bracing for impact.

"Alright," I whispered.