Seraphina’s POV

The evening of the gala arrived like a storm cloud settling over my life. Darkness crept across the sky as the moon claimed its throne above the trees.

I dragged the evening gown over my body. The fabric felt like chains dragging me toward the bottom of an ocean. My jewelry box remained untouched. My makeup stayed in its drawer. My hair fell around my shoulders in tangled waves. The woman staring back at me from the mirror bore no resemblance to the White Wolf everyone expected to see. She looked hollow. Defeated. Broken.

"I’m sorry," I breathed against the cold glass. "Just survive tonight. That’s all you have to do."

The herb Roxanne had given me sat bitter on my tongue like crushed earth mixed with rotten citrus. My stomach turned as I forced myself to chew the disgusting root until nothing remained. A thick, drowning warmth crept through my ribs. My wolf felt trapped behind iron bars, her voice growing distant and muffled.

The Fang House had been transformed into something unrecognizable. Hundreds of flickering candles cast dancing shadows across walls draped in silver and midnight silk. The entire building sparkled like a fairy tale castle, but the magic felt dark and twisted. This wasn’t my home anymore. This was a stage set for my destruction.

Vivian waited at the bottom of the grand staircase like a spider in her web. Her deep purple gown hugged her curves perfectly, and her lips curved into a predatory smile when she saw me.

"Well, well," she purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "At least you managed to arrive on schedule. Do try not to lurk in the shadows like some tragic specter. The guests find that sort of drama distasteful."

"I’ll keep that in mind," I replied, my eyes fixed on the marble floor beneath my feet.

The main hall buzzed with conversation and laughter. Alphas and Lunas from neighboring territories filled every corner, their bodies adorned with glittering gold and precious stones. The moment I crossed the threshold, the chatter died to a whisper. Eyes turned in my direction like vultures circling prey.

"Is that really the White Wolf?" someone murmured behind a jeweled fan.

"She looks so ordinary," another voice hissed. "I expected something more regal from someone destined to be our queen."

Their words sliced through me, but I kept walking. My gaze found the center of the room where everything that mattered was happening.

Julian stood there like a king surveying his kingdom. His black tuxedo emphasized every sharp line of his powerful frame. At his side, clinging to his arm like she belonged there, was Cordelia. The golden gown I had dreamed of wearing transformed her into a goddess. A diamond tiara caught the candlelight and threw sparkles across her perfect face. She looked every inch the Luna of the Zenith Fang.

Our eyes met across the crowded room. Julian’s stare cut through me like winter wind, cold and merciless. No warmth. No recognition. No trace of the man who had held me in his arms. He turned away as if I were invisible, returning his attention to whatever important conversation demanded his focus.

The performance was flawless, but it still felt like being stabbed in the chest.

Cordelia noticed me and lifted her hand in a cheerful wave. Her smile blazed with triumph, as if she had already claimed her prize and wanted everyone to witness her victory.

"Seraphina! You actually came!" she called out in a voice that carried across the room. She glided toward me, pulling Julian along behind her. "What an interesting choice of dress. So practical and modest. Perfect for staying warm on such a chilly evening."

"Thank you," I managed to whisper.

She leaned closer, her perfume overwhelming my senses as her words became a venomous hiss meant only for my ears. "Everyone keeps asking why the famous White Wolf looks like hired help tonight. I’ve been telling them you’re embracing humility. Such an admirable trait in a servant."

I bit my tongue until I tasted copper. My eyes found Julian’s face, searching for any crack in his mask.

"Julian," I said, my voice steady despite the chaos in my chest. "Could I have a moment of your time? It won’t take long."

"I’m occupied, Seraphina," he replied loudly enough for the surrounding crowd to hear every word. "Alpha Jasper and I have important matters to discuss."

Behind him lurked the man who shared my blood but refused to claim me as family. My uncle’s smile never reached his calculating eyes. He wore his expensive suit like armor, but underneath, I could see the snake coiled and waiting to strike.

"Now, now, Julian," Alpha Jasper interjected, his voice smooth as poisoned honey. "Surely a husband can spare a brief moment for his beloved wife. These pack alliances can wait."

His false generosity made my skin crawl. I could see exactly what game he was playing.

"Fine," Julian snapped, irritation bleeding through his controlled facade. "A moment. No more."

He guided me toward a small balcony overlooking the gardens. The moment we stepped outside, I felt his mental barriers slam into place, creating an invisible wall between us and prying eyes. His body blocked the view from inside.

"Take this," I whispered urgently, pressing the second piece of root into his palm.

Julian didn’t hesitate. He popped the bitter herb into his mouth and chewed, his jaw working against the foul taste until he could swallow it completely. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"Midnight," he breathed against my ear. "Jasper has positioned his men throughout the territory. They believe I’m going to escort you to the ritual site for a private discussion about your destiny."