Episode 2
Seraphina’s POV
That day, I was borne back to my chamber, the agony and haunting visions nearly overwhelming me. For three long days, I was confined to my bed, enveloped in despair.
Damon, my once devoted husband, did not deign to visit even once. Rumors reached me of him gallivanting with Althea at social gatherings, flaunting her presence before all his acquaintances.
Amidst my sorrow, an unexpected call from Fiona, my college confidante, pierced the silence.
“Seraphina! Just checking in—will you still venture to Obsidian Crest Pack for business next week? We must find time to reunite!”
I inhaled sharply, a small but deep breath.
Drat. I had nearly forgotten.
For years, I’ve been immersed in developing a massive real estate endeavor known as Carnival City with a firm in Obsidian Crest Pack—reputedly the most formidable pack globally.
The plan was to journey there next week to finalize the contract with CEO Alexander. I was eager to reconnect with Fiona and perhaps consult her brother.
Her brother, Caden Hawke, stood as the Alpha of Obsidian Crest Pack, a titan in the corporate realm.
His counsel could prove invaluable to my project.
Yet, Caden Hawke was known as a charismatic playboy, seldom investing time in women unless it involved the pleasures of the flesh. Securing a meeting with Alpha Asher seemed increasingly improbable.
Now, all prior plans were cast aside, eclipsed by the turmoil unleashed by Althea’s return.
“I don’t know, Fiona… There might be a change in plans. I can’t possibly go now,” I murmured despondently.
“What? Why?”
It was futile to conceal the truth from my closest ally. I covered my face and sobbed, “…Damon is forsaking me for another—the biological mother of our adopted child. If he abandons us, there’s no point in pursuing the project…”
I had envisioned Carnival City as a lifeline to pull the Crimson Hollow Pack from the brink of financial ruin. But now, stripped of my status as Luna, it all seemed meaningless.
“WHAT?! That scoundrel!” Fiona gasped, incredulous. “Have you consulted a divorce attorney? Ensure you claim 80% of his assets!”
“I…I haven’t even begun to think about asset division,” I confessed weakly.
“Stay strong, girl. I’ll see what I can do,” she assured me firmly before disconnecting.
Her words brought a flicker of comfort.
And sparked a thought—perhaps I shouldn’t depart without asserting myself. I owed it to our union to fight.
Althea was a flawed choice for Damon; she had deserted him once for another years ago before our marriage. Her loyalty was dubious, and I suspected she would betray him once more.
I had to convince him of her duplicity.
Yet who would aid me? The pack members were indifferent, even dismissive, believing me to be a ‘Northern chick without class.’ Certainly not the elders.
Then it struck me—Lucian. My little boy.
Though Althea bore him, I had been his steadfast guardian for the past three years. Surely, he would stand by me.
As I awaited his school bus, the same spot I had stood morning and evening for years, my heart swelled with maternal hope.
The bus doors swung open, and I waved eagerly.
“Lucian! Darling! Over here!”
He leapt from the bus but upon seeing me, he bolted in the opposite direction.
“Stay away from me!” he screamed.
I chased after him, bewildered, grasping his shoulder. “Lucian, why—”
“You want my mommy to leave! I hate you!” he bellowed. “Daddy, Mommy, and I are the real family! Not you!”
Tears streamed down my face. Lucian had chosen Althea over me.
“Lucian, remember, I’m your mom,” I choked out, desperation lacing my voice. “I was there for you during your illnesses, attended every school meeting, tucked you in each night…I love you…”
He writhed in my grasp, his shrieks drawing the attention of passersby. One bystander stepped forward, admonishing, “Miss, please let go of the child.”
“He’s my son,” I protested hastily.
“NO!” Lucian shrieked. “You hurt me! You’re scary! I want Mommy Althea!”
I was paralyzed with shock. I had done none of those vile acts! Why would Lucian fabricate such lies?
Suddenly, Althea appeared at the gate, Damon looming behind her. She rushed over, sobbing, and embraced Lucian tightly.
“My poor baby, what horrors you’ve endured!” she cried.
“You struck Lucian?!” Damon accused sharply. “Is this because you can’t bear your own children and envy Althea?”
His words stung like venom. How could he believe such falsehoods?
Althea wept, “Don’t blame her, Damon. It’s natural to favor one’s own. Lucian and I are outsiders here. Perhaps it’s best we leave…”
“Yes, go!” I blurted out.
“ENOUGH!” Damon roared, his gaze searing into me. “Althea is the woman I love, and Lucian is my son! They’re my family, and they need me.”
Agony wracked my body. “And what of me, Damon? Am I not your mate?”
“You are,” he retorted impatiently, “You’ll remain the Luna of Crimson Hollow Pack. Althea’s presence is borne of love, not ambition.”
Her soft words barely reached my ears, “I merely wish to be with Damon.”
Dizziness overcame me.
If Althea was his beloved, then what was I? Merely a convenient partner, managing his affairs while he cherished another?
No, this I could not endure.
My love for Damon hadn’t fully withered.
Trembling, I began to unbutton my blouse, exposing my collarbone, then my chest. My scent filled the air, intoxicating.
Damon’s breathing grew labored.
“What are you doing?” he managed, perspiration beading his brow.
I stepped closer, our eyes locked, my whisper barely audible, “Don’t you miss this? Being with your mate is unlike anything else.”
The bond between mates was palpable.
He gazed into my eyes, a hint of obsession flickering, and murmured, “…My mate.”
