Seraphina’s POV
The plane landed, and the seatbelt sign clicked off. Around me, passengers stood to retrieve their luggage, chattering softly. I just sat there, staring out the window as if the barren winter landscape held all the answers to my spinning thoughts.
Before I knew it, tears streaked down my face.
The view outside was stark and cold. Snow blanketed the plains, and the distant mountains etched a jagged silhouette against the horizon.
For those used to the bustling cities of Crimson Hollow Packor the luxury of Storm Fang Pack, this scene might seem dull, lifeless even.
But to me, this is home.
No matter where I go or who I marry, Northern blood will always run through my veins.
The memories hit me hard.
I remembered the last time I’d gazed out a plane window like this. I’d cried then too, my throat tight with unspoken goodbyes.
Back then, Damon had held my hand, whispering promises to ease my worry.
“We can come back anytime,” he’d said confidently. “Your brother doesn’t like me now, but he’ll come around. Maybe we can spend the next Christmas together.”
That Christmas never came.
The following year, I stood beside Damon at a Crimson Hollow Packbanquet, smiling for strangers under glittering chandeliers.
There were always reasons to stay away, responsibilities tying me to my new life. With every passing year, I drifted further from my family, from my home.
Now, my husband has left me for another woman. And I finally have the time to return.
But will my hometown even accept me?
The thought tore at my heart.
I wiped my tears quickly, took a deep breath, and stepped off the plane.
________________________________________
The moment I entered the terminal, unease settled over me.
The atmosphere was tense, stifling. Soldiers in full uniform patrolled the area, some even shifted into their wolves.
Emerald Howl Pack was a quiet, remote place. It wasn’t a hub for travel or important visitors. Seeing this many armed soldiers at the airport was jarring.
My heart raced.
What are they guarding against?
Or… who are they waiting for?
A chill ran down my spine. I adjusted my hat, tugging it low, and moved carefully along the edges of the terminal, trying to avoid attention.
I didn’t know why I felt compelled to avoid my own pack’s soldiers. But my instincts screamed that it was the right thing to do.
Something was wrong.
Until I understood why Eason warned me not to come home and why my captains weren’t answering their phones, I needed to stay on guard—even here.
Blending into the crowd of travelers, I joined the customs line, glancing nervously at the soldiers.
A large screen above the customs area played a cheerful tourism ad showcasing the natural beauty of Emerald Howl Pack.
Then it switched to the local news.
A grim-faced anchor appeared on the screen, his tone grave:
“…It’s been three days since the capture of Liam and Nora, but Trent’s whereabouts remain unknown. These three were once soldiers of Emerald Howl Pack who later followed Gamma Eason’s sister, Seraphina, to Blazewood Pack. Recently, they returned to Emerald Howl Pack—not to help their home, but to assassinate Alpha Sid, under Seraphina’s orders. Our Alpha remains in critical condition, and the pack demands justice for this betrayal…”
My breath hitched audibly.
Heads turned, curious stares landing on me. I quickly bowed my head, clenching my fists as my mind reeled.
Liam, Nora, and Trent… assassinate Alpha Sid? Under my orders?
The absurdity of it was staggering.
That report was a blatant lie, a fabrication designed to turn my pack against me.
Liam, Nora, and Trent were the most loyal soldiers Emerald Howl Pack ever had. Even after joining me in Blazewood Pack, their hearts remained tied to the north.
They didn’t even trust Damon. To them, Alpha Sid was always their true leader.
The very idea that they’d betray him, let alone under my command, was ridiculous.
My pulse thundered in my ears.
Something was very, very wrong.
