Episode 7
Seraphina’s POV
Damon began striding toward us, his movements sharp and deliberate. Within moments, he stood in our path, his eyes blazing with jealousy.
“Can I speak with you for a moment, Seraphina?” he asked stiffly, barely masking his irritation.
I glanced toward Althea, whose bitter expression was a sight to behold. It was almost… precious.
“Of course,” I replied, turning to Caden with a soft smile. “See you later, Alpha Caden.”
Caden lifted my hand, his lips brushing the back of it with deliberate elegance. The gesture sent a ripple of murmurs through the hall.
“I look forward to hearing your speech,” he said in a voice that seemed to reverberate deeply.
Damon’s jaw tightened, his eyes burning with unspoken rage. Without another word, he spun on his heel and walked off, his stiff posture betraying his barely contained emotions. I followed in his wake, amusement tugging at the corners of my lips.
The moment we were alone, his composure snapped.
“What were you and Alpha Caden talking about?” he demanded, his voice sharp. “And why did he kiss your hand?!”
I had no intention of revealing the details of the Luna contract. Instead, I kept my tone deliberately aloof. “He was concerned about Althea’s qualifications. As for the kiss… he was merely being polite.”
Damon exhaled, visibly relieved. “I see. Well, reassure him that there’s no cause for concern. The transition will be seamless, and nothing will jeopardize our collaboration.”
He paused, his expression darkening as he added, “But I still didn’t like him touching you.”
I met his gaze with a cold, unyielding stare. Why did he care? He had chosen Althea over me—why should it matter to him who touched me?
Leaning closer, his voice dropped to a husky murmur, “I’m glad you decided to attend tonight. It helps put Alpha Caden’s concerns to rest. And I promise, Seraphina, I will find a way to thank you.”
Every fiber of my being recoiled as he invaded my space. Disgust churned in my stomach, a visceral reaction to the man who had stolen so much from me—my child, my dignity, my love. For a fleeting moment, I imagined wrapping my hands around his throat and squeezing the life out of him.
But death would be too merciful for Damon Fletcher.
Suppressing my revulsion, I raised an eyebrow and asked, “Thank me how?”
His gaze deepened, his voice softening. “Don’t let Althea intimidate you. She’s a sweet girl once you get to know her. And I still want you as my Luna—”
“TRISTAN!”
Althea’s shrill voice cut through the tension like a blade. She stormed toward us, hooking her arm around Damon’s possessively. Her glare burned into me, defensive and hostile.
“Seraphina should be on stage now to present the project,” she declared sharply.
Damon nodded, his tone turning businesslike. “Go secure this project for Crimson Hollow Pack, Seraphina. Do it for me—and for the pack.”
A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I turned and strode toward the stage. His arrogance was almost laughable.
The spotlight bathed me as I stepped onto the stage. Hundreds of expectant faces stared back at me, the weight of their attention palpable. But I was unshaken. This was my project, my work, my moment.
I launched into the presentation with ease, my voice steady as I described the grandeur of Carnival City—a sprawling entertainment metropolis that would transform a barren wasteland into the world’s premier destination for luxury and indulgence. Casinos, nightclubs, malls, hotels—it would be a haven for the wealthy and powerful, a money-making machine for whoever built it.
The audience hung on my every word. The elders nodded approvingly, and even Damon gazed at me with something akin to awe.
For half an hour, I commanded the room, my confidence radiant and unyielding. When the lights came back on, thunderous applause erupted. Faces lit with admiration as the crowd surged toward me, eager to offer their congratulations.
But Damon was the first to reach me, his excitement barely contained. “Well done, Seraphina!” he exclaimed, grabbing my hand. “Alpha Caden will definitely sign the contract with us.”
I pulled my hand away with a cold smile. “No. I wasn’t pitching the project on behalf of Crimson Hollow Pack.”
A stunned silence fell over the hall.
“…What?” Damon’s voice was low and disbelieving.
“I agreed to present the project,” I said calmly, my voice cutting through the tension. “But I never said I’d represent you.”
“SO?” Damon’s voice rose into a roar.
“So, I presented Carnival City on behalf of my home—Emerald Howl Pack. They will be Obsidian Crest Pack’s new partner.” My words were deliberate, each one landing like a hammer blow.
“YOU WHAT?!” Damon’s fury erupted, his disbelief palpable.
I met his anger head-on, my voice trembling with controlled defiance. “Carnival City exists because of me. Now that you’re divorcing me, I’m taking what’s mine.”
“Who says I’m divorcing you?!” he growled.
“Then I divorce you,” I declared, my voice shaking with emotion. “I will not stay and endure the humiliation of you and your mistress. I’ve told you before—it’s her or me.”
The hall erupted in murmurs, the crowd buzzing with shock.
“You’ve got to be joking!” Althea shrieked, her voice grating. “Emerald Howl Pack as the new partner? That pathetic backwater has no prestige, no power, and no international reputation! Why would they be part of this project?!”
“Because I am from Emerald Howl Pack, and I created this project,” I said, my chin raised defiantly. “And that ‘pathetic backwater’ provided 30 million and 2000 soldiers as my dowry when I married Damon. That money saved Crimson Hollow’s finances. Those soldiers protected its borders.”
Damon paled, unable to refute the truth.
“And now,” I continued, “I’m not just taking Carnival City. I’m demanding my soldiers and my money back.”
“Impossible!” Damon snarled, his anger twisting his features. “Your dowry became mine the moment we married!”
He grabbed my arm, pulling me close. His eyes burned with fury as he growled, “Even you are mine. Your dowry, the project, your body, your soul—everything belongs to me.”
“Then I reject you,” I whispered.
His eyes widened in shock. “What?”
Taking a step back, I declared shakily, “I, Seraphina Laurent, reject you, Damon Fletcher, Alpha of Crimson Hollow Pack. Our mate bond ends now.”
“NO!” Damon roared, the pain of the broken bond visibly wracking his body. I gasped as the same searing pain coursed through me.
“My love!” Althea cried, rushing to him. “It’s for the best! You’re free now!”
But Damon shoved her aside, his focus solely on me. “How dare you, Seraphina?! I am your Alpha! Your mate!”
“Not anymore,” I replied, swaying as the pain ebbed.
A steady hand caught me before I could fall. Caden’s firm grip steadied me, his deep voice washing over me like a balm. “Are you alright?”
