Seraphine’s Scheme
The Midnight Crest packhouse was quieter than usual, but the tension in the air was suffocating. News of Isla’s success in the Luna Trials had spread quickly, sending shockwaves through the ranks. For years, Isla had been a shadow, a forgotten outcast. Now, she was the Luna of Crimson Fang—the most powerful pack in the region.
In her private chambers, Seraphine paced, her anger simmering beneath the surface. Her reflection in the mirror mocked her: beautiful, composed, and yet utterly powerless. Isla, her meek little sister, had succeeded where Seraphine had failed.
“It’s absurd,” she muttered, stopping in front of the mirror. “She doesn’t deserve this.”
Her thoughts churned as she replayed the scout’s words: Isla completed the trials. She’s to be officially recognized as Luna in three moons.
The door to her chambers creaked open, and Kael stepped inside. He leaned against the doorframe, his expression hard to read. “Still fuming?” he asked, his voice low and tired.
Seraphine turned to face him, her eyes narrowing. “You should be fuming too. Isla’s success is an embarrassment to us both.”
Kael crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. “It’s not about us. She earned it.”
“Earned it?” Seraphine’s voice rose, incredulous. “She stumbled into a victory because no one expected her to survive. That doesn’t make her worthy.”
Kael’s gaze hardened. “She survived something you wouldn’t have.”
The words stung, but Seraphine refused to let them show. Instead, she smiled coldly. “Perhaps. But survival isn’t enough to keep a position like hers. Draven will see that soon enough.”
Kael’s brow furrowed. “What are you planning, Seraphine?”
She stepped closer to him, her eyes gleaming with determination. “Three moons. That’s all I need to show Draven the truth about Isla. She’s weak, Kael. She always has been. And when he realizes it, I’ll be there.”
Kael shook his head, his voice filled with disbelief. “This isn’t a game, Seraphine. You’re messing with things you don’t understand.”
“Then stay out of my way,” she snapped. “I don’t need your help, Kael. I’ve taken everything Isla wanted before, and I’ll do it again.”
“And what happens if you fail?” Kael asked, his tone quieter now, almost pitying.
“I won’t fail,” she replied simply, her confidence unshaken. “Draven will be mine, and Isla will be nothing more than a memory.”
Kael stared at her for a long moment before sighing and leaving the room. As the door closed behind him, Seraphine turned back to the mirror. She smoothed her hair, her lips curling into a satisfied smile.
“Three moons,” she whispered. “Let the games begin.”
