Tides of Doubt
Seraphine sat in her chambers, staring at the glowing embers in the fireplace. Her plan was simple, yet ambitious—a perfect combination of audacity and subtlety. Isla’s rise to power had disrupted everything she had worked toward. But Seraphine was nothing if not adaptable, and she had no intention of letting her sister’s success stand.
Kael’s entry interrupted her thoughts. He lingered near the door, his broad frame tense and his expression guarded. She smirked, leaning back in her chair. “Took you long enough.”
Kael folded his arms, his voice low. “Why am I here, Seraphine?”
She stood, crossing the room with deliberate grace. “Because you still love her,” she said, her tone soft but charged with purpose. “Isn’t that why you’ve been sulking since the day she left?”
Kael’s jaw tightened. “What’s your point?”
Seraphine smiled, her beauty sharp and cold. “Isla is alone in Crimson Fang. Vulnerable. You want her back, don’t you? To start over, to give her the life she deserves.”
Kael’s eyes flickered with something unreadable—pain, regret, maybe even hope. “What are you suggesting?”
Seraphine’s fingers traced the edge of the vanity table, her reflection meeting his in the mirror. “You help me, Kael. Together, we take Isla. You can have your happy ending with her, and I’ll take her place.”
He froze, his disbelief clear. “You’re insane. You think you can fool Draven? The council? The entire pack?”
Seraphine turned to face him fully, her eyes glinting with determination. “I’ll make them believe it. Isla and I share enough resemblance to fool them. A crescent birthmark on my left cheek, identical to hers, will seal the illusion.”
“You’d mark yourself to impersonate her?” Kael asked, his voice low with astonishment.
She shrugged. “Why not? I’ve always been willing to do what’s necessary to win. And when I’m Luna, I’ll make Crimson Fang and Midnight Crest untouchable.”
Kael’s expression darkened. “And Isla?”
“She’ll be far away with you,” Seraphine said smoothly. “Free from all of this. Isn’t that what you want?”
Kael hesitated, the conflict in his eyes clear. Seraphine seized the moment, stepping closer and lowering her voice. “You love her, don’t you? This is your chance to have her back. To start fresh.”
For a long moment, the room was silent. Then Kael exhaled, his shoulders slumping slightly. “What do you need me to do?”
Seraphine’s smile widened. “Good. Now, listen carefully.”
