A Plan Unraveling
Seraphine sat at the edge of the bed, her fingers twisting in the folds of her gown. The room felt smaller than before, the walls pressing in on her as Draven’s parting words echoed in her mind. You’ve changed. Something feels different.
He knew. Maybe not the full truth, but enough to plant the seeds of doubt. Seraphine clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms. She had come too far to let everything fall apart now.
A knock at the door jolted her from her thoughts. She stiffened, her heart racing as she called out, “Yes?”
“It’s Susan,” came the reply. “May I come in?”
Seraphine hesitated. Susan was sharp, perceptive. She had already sensed something was off the last time they spoke. But refusing her would only raise more suspicion. “Of course,” she said, her voice steady.
The door opened, and Susan stepped inside, her eyes immediately scanning the room. “I wanted to check on you,” she said, her tone polite but firm. “The Alpha seemed… concerned.”
“I’m fine,” Seraphine replied quickly, standing and smoothing her gown. “It’s been a long few days, that’s all.”
Susan’s gaze lingered on her, a faint crease forming between her brows. “You don’t seem yourself,” she said. “Is something bothering you?”
Seraphine forced a smile, tilting her head slightly. “Just tired,” she said, injecting a note of vulnerability into her voice. “The ceremony, the council, everything… it’s a lot to take in.”
Susan stepped closer, her sharp eyes narrowing. “Isla,” she said softly, her tone shifting. “I’ve known you for some time. I know when something’s wrong.”
Seraphine’s pulse quickened, but she kept her expression calm. “Susan, I appreciate your concern, but I promise you, I’m fine.”
Susan studied her for a moment longer, then nodded slowly. “If you say so,” she said, though her tone betrayed her doubt. She turned to leave but paused at the door. “Just know that you can talk to me. About anything.”
“Thank you,” Seraphine said, her voice soft. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
As the door closed behind Susan, Seraphine exhaled shakily. The encounter had rattled her more than she cared to admit. Susan was suspicious, and Draven’s doubt was growing by the hour. She needed to act—and fast.
Her mind raced with possibilities, each more desperate than the last. She couldn’t afford another night of distance between her and Draven. She needed to seal their bond, to tie him to her in a way that left no room for questions.
A plan began to take shape in her mind, one that would force Draven to consummate their union—whether he wanted to or not. Her lips curled into a determined smile. This wasn’t over. Not yet.
