SERAPHINA’S POVThe day of the banquet finally arrives in a flash, and I'm buzzing with excitement. Much of this enthusiasm stems from the night's theme: a classy, corporate black-tie event. The council even selected a dress for me from a famous designer. But what truly thrills me is the prospect of seeing Artemis dressed up. I've only ever seen him in casual clothes—jeans, t-shirts, and even boxers—but never in a three-piece suit.In my mind, he'll be breathtaking, gorgeous, a vision too captivating to look away from, especially since we're spending the entire evening at the same table. We've planned every detail; tonight will be perfect. Even if it isn't, Artemis will be by my side. Although our future seems uncertain, he assures me we'll find a way to be together, and I trust him. At this point, I'd trust him with anything.After hours of makeup application and styling my hair into a messy updo—leaving two curled locks framing my face—Olivia and I step into our outfits. I'm we

SERAPHINA’S POVHe has that look on his face, similar to Artemis when he doesn't get what he wants as soon as he asks for it; confused by my rejection of an offer that probably sounded great to him and baffled that I'd have the courage to even refuse at all."I beg your pardon?""I'm grateful for the offer, that you saw something in me to bring that up, but I'm afraid that I'll have to decline, your majesty," I repeat again, clearer than the first time.He's still bewildered, getting a bit ticked off by my response, but he remains silent for a while, deep in thought, staring me down and trying to figure me out."Might I ask why?""Though I want all those things for myself, I'd rather do them my own way without having to answer to anyone I can't disobey. I want freedom and autonomy to do what I have to do for the human race, even when it doesn't benefit the werewolves," I respond curtly.His frown cracks with a small smile of amusement."It's not wise to refuse an offer, especially one

SERAPHINA’S POVThe sounds around me muffle out, leaving only the beating of my heart, pulsing erratically in my chest, faster than it's ever done.Then my own breath huffs and puffs with my mouth, desperate for air - air that still doesn't fill my lungs regardless.My head spins, just like the room around me. Suddenly, the lights are too bright, blinding me. There are too many people around, and I'm being suffocated by every single sensation.Artemis is engaged.I need to get out, leave this place. I need to breathe, or I might pass out.I might die. My brain panics, my entire body goes into shock mode, and I really think that I'm dying.Olivia and Jasper are saying something to me, screaming, but I can't hear anything amidst the crowd's noise. I push past them, running out of the wide space and shoving through the crowd. They are now on their feet, clapping and clamoring to get closer to the Alpha to congratulate him.Artemis is engaged.I run against the flow of it, just barely m

SERAPHINA’S POVJasper carries me in his arms quietly until we're right in front of the girls' dorm. He drops me gently on my feet and pulls apart, far enough to look at me with pitiful eyes. I hate it. I don't want to be pitied like some sad, pathetic girl who is helpless and weak, bending to the will of the wind tossing her wherever it sees fit."Are you okay, Sera?" he asks, only now when I'm about to go to my room. He hadn't said anything at all until now. I know his intentions are innocent and he's genuinely worried about me, but I can't help but be annoyed by the gentle tone he uses, the way he looks at me like a brittle egg that will break. Yes, I guess I am fragile right now, but I'm not so weak that such news would ruin me completely."I’m fine, Jasper. Don’t worry about it," I say coldly, though unintentionally. He recoils from my tone, his features turning wounded, but he doesn’t say anything. I regret it. But I'm too hurt to be any other way. I can’t seem to utter an

ARTEMIS’ POVUnlike Kamila, I don’t follow his instructions to head back to the dorm. Instead, I decide to find my father because I need answers. He’s the kind of man who makes major decisions for me, whether I like them or not, but forcing an engagement on me seems too extreme, even for him. It cements the feeling that something is seriously wrong.I need to find out what's pushing him to make such drastic decisions, to fix whatever it is, and then find Sera.I get to his office, barging in, ready to demand answers, but it's empty. I must have just missed him. I step forward, scanning the papers on his desk, and I see he's already planning the wedding, preparing a special guest list. Frustrated, I crumple the list in my hand and throw it in the trash.As I dig through his things, trying to discern what he’s been up to, I come across a well-drafted document listing rituals, curses, and spells of resurrection, things that seem like forbidden magic, practices of the once-revered Astr