The Unbreakable BOND

Chapter One

Seraphina's Pov

I settled onto the big, massive rock, my favorite spot, perched high above the world. From up here, on the big rock, I could see everything. The entire stretch of our land, our pack, The Whispering Pines.

I sat there in silence. I started humming to a soft tune. One My grandmother, Didi, taught it to me. She used to sing it often when she was around.

When I'd ask her why, she'd smile and say it cleared her mind, took away her worries, and made her feel good. It was her own little way to find peace. After she passed, I clung to that melody and sang it constantly. It made her feel close, as if she was still right there with me.

I loved my Didi a lot. She taught me a lot: strength and kindness, shaping me into who I am today. She was my only rock. My only family, my best friend, since I was a little kid. Before the moon goddess took her.

First, my parents. Then Didi. Sometimes, I couldn't help but wonder about the goddess. Is she cruel? Didi would shake her head and always say, "Everything that happens to us makes us stronger and prepares us for harder times ahead."

As I continued to hum the tune, a tiny bird fluttered down and landed right next to me on the rock. I gently picked it up, settling it into my open palm, carefully. My finger lightly caressed its feathers while I kept singing, feeling mix of joy and sorrow.

Then, I whispered it. "I miss you, Didi." wishing she was here with me. I stayed like that for a while, with me holding the bird.

After what felt like hours, I finally opened my hand, letting the bird soar into the twilight sky.

The sun started to fade. It was getting late, so I stood up. Ready to go home.

I got home to find Sophie giggling. She was practically bouncing. Why so happy? Then she spotted me and rushed over, in a blur of motion. "Sera! "Where have you been all day?" she asked, her voice bright.

"You, this girl," she said, shaking her head. "How do we even manage? You're so strange. Come on, let's go inside. I have news for you!" she insisted. I followed, wondering what all the excitement was about.

As we walked in, I spotted mother and father, deep in conversation, laughter bubbling between them. I greeted them. "Good evening, mother. Good evening, father."

Before Didi passed away, she entrusted me to Sophie's mother. Didi would say, "I admired how much the woman cared for children. And I know you'll find a mother's love you never experienced there". And it was true. This family has truly been good. Five years ago, she showed me nothing but care, nurturing me with love . Still, sometimes I wish my birth mother was alive.

Sophie, their only child, is a real chatterbox, a whirlwind of cheerful and full of life. I remember my first day here. I couldn't relax, I had to force myself to listen to her endless talk.

"I had always wanted a sister," she said. Someone to share my day with, to tell my secrets to". I wasn't used to this kind of open life. But over time, I learned and adapted to her vibrant spirit.

Father is also kind. This whole family is warm, the kind you wish for. But, sometimes I still longed for my own version of that, but then I remembered Didi's words "Everything happens for a reason".

Mother and father looked at me, a hint of worry in their eyes. "Good evening, dear," they both said. Then mother asked, "Where were you all day? You had us worried."

"I went out," I told her.

"Please always be careful, dear," she said.

"Okay, ma," I assured her.

Then she smiled, and said "Food will be ready soon. I'll come call you when it's done."

I smiled back. "Thank you, ma." Just then, Sophie tugged at my arm. "Let's go!" she cried, dragging me to her room. I still couldn't figure out what her big news was. What could make her this excited?

Once we'd settled on her bed, she started the news. "This afternoon, when I was with my friends, "I heard Alpha Wilfred of the Whispering Pack go to the Ironclaw Pack and ask for their help. She continued, "And in return for their protection, the Ironclaw Pack will get 50% control over our pack."

I stared at her, confused. "Sophie, why does that make you happy?"

She let out a small, mocking growl. "Calm down, girl. I know it sounds awful for the Ironclaw to take half of our pack. But honestly, what good has Alpha Wilfred done for us? He doesn't even know how to lead."

I nodded. That was true. Since Alpha Wilfred took charge, our pack has not known peace. Every day we wake up to news of more deaths. That's why mother told me to be careful earlier. We still don't know why these people are dying. They're killed without mercy. Their bodies are barely recognizable.

"Don't zone out on me now!" Sophie's voice cut through my thoughts.

"Sorry," I mumbled quickly.

She kept going. "The best part is that? Alpha Wilfred agreed! And a feast will be held tomorrow right here in Whispering Pine to sign the agreement and Prince Kaeton will be there too!" She said that last part with a huge grin.

I was still confused. "So, why are you this happy?" I asked again.

She looked at me. "Oh, right, I forgot you don't live in this world. I'm happy because tomorrow I'll finally get to see Prince Kaeton! "He's so handsome, and part of me tells me that he's my mate!" She growled happily again, lost in her fantasies of meeting her soulmate.

I just smiled at her. "I'm so happy for you," I told her.

Then she stood up. "Come help me pick out what I'll wear tomorrow. "I have to look perfect for my mate!" She went to her closet, already pulling out clothes. I just sat there, watching her, smiling.

The bright moon poured into the room as I stared out the window. My mind drifts. Would I ever find my soulmate? What would he be like? Will I also be as happy as this to meet him? Would he be as thrilled to see me?

Then, a low growl rumbled-Ariana, My wolf. Weird. She barely ever spoke. I sometimes wondered if she was even still there. She was so quiet.

"Sera! Now!" Sophie's voice cut through my thoughts. She sounded mad. "If you keep spacing out, we won't get this done!"

I mumbled a quick "Sorry." and managed a small smile.

She held up two dresses. One was a baby blue gown with a slit and the other a short yellow gown. "Which one?" she asked.

"They're both great," I told her. "Just wear either one."

She hissed. "Sera! "Pick one, Now!" Her lower lip stuck out. She was pouting.

I picked the baby blue. Told her it would really look great on her skin.

Then she held out the yellow dress to me. "For you," she said.

I shook my head. "No, thanks. I'm not going to the feast."

She just smiled at me. "I knew you'd say that," she said, pulling on the blue dress. "You really need to start going out." How else will you meet your mate? "You can't expect him to just show up here." I just stood there, smiling back at her.