Chapter 004
986 Words
“Where are you coming from, young lady?” her father’s voice thundered as soon as Seraphina stepped through the front gate.
She froze, heart skipping. The sunlight hadn’t even risen fully, and yet her father stood at the entrance, arms crossed, eyes dark with suspicion.
“I was… I was at Kayla’s,” she replied quickly.
Her father’s brows lifted. “Kayla? You haven’t spoken to that girl in years.”
Seraphina lowered her eyes, guilt washing over her. He was right. Kayla had been her closest friend before Blake came into her life. But after the secret romance began, Seraphina had drifted from everyone intentionally.
Still, she stood her ground. “I just needed someone to talk to.”
Her father eyed her, clearly unconvinced, but said nothing more. His daughter had been walking around like a ghost for days. Pushing her now might only make things worse.
Behind him, her mother stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Let her rest,” she whispered.
Seraphina quietly walked past them, offering a faint, “Morning, Mama,” before disappearing into her room upstairs.
The moment she shut the door, Seraphina collapsed onto her bed, releasing a shaky breath. Her thoughts were a storm last night’s kiss, the promises, the way he’d held her.
She brushed her fingers over her lips, still feeling the warmth of his kiss.
Then, voices drifted through the floorboards.
Her parents were speaking downstairs, their tones hushed but not quiet enough.
“The coronation is set for the night of the full moon,” her father said. “That’s just two days away.”
Seraphina’s eyes widened. The coronation? Blake didn’t tell me…
Her mother responded, “They say he’s already selected a queen. She’ll be revealed at the ceremony.”
Seraphina shot upright, heart pounding. He chose someone? He didn’t even tell me...
Then, the realization hit her. Wait—maybe this is the surprise he mentioned!
A smile tugged at her lips. Her heart began to race for a different reason.
He chose me. He just wanted it to be a surprise…
She jumped to her feet and twirled, giggling softly to herself as she imagined it all standing beside him, a crown resting gently on her head, her hand in his as the entire Lycan kingdom recognized their love at last.
It’s really happening, she thought. No more hiding. No more sneaking around. I’m going to be queen.
Her suspicions were confirmed.
Town criers walked through the streets, their voices echoing across the village.
“By royal decree, the coronation of Prince Blake Caspian will take place on the night of the full moon, two days from now. The future king will ascend the throne and reveal the queen who shall rule by his side.”
People clapped and cheered. Fire lanterns were already being hung. Musicians practiced celebratory chords. The whole town pulsed with excitement.
Seraphina stood quietly at the edge of the crowd, her fingers clutching the hem of her cloak. Her heart swelled with joy.
This is it. He kept his promise. I was always his choice.
Back at the palace, Blake stood in his chambers, staring into the grand mirror. The ceremonial armor he wore shimmered in the candlelight,crimson and obsidian etched with the royal insignia.
His eyes, however, were haunted.
On the bed behind him, Lylah sat cross-legged in silence, hugging a pillow to her chest. Tears glistened in her eyes.
“You look just like Dad,” she said, her voice breaking. “I wish he were here.”
Blake turned slowly, his expression softening.
“Please promise me you won’t leave too,” she whispered. “Don’t die. Don’t abandon me like they did.”
He was across the room in two strides, crouching in front of her and taking her hands in his.
“I swear, Lylah. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll protect you with my life. You’re all I have left.”
Lylah sniffled and gave a small nod, wiping her eyes.
“I’m going to take a walk,” she said, forcing a smile. “I want to see how the palace is being decorated.”
“Go on ahead,” Blake replied. “I’ll join you soon.”
As she exited, the room fell into silence once more.
A few moments later, a soft voice broke the quiet.
“You look handsome, love.”
Blake turned sharply.
A tall woman stood in the doorway. She had long brown hair, a sharp, elegant jawline, and eyes the color of forest moss full of confidence and secrets.
It wasn’t Seraphina.
It was Kaylah.
“You too, my queen,” Blake said with a faint smile.
He walked toward her, his movements slow but deliberate. Then, he kissed her.
“You’re the one I chose,” he said softly. “You, Kaylah, will stand beside me. Together, we’ll rule the Lycan packs.”
Kaylah smiled, stepping closer. “Good. I hate sharing. And I hate being hidden.”
Blake’s jaw tensed slightly, but he didn’t respond.
Her fingers traced the edge of his collar. “You know, Blake… lies have a way of catching up to people.”
His gaze flickered. “Let’s not talk about that now.”
She smirked. “Fine. Just make sure your little secret doesn’t show up uninvited.”
Seraphina lay in bed, hands clasped over her heart. She imagined the gown she would wear, white with gold embroidery. She imagined the weight of the crown, the way Blake would look at her as they stood hand in hand in front of the kingdom.
Her cheeks were warm with hope.
“I knew he’d choose me,” she whispered to herself. “He always said I was the only one who truly knew him.”
She smiled, eyes gleaming with happy tears.
Tonight, her dreams were full of music, magic, and moonlight.
- Writer
