Chapter 2
1104 Words
Elisia laughed derisively, as if my words were nothing more than a joke. "Typical Seraphina, always placing duty above everything else. But do you really believe he’ll ever love you, or are you just a tool in our father’s hands?"
Elisia's sharp words cut like a knife, but I didn’t show any emotion. I simply smiled gently, stepping closer to her, staring directly into those cold blue eyes. "I don’t need love to live well, Elisia. All I need is strength and position."
Elisia hesitated for a moment, clearly not expecting my response. But she quickly laughed again, shaking her head. "Good luck, dear sister. I only hope you don’t embarrass our family when you face Eamon. He’s not someone easy to handle."
Elisia turned sharply on her heel, her shoulders trembling with suppressed anger. She didn’t reply, just stormed off, her high heels clicking sharply against the tiled floor. I watched her retreating figure disappear around the corner, feeling a wave of satisfaction rise within me.
I knew I had won this verbal sparring match. But at the same time, I realized that victory was only temporary. Elisia was not someone who would give up easily, and I had to be prepared for her next strike.
But I am Seraphina, the daughter of Alpha Lucian. I’ve been through too much to be shaken by an arranged marriage. I will face Eamon and confront every challenge he throws at me. And if this marriage is merely a power transaction, then I will be the strongest negotiator.
Because in this silent war, there can only be one who stands strong, and I will never allow myself to be the one who falls.
---
Third-person POV:
Luna Isabelle stepped into Alpha Lucian’s study, the heavy wooden door closing behind her with a sharp click. The room was filled with a soft golden light from the candles on the chandelier, creating an atmosphere of authority and power. Isabelle, with her slender figure and alluring beauty, showed no hint of tension, even though she knew the upcoming conversation would be challenging.
Lucian sat behind his desk, his sharp eyes betraying a hint of weariness as he looked up at his wife. "What is it, Isabelle?" he asked dryly, his tone revealing no emotion.
Isabelle stepped closer to the desk, placing a hand on its polished surface, her deep blue eyes filled with determination. "I think we need to talk about the upcoming marriage," she said, her voice soft but firm.
Lucian raised an eyebrow, his hawk-like gaze fixed on Isabelle, as if weighing whether to entertain this conversation. "What is there to discuss?" he asked, sounding impatient. "I have decided that Seraphina will meet Eamon. It’s a strategic decision to strengthen the alliance between the two packs."
Isabelle smiled, but there was no joy in it. She ran a hand through her glossy brown hair, leaning in closer to Lucian, as if to emphasize her next words. "Lucian, do you really think Eamon will want to marry a girl with a heart condition? You know well that Seraphina’s health issues aren’t a secret. If this information reaches Eamon’s pack, will they still be interested?"
Lucian’s head snapped up, a flash of anger in his eyes. "Isabelle, what are you implying?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.
"I’m not implying anything," Isabelle replied, her smile unchanged. "I’m simply suggesting that Elisia would be a better choice for this marriage. She’s healthy, beautiful, and has no health concerns. Moreover, Elisia is beloved by everyone, unlike Seraphina, who is always distant and cold. Eamon won’t want a wife who can’t bear him children."
Lucian leaned back in his chair, his expression turning icy. "Have you forgotten that Seraphina is my biological daughter, Isabelle? No matter what, she remains the rightful heir of this family. As for Elisia, no matter how hard you try, she will always be your child from a previous marriage."
Isabelle’s lips curled into a bitter smile, one filled with challenge. "Lucian, do you really believe Seraphina’s position is unshakeable? The argument between her and Elisia this morning has already spread everywhere. Everyone knows about Seraphina’s health issues. No one wants a Luna who cannot fulfill her duties. In fact, some members of the pack are already questioning your decision."
Lucian’s expression darkened, as if a storm were brewing inside him. He hadn’t expected the argument between his daughters to become such a hot topic of gossip. Despite trying to remain calm, anger was slowly bubbling to the surface. "Isabelle, you’ve gone too far," he growled. "Don’t think I don’t know what you’re trying to do. You want to push Elisia to take Seraphina’s place, but that will never happen."
Isabelle laughed softly, her smile as cold as ice. "Lucian, keep deceiving yourself if you wish. But remember, a weak Luna will only make the pack weaker. When that day comes, you’ll realize that your choice was a mistake."
She turned and left the room, leaving Lucian alone in the unsettling silence. He clenched his fists, his gaze fixed on the window, where the warm sunlight streamed in but could not dispel the darkness in his heart.
---
The clash between Seraphina and Elisia had spread like wildfire through the pack, reaching every ear. The hushed whispers and gossip filled every room, every hallway, and every courtyard of the grand house. Rumors about Seraphina’s health, her arrogance, and the spiteful remarks of Elisia became the hottest topics of conversation.
And more than anyone, Isabelle was the most satisfied by this. She knew that every rumor, every whisper only weakened Seraphina’s position, giving her own daughter a greater chance to seize the place she had long dreamed of.
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Seraphina’s POV:
I stood before the mirror, looking at my own reflection. A beautiful face, long hair cascading over my shoulders, and cold blue eyes. Today, I decided to go shopping, to pick up a few things in preparation for my meeting with Eamon. This marriage was important, and I couldn’t afford to look anything less than perfect. Besides, I wanted to enjoy a little time to myself before stepping into this arranged union.
"Tony, get the car ready," I said as I stepped outside. Tony, my loyal bodyguard, immediately followed without a word of complaint. He was a tall, strong man, with a face as cold as ice but fiercely protective and always knew how to keep me safe.
The sleek black car pulled up in front of the entrance, and Tony opened the door for me. "Where to first, Miss?" he asked in his familiar deep voice.
- Writer
