RISE OF A BROKN LUNA

CHAPTER 4

Seraphinas pov

I stood motionless in the dimly lit chamber, the cool stone beneath my feet a stark reminder of my captivity. I glanced around, taking in the bustle of activity that filled the room. For once, the frenetic energy was not directed at me. The servants scurried about, their movements sharp and precise as they prepared for the impending council meeting.

I caught my reflection in a tarnished mirror on the far wall. The sight was almost unrecognizable. My hair, usually matted and tangled, had been washed and brushed until it shone silver. The grime that perpetually coated my fair skin had been scrubbed away, revealing a pale, almost ethereal complexion. I wore a dress of pure white, its delicate fabric a stark contrast to the filthy rags I was accustomed to. It clung to my slender frame, the hem brushing the tops of my bare feet. The transformation was startling.

Despite the outward changes, a deep sense of dread coiled within me. Kael never did anything without a reason, and his reasons were rarely benevolent. I knew better than to believe in kindness from the man who had tormented me for so long. The unfamiliar feeling of clean skin and the soft rustle of the dress against my legs did little to soothe my nerves.

The door to my room creaked open, and I turned to see Kael himself standing in the doorway. He was a tall figure, his presence commanding and menacing. His dark eyes flicked over her, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “You clean up nicely,” he said, his tone mocking.

I forced myself to meet his gaze, “What do you want from me ?” I said in a shaky voice.

His smirk widened.“Patience, my dear. All in good time.” With a flick of his wrist, he beckoned me to follow him. “Come.”

I hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward, my bare feet making no sound on the stone floor. As I walked through the corridors of the castle, the sense of foreboding grew stronger. The servants and guards they passed averted their eyes, their expressions a mix of pity and fear. It did nothing to quell my anxiety.

The council chamber was a grand room, its high ceilings and ornate decorations a testament to the power and wealth of those who ruled.

I was brought to the, sentry of the room where Zael with a cruel smile, called the attention of the other attendees. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you one of my favorite toys “ he said

I spotted Vincent and Mace at the far left they had such satisfied grins on their faces that made me want to run back to my room and hide

I averted my gaze, and it immediately fell on a figure far back. He was dominating, and I wondered how I could have missed him, his eyes were shining a bright yellow and I could feel my heart racing with something I couldn’t identify.

I was immediately brought back to reality when I felt sharp pain spread through my face

“ I said strip!” Kael growled.

So this was it. He did all of this to humiliate me. Tears welled in my eyes as my body shook uncontrollably.

Right as I bent to begin taking off my dress, I heard the most terrifying growl.

Before I had the chance to look up, my breath was sucked out of me as I was immediately pushed behind a huge figure

And then I felt it … the shock passing through my whole being.

“Mate”

“How dare you” I heard Kael say in such a menacing tone.

The tension in the clearing was palpable, the air crackling with the raw power of two alpha wolves facing off.

“Kael,” The man in front of me growled. His voice was a low, dangerous growl, echoing through the clearing. Behind him, I instinctively clung to his side, he could feel me tremble against him and I knew it.

Kael’s lips curled into a sneer. “Orion. I see you’ve taken what belongs to me.”

“She never belonged to you,” the man whom she now realized is called Orion spat back

Kael’s eyes narrowed, a cold smile playing at the corners of his lips. “If you think you can keep her from me, you’re welcome to try.”

Orion’s muscles coiled as he stepped forward, shielding me with his body. “Make no mistake, Kael. She is under my protection now. You come for her, you come through me.”

The two alphas circled each other, their powerful bodies poised for attack. The surrounding pack members watched in silent anticipation, knowing that this clash would determine the fate of their leaders and, by extension, their own futures.

With a roar that echoed through the forest, Kael launched himself at Orion, his powerful legs propelling him forward with terrifying speed. Orion met him head-on, their bodies colliding with a force that shook the ground beneath them. They grappled, claws slashing and teeth snapping, each trying to gain the upper hand.

Orion’s attacks were coming fast, He landed a solid blow to Kael’s jaw, sending the alpha staggering back. Kael recovered quickly, his own rage igniting as he lunged forward, raking his claws across Orion’s chest.

Blood sprayed, the scent thick in the air, but neither alpha slowed. They were locked in a deadly dance, each move calculated, each strike a testament to their power and determination. The forest seemed to hold its breath, the only sounds the growls and snarls of the two combatants and the occasional gasp from the watching wolves.

Kael’s eyes gleamed with a manic light as he pressed his advantage, forcing Orion back with a relentless series of attacks. But Orion was not so easily cowed. With a mighty effort, he caught Kael’s wrist, twisting it with a sickening c***k and sending the alpha crashing to the ground.

Kael snarled, pain and fury mingling in his eyes as he struggled to rise. Orion loomed over him, his chest heaving, blood dripping from his wounds. “This is your last chance, Kael,” he growled. “If you ever dare come close to her , if you ever breath a word to her , I will end you.”

For a moment, Kael hesitated, his eyes flicking at me. I shuddered under his gaze. Kael’s pride warred with his survival instinct, and for a heartbeat, it seemed he might refuse.

Then, with a low growl of frustration, he spat out, “This isn’t over, Orion.”

Orion didn’t waste a second. He moved to my side, his touch so gentle that I was dazed. I clung to him, my body trembling. I wasn’t sure what the future held. I was confused and scared but In this moment, I held on to him.

“What is your name ?” He asked in a deep but gentle voice.

“Saraphina” I said in a cracked voice.

With a single nod , he turned and signaled for someone and in a heartbeat a tall figure appeared by his side.

Kael turned to me and said,

“My beta Pierre “

And to Pierre he said “my mate “

A look of surprise passed through Pierre’s face, but it immediately shifted to a smirk.

“We’re leaving now, gather the rest. “

With a nod, Pierre left.

Before I could register what was going on, I was lifted off the floor like I weighed nothing.

“I can’t feel your wolf . Why?”

With so much embarrassment, I said “I haven’t shifted.”

I could feel his frown and almost buried my face to cry, but I held on.

With the watchful eyes of all the alphas and intimidating figures, he carried me out and to the clearing where there were other people, presumably his pack members waiting.

Without a word, they all shifted.

Kael dropped me gently and then shifted into a very large black wolf. I was taken aback by the size of his wolf, but surprisingly, I wasn’t scared.

I reached out and caressed it’s fur, it was soft, and I heard its soft growl of approval.

The wolf suddenly nudged me and then bent. I immediately knew what it meant and with great effort I got onto its back and held on tight.

I felt exhausted and everything seemed like a dream.

But I never want to wake up from this dream.