Chapter 12 Seraphina’s POV

The engagement ring was one of the most beautiful pieces of stone that I have seen. It glittered beautifully on my finger; I turned and glanced around to see the hall filled with different faces. I made sure to invite nobles, Alphas of different packs, and a few friends. There were smiles and congratulations from every corner of the hall, all showing their gratitude for being invited to witness our beautiful union. It was obvious on the faces of pack members that they didn't like me, but I couldn't care less. They were afraid of me, troubled that I may not be a good Luna. I have always represented anywhere I went, not allowing intimidation of any type. I had to do whatever was possible just to secure my position as the Luna of the Silver Moon pack. I had done a great job of displaying the role of the perfect bride-to-be, the one that fits the Alpha very much, an elegant lady and queen, fit for a king. I was already plotting the next thing to do. The engagement, as always, proceeds with the wedding, but for me, it's part of the stepping stone to getting exactly what I have. Jaxon was the bait I needed to make everything happen, and I would do everything possible to get there. 'Jaxon," I called out with a fake smile, pretending to be pleased with everything, 'I'm more than thrilled about the new phase of life we are about to enter together. It's probably going to be the most beautiful union ever, everything we've ever wished for ." His response came out very dull, a smile that didn't reach his teeth; his eyes were showing disappointment, uncertainty, or maybe something that looked like regret. 'I hope it comes out just as you've said, Seraphina. I really wish it was like that." Jaxon's POV Just a few days preceding the engagement with Seraphinsa, everything had turned upside down. The pack's view of the union was becoming sour; whispers were everywhere, and moods were shifting; every member of the pack was showing their discontentment in the highest order. Betrayal and bridge of agreement, as Seraphina had shifted from the main reason for the union to just focusing on personal interests alone. I tried to handle the issue on my own, but my presence on it only made it worse. There was a lot of distrust already in the pack, which kept me wondering if I had done the wrong thing by listening to the council of elders on my martial life. One of the heart-to-heart conversations with Seraphina revealed her type of person. I knew she wasn't the one for me in many ways, but I didn't know it would come out this plain. Calculative, which is a good quality, but ruthless to everyone around her, always doing her best to put everything around under her. She was obsessed with the idea of power, wanting to be the one in control. And to think she was bringing the attitude into our new union was unforgivable, the pretense of loyalty and affection. She doesn't even like me but the idea of me. 'Jaxon," she called out seductively while we were sitting down together, 'you must never forget the reason this union is existing. Understand that this is just a game of power. We need to do everything possible to strategically position ourselves to ensure we maintain dominance, not only in the pack but also both near and far." I looked at her and shook my head. 'I thought this engagement..., this union was established because of love and because we want it to bring unity." Seraphina's eyes shone like they were expecting something, maybe a delivery. 'Unity doesn't just come without strength. And most of the time, this strength requires the making of difficult choices, if and when we are pleased with it." Her words didn't seem like someone here to help; the welfare of the pack was not part of her priority, and our engagement was aiding her to get what she wanted, a means to an end. The once-promising all-dance, which was the purpose of forming this union, is becoming defeated, and the faith the pack has in me is gradually disappearing. The more I made efforts to correct the situation, the more it worsened. The highlight of it all was her willingness to betray anyone who might stop her, including me; it was scary and a sad reality to deal with. Darius Nightshade's POV Darius Nightshade's Return The moon seemed to shine brighter tonight; it hung high in the sky and smiled down graciously at Silver Moon Pack, my once beautiful home. With anger, I appeared from the shadows of darkness and with an icy breath that formed clouds in the air. Every step I made was in anticipation, an expectation of things yet to happen, maybe horrible things to the pack that betrayed my trust. I was exiled, yes, exiled out of my pack, away from my family, from my home, and the people that mattered in my life. But I am here, at the fullness of time for vengeance, which took me weeks, months, and years to plan. And now, I am ready, ready to give everyone according to their deeds. I am not returning in peace. Yes, I am not visiting without a purpose. It has been meticulously planned, planned to strike unawares and get everyone destroyed in a blink. It was planned for those who wronged me, and mostly for the Alpha. Oh, Jaxon, you have no idea what is coming your way, and I think you can withstand it. My target remains unwavering: the Alpha, Jaxon Blackthorn, and the whole of the Silver Moon pack. As I got closer to the pack, a figure approached me, and it was one of the Elders, Elder Clatus. He had missed the opportunity of being the Alpha of the pack and had lived with resentment all through his life, and right now, instead of joining hands to move the pack forward, he was ready to destroy the remains of the pack. As he approached me, I could sense the air getting crowded with tension. His appearance seemed nothing like a coincidence to me, it all seemed like he was aware of my coming, but I never disclosed my intentions to anyone. Elder Clatus' past reputation spoke volumes of him, a master when it comes to manipulation, who is voraciously hungry for power and influence. His selfish ambition kept on fueling his hatred even to old age. At that point, I saw a great collaboration, an alliance that could bring what I desired right into my hands without stress. The goals were almost the same, making us a perfect pair. Under the moonlight, the vision became even clearer. Elder Clatus finally got to where I stood, his youthful energy undeniably gone as he struggled to match my composure. He stood for some time and regarded me, his expression somewhat unreadable, maybe curiosity, or what could pass for wariness. 'Darius," he finally spoke. You've finally made your way home," he tried keeping a friendly tone, but his voice still betrayed his true intentions of coming to meet me. 'I never imagined you would fancy coming back one day." I met his weak gaze with a cold stare. 'Did you doubt my abilities? My return is not only focused on settling misunderstandings in the past. It's all about reclaiming everything that I lost before, getting all that was rightfully mine, and most importantly, settling old scores with the Alpha. I must make Jaxon Blackthorn pay dearly for his betrayal and his role in my exile." Elder Clatus' smile widened, he couldn't hide his resentment towards the Alpha anymore. He has been hiding under the guise of an elder, serving as one of the council who directs the Alpha, but it's all clear now that he has been there to gather information and strike. 'And I will be most pleased to see the downfall of the Jaxon, the Alpha. He denied me of my position, a constant obstacle to all my political ambitions, making sure to frustrate my efforts at being at the top. Our goals are indeed the same, and to achieve all these, we must work together." I hated to admit it, but our objectives aligned in the most achievable ways. 'What plan do you have laid out already?" He leaned in an attempt to whisper to me, and I knew what it was; a conspiratorial whisper. 'The Night Howlers, the neighboring pack, are planning to attack the Silver Moon pack. The Silver Moon pack, in the most offensive way, has an old quarrel with the Night Howlers yet to be settled. I suggest we make use of this opportunity by weakening Jaxon and the entire pack from within. Insider knowledge is what we need most now, we need to know their vulnerabilities to ensure the smooth running of our plans." I smiled in victory. 'From all you've said, you are suggesting that I leverage everything I know about their weaknesses?" 'Exactly, but with precision," Elder Clatus confirmed, and I could only see a determined soul, willing to cross lines to get his desires. 'Having an intimate knowledge of their weaknesses, their flaws will put them at a closed edge, and with my influence, my years of gathering inner knowledge of how things are run in Silver Moon pack, and lastly, my resources, I am convinced beyond doubt that we will form a formidable weapon. A weapon of destruction on Jaxon and the whole of the Silver Moon pack. Seizing the power we so desire depends on how fast and smart we work. We must be steps ahead of Jaxon to take him on his knees too. Then and only then, can we achieve all our heart's desires.