Seraphina's POV
The full moon was no more far but around the corner, and with it coming even closer than normal, the devastating consequences that would tear them apart, the storm coming from Morgath's plan. The thought of Jaxon and Liora collapsing after all their efforts at building the pack and creating a path for themselves made my stomach churn. I couldn't bear the thought of seeing someone tear them into nothing, I wouldn't have minded before, considering that I was supposed to be the Luna, but I had gone too extreme for power, and would do to her now. I couldn't watch their efforts being shattered into pieces.
But what could I have done that would be faster than their plans? I had no power left within the pack—no authority of a no trust. After everything I had done, how could I possibly make things right? How could I face Jaxon and Liora after betraying them so completely?
Yet, something deep within me told me that if I didn't do something now, I would become like Alpha Rhys—a curse on the very pack I had once sworn to protect.
I couldn't be that. I wouldn't be.
I needed help, and I knew exactly who could help me. Mira.
Mira was one of the few in the pack who had always believed in second chances. Despite my past mistakes, she had never looked at me with judgment. When I had been at my lowest, she had been the one to offer a kind word. She might be on duty tonight, but I knew I could find her then. She would listen. She was the only one I could turn to now.
Later That Very Night –Under Mira's Watch
The moonlight streamed through the canopy of trees as I made my way to the patrol post. My heart pounded in my chest, unsure if I was making the right choice. But I had no time for hesitation. Morgath and his allies would strike soon. I had to act, even if it meant swallowing my pride and begging for forgiveness.
Mira stood on the edge of the cleared path, her sharp eyes scanning the shadows for any funny movement. She was always vigilant, always ready to protect the pack. Her presence was a silent reassurance to those around her. I admired her strength and her loyalty and unwavering commitment to Silver Moon.
When I stepped into the cleared path, she immediately noticed me. Her gaze was cautious, and for a moment, I saw the wariness in her eyes. She knew who I was, and the stigma that comes with my name. She knew what I had done.
'Seraphina," she said, her voice steady but guarded. 'What are you doing out here at this hour? This isn't a good time for you to be wandering all alone."
'I know," I said, my voice barely audible but a whisper. 'I've… I've come to speak with you. Please, Mira. Just give me a chance."
She studied me for a moment, as though weighing whether she should trust me. The silence between us stretched, thick with tension. Finally, she sighed and lowered her stance, gesturing for me to approach.
'You're going to have to do more than just show up in the middle of the night to get my trust, Seraphina," she said, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes. 'What's going on? Why are you here?"
I swallowed hard, my throat dry, but I knew I couldn't delay the truth any longer. I couldn't afford to hold back.
'I've heard what Morgath, Darius, and the others are planning," I confessed. 'They're going to attack Silver Moon. They're going to try to break Jaxon and Liora's bond, and they will destroy everything if we don't stop them. I—I can't let that happen."
Mira's face remained impassive, but I could see the way her body tensed at the mention of Morgath's name. She knew the danger. She understood.
'Why come to me?" Mira asked, her voice skeptical. 'You've been a part of this, Seraphina. You were with them, and you're just now telling us?"
'I didn't know what they were truly planning," I admitted, feeling the weight of my words. 'But I've seen the truth now. I've learned that Morgath's plans go far beyond what I ever expected. He's willing to sacrifice everything—everyone—to get what he wants. I can't let him do this. I—I'm sorry. I need to make things right, but I don't have the power to stop him on my own. I need help."
Mira's gaze softened, but only slightly. I could see the conflict in her eyes. She was torn between the anger she must have felt toward me and the deep sense of duty she had to protect the pack.
'What makes you think anyone will listen to you now?" she asked, the question hanging heavy between us. 'You've made your choices. You've betrayed us."
'I know," I whispered, my voice breaking with the weight of regret. 'But I'm not asking for forgiveness. I'm asking for a chance. A chance to prove that I can do better, that I can help save the pack. I won't ask Jaxon or Liora for their forgiveness right now. But I'm hoping… maybe you'll listen to me. Maybe you'll see that I've changed."
Mira studied me for a long moment. I could see the hesitation in her eyes, the doubt. But there was also something else—a flicker of hope, perhaps, or maybe just the understanding that if we didn't act soon, it would be too late.
Finally, she nodded, her voice softer. 'I don't know if you can redeem yourself, Seraphina. But if what you say is true, and Morgath really is planning something this dangerous, then we need to act. We need to warn Jaxon. I'll help you. I'll do what I can."
I felt a wave of relief wash over me, though it was tempered by the gravity of what was to come. Mira would help me, but there was still so much to do.
'We need to get word to Jaxon," I said, a plan forming in my mind. 'But we can't do it alone. Morgath's spies are everywhere. We need to move quickly. He'll know we're coming."
"He'll be aware of our arrival."
Mira's gaze turned steely, her resolve evident. "We will figure out a solution. But you must demonstrate your loyalty. No more deceptions, Seraphina. If you betray us again, there will be no second chances."
"I comprehend," I responded, my voice unwavering. "I won't disappoint you."
With Mira's assistance, I believed I could accomplish this. Together, we would alert Jaxon, thwart Morgath's scheme, and rescue the pack. It wouldn't be simple, but I was prepared to confront whatever challenges lay ahead. I couldn't alter the past, but I could shape the future. And it all begins now.
Liora's POV
The burden of Seraphina's was too heavy on my mind as I rushed to find Jaxon. Morgath was planning something much worse than we had expected, gathering different forces, and every instinct told me we couldn't waste any time. As I entered the room, Jaxon glanced up, his intense gaze softening as he saw the worry on my face. I knew that the artifact would always protect us but I had to do my own.
"Liora, what's the matter?" he inquired, rising to meet me halfway, not allowing me to get to half of the room.
Taking a deep breath, I recounted everything Seraphina had told Mira. "Morgath is preparing to launch an attack on us—not just with brute force. He aims to shatter our special bond, Jaxon. He's collaborating with powerful sorcerers, and if we're not cautious, he'll rip us and the entire pack apart. We have to prepare ahead, the artifact needs to be used again."
Jaxon's jaw clenched, his resolve evident in his eyes. "So, the battle is approaching sooner than expected."
I nodded, reaching for his hand. "But we have an ace up our sleeve that Morgath is unaware of—the artifacts. We've acquired their strengths through hard work, and they offer our best chance in defending against his magic. If we utilize them strategically, we may not only protect ourselves but also dismantle his schemes before they unfold."
He squeezed my hand, his thumb caressing my knuckles. "We'll face this head-on, Liora, and we'll put an end to it. I won't allow anyone to jeopardize what we've built."
We settled at the table, with maps and notes spread out before us, devising a plan. "The temple's energy still courses through us," I mentioned, recalling the power within me. "The artifacts' protection should counteract his dark magic, but we'll need to stay close to the pack to amplify it."
Jaxon studied the map, his brow furrowing. "If Morgath launches a direct attack, we must have a defense strategy for all borders. But if he's after our bond... then he'll most likely attempt to isolate us."
"Yes," I agreed, leaning in to examine the route from the northern territory. "And with Isolde's assistance, he might possess enough knowledge about our routines to try and lure us away."
He gazed at me, determination reflecting in his eyes. "We must stick together, Liora. If he attempts to isolate either of us, it'll weaken our bond's strength—and that's when he'll strike. But the only people are the rest of the warriors, if any of them betrays us it might affect the bond ."