Page 7 of The Alpha's Shattered Bonds

But even with the knowledge that Seraphina had severed our bond, we charged downward, following the faint tracks left by our mate. Every fiber of our being pulsed with an unyielding resolve—we would find her.

Chapter Three

Seraphina

Howls pierced the stillness, shattering the fragile peace of our land.

“Mom?” I called, dread coiling in my throat.

My mother stood in the open front door, her face illuminated by the faint glow of magic.

“Stay back, Seraphina!” she commanded. Urgency pierced her voice.

My father’s silhouette loomed against the dark sky, barking orders. “Stay with your mother!”

Panic surged within me as the Black Moon wolves emerged, sleek and ominous. They had breached our defenses. The first wolf lunged, fangs glinting menacingly in the dim light. My mother’s magic snapped toward it, but another wolf barreled toward her.

“Watch out!” I screamed, fear cracking my voice. I joined her in the doorway, power igniting in my hands.

“Feel the energy, Seffy! Channel it!” she directed. I unleashed my magic, sending the black wolf sprawling to the ground.

A flicker of pride crossed my mother’s face, but more wolves surrounded us, their feral howls mixing with screams echoingthrough the night. My heart raced as another wolf lunged at me. I fought back, but terror gripped me when I realized my mother was gone—my father, too.

“Mom! Dad!” I cried, but my voice was lost in chaos. My magic flickered, weak from overuse.

Then, warmth gripped my hand. Tyler stood by my side, embodying calm and strength. “It’s okay, Seffy,” he reassured me, his bright blue eyes firm. “I won’t let anything happen to you, I promise.”

I held his hand tightly. Moments later, he transformed into his wolf form, a powerful presence that renewed my resolve. Together, we faced the Black Moon wolves as they came at us.

But suddenly, the air grew thick with silence. The invaders had retreated, but victory felt empty. The ground was stained with blood. The mournful cries of packmates filled the air. I searched for my parents, dread tightening around me.

“Cordelia’s wards failed,” a voice accused. “Liam was on duty—why didn’t he sound the alarm?” another whispered.

I dashed toward our home, desperation driving me, but Tyler was there first, blocking my path. “I’m sorry, Seffy. They saw no other way out.”

Shock seized my heart as I pushed past him, catching sight of my parents’ lifeless bodies. The cruel reality of their deaths crashed over me.

Tears flooded my eyes, pooling in the emptiness within me. The pack surrounded me, their accusations sharp and piercing.“You’re the daughter of traitors!” they yelled, fear and shame drowning me.

Then, a woman emerged from the crowd, her golden hair flowing, her dress like starlight—it was Linda. I felt Tyler let go of my hand, his expression suddenly cold and unyielding beside Linda. The pack surged forward, and I was pushed back—falling into darkness.

“Tyler!” I screamed, the sound echoing around me as I plummeted into the abyss.

Just as panic clawed at my chest, I jerked upright, the familiar contours of my bed suddenly cradling me. Gasping for breath, remnants of horror clung to me like cobwebs.My heart hammered against my ribcage, mirroring the terror that haunted me. Familiar stone walls enveloped me, yet I had to shake the haunting memory of the abyss from the nightmare away.

I was in the Shadow Moon Castle, I reassured myself. The soft fabric of the sheets clung to my clammy skin, but I focused on the scent of stone and lavender filling the air—a reminder of safety that contrasted sharply with the nightmarish vision I had just escaped. Blinking against the light filtering through the heavy velvet curtains, I realized it must almost be dawn.

It had been two years since I’d left the Silver Moon Pack. In the time I’d spent away, I had immersed myself in learning the intricacies of magic from my witch friend, Lyvia, whose mastery was unparalleled, and delving into the healing properties of herbs at Selina’s enchanting boutique. Although I hadn’t returned to Silver Moon University to continue my studies, these two years felt like an internship of sorts, a rigorous trainingground alongside my two talented friends. Yet still, the past seemed intent on creeping back in. The tension in the air was palpable, as if the castle walls were holding their breath. Though the Shadow Moon fortress had offered me sanctuary, tonight it felt stifling, memories clinging like fog.

I wrapped my arms around myself, wondering why Tyler’s shadow was being dredged up. I had thought I was moving on, yet his presence burned brightly in my heart. I edged back against my pillows, trying to ignore the emptiness that ached where his hand had held mine.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Seraphina, are you awake?” The voice belonged to Selina, my friend and the luna of the Shadow Moon Pack. Beautiful, with long golden hair and vibrant green eyes, she moved with a grace that belied her fierce strength.

She had been my steadfast friend these last two years, a lifeline when I’d had nowhere to turn after leaving the Silver Moon Pack. I couldn’t return to Silver Moon University, not while the thought of Tyler possibly searching for me clawed at my mind. Part of me wondered if he would seek me out or if he would feel relieved that I had gone, freeing him to live with his luna. Initially, Selina and I had both stayed with Lyvia, a witch I knew from university. After Selina returned to the Shadow Moon Pack, she had invited me to join her.

“I’m awake,” I said, my voice hoarse from the restless night. Embarrassment squirmed through me. I wondered if I’d woken her with my nightmare, recalling how I’d screamed Tyler’s name. “I’m sorry if I woke you.”

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