Seraphina’s POV
The news of Sophia’s ascension to the role of Luna of the Shadow City spread through the air like wildfire, echoing in the grand chambers of the manor. As the whispers reached my ears, a surge of anger and resentment ignited within me. My fingers clenched around the delicate emerald that had been handed to me by a trembling maid, and before I could stop myself, the gem shattered in my grasp. The maid gasped, sinking to her knees in fear, and I could feel the weight of my fury pulsating in the air around us.
My face must have been a canvas of discontent, jealousy, and unwillingness. The truth was, I had coveted Alexander’s affection for as long as I could remember, longing to stand at his side as his luna, his confidante, his wife. But now, as I stared at the broken shards of the emerald, I felt as shattered as the gem itself.
The emerald, a token of his supposed affection, lay in fragments at my feet, a mirror of the fragments of my own shattered dreams. It was a reminder of what I had lost the possibility of a future where I was the one Alexander cherished, the one he turned to for comfort and companionship.
I couldn’t shake off the burning sensation in my chest, the mix of emotions that churned within me like a storm. I had watched as Alexander had grown closer to her, as their connection deepened and blossomed into something I could never have. And now, as the news of her new title reached my ears, it was as if the universe was mocking me, reminding me of my insignificance.
In my turmoil, I sought solace in the one place I had always turned to my father. He was an elder in our clan, a man of influence and power. Surely, he could help me change this fate that felt so unjust. I found him in his study, surrounded by ancient tomes and scrolls, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity as he looked up at me.
“Father,” I began, my voice laced with urgency, “I need your help.”
He placed his quill down, his gaze softening as he regarded me. “Seraphina, my child, what troubles you?”
I paced before him, the words spilling out like a torrent. “It’s her Sophia. She’s become Luna of the Shadow City. It’s not fair, Father. I’ve known Alexander since childhood, I’ve always been there for him. Why should she take my place?”
His brow furrowed, a pained expression crossing his face. “Seraphina, you know I want nothing more than your happiness. But you must understand that this decision is not mine to make.”
I stopped my pacing, frustration simmering beneath the surface. “But Father, you’re an elder. Can’t you do something? Can’t you talk to the others, convince them that it’s a mistake?”
He sighed, a heavy sound that seemed to carry the weight of his own helplessness. “I’ve tried, my dear. But Alexander’s grandfather himself confirmed her role as Luna. And more than that, she has borne him two children. It’s a situation that cannot be easily changed.”
I clenched my fists, the anger and disappointment threatening to consume me. “So, that’s it? I’m just supposed to accept it?”
My father’s eyes softened, a mixture of sympathy and resignation in his gaze. “I wish there was more I could do, Seraphina. But sometimes, we must learn to accept the paths that life lays before us.”
His words struck a chord within me, and for a moment, I felt the weight of my own expectations and desires crashing down. The realization that my dreams might forever remain unfulfilled was a bitter pill to swallow.
I turned away from him, my gaze distant as I stared out of the window. “I won’t give up,” I murmured, my voice filled with a determination that surprised even me. “I won’t let her take everything away from me.”
My father’s hand landed softly on my shoulder, his touch a gentle reassurance. “Seraphina, remember that life has a way of surprising us. Sometimes, the paths we resist lead us to places we never expected.”
Looking back, I could feel the weight of my regret pressing down on me, a heavy burden that seemed to grow with every passing day. Four years ago, I had stood at a crossroads, and I had made a choice a choice that now felt like a painful mistake, a decision that had led me to this moment of heartache and longing.
I had been the first choice, the one Alexander had originally considered to bear his children. It was an honor, a privilege that I had arrogantly rejected. As the proud only daughter of a noble family, I had allowed my pride to cloud my judgment. I had scoffed at the idea of being a mere vessel for bearing his heirs. My heart had desired more his affection, his love. And if he couldn’t give me that, then I had resolved not to be a pawn in his game.
I had turned him down, my rejection fueled by the belief that I deserved more than to be a means to an end. I had wanted him to love me for who I was, not just for the children I could give him. But now, as I watched the events unfold, as the human woman took my place, I realized the magnitude of my mistake.
The ache in my heart was all-consuming, a constant reminder of the choice I had made and the consequences I was now facing. I watched as their bond deepened, as their love grew stronger, and each moment was like a dagger to my heart, a painful reminder of what could have been.
My father’s voice, tinged with concern, echoed in my mind. “Seraphina, my dear, it’s time to let go. I promise I will find you a suitable match, someone who will cherish you.”
I turned to him, my eyes a reflection of the turmoil within me. “Father, I appreciate your concern, but I cannot accept your offer. I cannot move on, not when I know that she is here, in the Shadow City.”
His expression softened, his eyes filled with empathy. “Seraphina, I understand your feelings, but you must consider your own happiness.”
I shook my head, my resolve unyielding. “Father, if that human woman remains here, it will only bring disaster. I despise humans and their presence in our world. I cannot accept losing to a human, especially not to her.”
My father’s sigh was heavy, a reflection of his own helplessness in the face of my determination. “Seraphina, sometimes we must learn to let go of our pride and accept that life doesn’t always unfold as we wish. Holding onto this bitterness will only bring you more pain. Believe me, you deserve better, my sweetheart.”
I didn’t respond, my thoughts consumed by the storm of emotions that raged within me. As I walked away from my father’s study, I knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges and uncertainties. But one thing was certain I wouldn’t let go of my dreams without a fight.