Kael
The moment I received Marek’s message that Seraphina had been harmed by Vivienne, I ran to her immediately.
What the hell? Has Vivienne gone mad? How could she do something like this?
Did she think she could throw away everything she had in Crimson Luna for this?
I couldn’t understand why the girl who grew up with me, who once stood by my side, would hurt Seraphina for my sake.
But above all, I was furious.
She dared to harm Seraphina. I wanted to kill her.
Vivienne was fleeing through the woods, already transformed into her wolf form. Her golden fur shimmered, mirroring the color of her hair.
I summoned Shadow, my wolf, and lunged. My massive claws struck Vivienne’s back.
She howled in pain, collapsing onto the ground. Blood gushed from her back as she shifted back into her human form.
She lay there, naked, blood pooling beneath her. She looked as though she were dead.
I felt no pity. But then, I thought of Frederick-her father.
Frederick had always been there for me.
After my mother’s death, my father became harsh and unyielding in his expectations of me. At times, I envied those who had the comfort of a gentle father.
Frederick, in his own way, filled that void. He often cared for me with the tenderness my father lacked.
He’d once told me that Vivienne and I were of the same age and that he hoped we could both enjoy happy childhoods.
For Frederick’s sake, I treated Vivienne’s wounds, stopping the bleeding, and then carried her to him.
When Frederick saw her injuries, he was visibly shaken.
“What happened to Vivienne?” he asked, his voice trembling with worry. Even his beard seemed to quiver.
“She attacked Seraphina,” I replied coldly. “I stopped her. To keep her from escaping, I had to injure her.”
“She did such a thing?” Frederick looked shocked. “I’m sorry, Kael. I failed to discipline my daughter.”
He sighed deeply and turned to me. “Thank you, Kael. Thank you for not killing her.”
“There’s no need to thank me, Frederick,” I told him bluntly. “I spared her because of everything you’ve done for me over the years. But this is the last time. She broke our tribe’s rules, and you know what that means.”
“I understand,” Frederick said, his voice heavy. In that moment, he seemed to age ten years.
He took Vivienne from my arms, her limp body cradled against him, and walked away with a hunched back.
I watched him go, feeling a pang of sympathy.
I understood how he must feel. As a father, it must have been heartbreaking to see his child commit such a grave mistake.
But sympathy wasn’t enough.
He hadn’t disciplined her properly.
Vivienne had always been reckless, but I had tolerated it, offering her patience and guidance.
This time, though, she had used her strength as a werewolf to harm Seraphina. She had almost killed her.
I could never forgive Vivienne for that.
Turning away, I left. I needed to check on Seraphina’s condition.
David, with his incredible healing skills, would undoubtedly have treated her injuries. But physical wounds were one thing.
What about her heart? The trauma she’d endured would surely leave its mark.
I teleported to the hospital.
David was still in his office, working late as usual. Despite being the hospital director, he often volunteered for night shifts.
When he saw me, he smiled. “Kael, you’re here?”
I nodded.
“How is Seraphina?” I asked.
“I’ve healed her,” David replied. “But for her safety, I’d recommend she stay here overnight. By the way, did you catch Vivienne?”
“She’s been dealt with.”
“I expected nothing less from you.” David’s face lit up with a hint of admiration. “I knew you’d handle it. But… have you told your father?”
“No,” I said flatly. “Frederick will take care of it.”
“You’re not planning to inform him at all?” David seemed surprised.
“I’d rather not. And I hope you won’t either.”
David gave me a knowing look. “Alright, I’ll keep this between us. But Kael, I think you should be careful. Seraphina’s identity… it’s suspicious.”
I met his gaze. “You’ve noticed it too?”
“Yes,” David admitted. “When I was treating her, I noticed her wounds were healing unusually fast. Even without my intervention, they would’ve healed by morning. Is she a werewolf? Though she doesn’t seem to know it herself.”
“I’m not sure,” I said thoughtfully. “She likely is, but if so, why would her parents leave her to be raised by humans? Her adoptive parents don’t seem to know her true nature either. It’s strange.”
David nodded. “It is. But for now, don’t rush it. Since she’s physically fine, go check on her. She could use some comfort.”
I left David’s office and headed to Seraphina’s room.
When I entered, she was lying in bed, seemingly asleep. Marek was sitting beside her, keeping watch.
He stood as soon as he saw me, speaking softly. “She’s scared. She wanted me to stay with her.”
“Thank you, Marek.”
Marek had proven himself to be a loyal bodyguard. Though his strength wasn’t exceptional, he had done his best to protect Seraphina.
I made a mental note to find time to help him grow stronger so he could better defend her.
Once I entered the room, Marek left quietly.
I approached Seraphina, who was lying with her back turned, wrapped in blankets. She looked so fragile.
The hospital bed was large enough for two, so I lay down beside her and pulled her into my arms.
She turned to face me, her eyes clear and alert. She hadn’t been sleeping after all.
“You’re back?” she asked softly.
“I’m back,” I answered. “Don’t be afraid.” I held her tighter.
Seraphina rested her head against my chest. I could feel her pain, her sadness.
And why wouldn’t she be? After everything she’d been through, how could anyone feel okay?
My heart ached. Seraphina had suffered so much-all because of me.