Chapter 7

"FRACTURED BOND"

Seraphine's POV

My dorm room's sheer curtains allowed the morning sunshine to enter freely.

"Ahhhh, I yawned heavily after sitting up in bed and my muscles protested during the stretching motion.

I stood up by exerting my entire strength while my muscles contracted and shook. I trudged over to the bathroom. As I entered the shower I felt the tile's chill pierce my feet until hot water started flowing which helped me relax.

I got ready for my class. I arranged my skirt again before carrying my bag over my shoulder and exiting into the hallway.

"Professor Thorne's classes always start early" I said to myself as I increased my pace.

While walking through the dorm hallway I spotted several girls gathered together by the stairwell. Their necks strained as they leaned in together while their eyes stayed locked with wide attention.

"Ugh." I rolled my eyes. "Jobless girls are so annoying."

"Seraphine! Seraphine!" one of them called out.

I spun around. It was Veronica, blonde ponytail bobbing as she ran towards me. Her eyes were bright with panic.

"Veronica?" I frowned. "What is it? You sound like you're dying to tell me something."

"Hfff..." she gasped, looking directly into my eyes. "Seraphine, I—"

I cocked my head, confused by her pause. "Veronica, what is it?" I demanded.

Veronica grabbed onto my hands and squeezed. "The girls... they're talking about you," she stammered out. "They keep mentioning your name. Like, everyone's whispering about you this morning."

"What?" I snapped, my voice going up an octave. The girls across from us looked our way but I had no care. "What are they saying? What is it?"

"They keep asking if Kael has... if he's broken up with you," she whispered nervously.

"No!" I exclaimed, loud enough to make a few girls jump. "Kael and I are fine—why would anyone even think that? !"

Veronica's eyes darted to the side, a look of pity on her face. "Because... because people have seen Kael with Elara. A lot. Alone."

I stopped walking. I stared at her, heart suddenly racing in my chest.

"That's impossible," I said, my voice husky. "Kael... he wouldn't—"

Veronica squeezed my hands. "Seraphine, I just thought you should know. I heard people say they saw Kael and Elara together at the library... and near the forest."

Anger surged through my chest as my jaw tightened while I swallowed the searing rage. But I forced myself to plaster a smile on my face. I wouldn't let those stupid girls know they were getting to me.

"Come on." I said stiffly, taking hold of Veronica's hand. "Let's go to class."

As we arrived in front of Professor Thorne's building, Veronica punched me in the back.

"Seraphine—wait!" she hissed.

I spun around, frowning. "What now, Veronica?"

She said nothing. Just pointed in the direction I was standing. I looked past me—and my stomach dropped.

There, by the copse of ancient oak trees just beyond the school grounds, was Kael. Towering and broad-shouldered as ever. And beside him—far too close for comfort—was Elara. Her hand rested on his arm while they kept their heads close together for a whispered conversation.

The heat from my face vanished leaving behind an angry red blush while my hands gripped tightly at my sides.

"How could he..." I muttered.

Veronica tugged at my arm. "Seraphine, be careful." She looked me in the eye, her face gravely. "You are Luna. Remember that. No one can take that away from you."

My breath heaved in my chest, words lost.

"I... I don't know..." I choked out, staring at the pair of them beneath the trees.

Veronica leaned in close, lips curled into a snarl. "Elara's a threat to you, and you can't let her get between you and Kael. You know what happens when an Alpha's bond is broken."

Veronica I whispered helplessly watching Kael and Elara smile softly under the trees as my voice broke. My chest ached with each ragged breath. "What should I do?"

Veronica glanced from me to them, her eyes narrowing. "Seraphine... we don't have much time. If they get any closer, the bond between you and Kael is at risk."

I swallowed, my mouth dry as sand. "But how? I can't make him choose me."

"You are the Luna," Veronica snarled, pulling my shoulders roughly. "That is where you belong, Seraphine!

You can't just let someone try and take it from you."

I shook my head back and forth. Tear drops began to gather on my eyelids. "I don't know what to do. Fight back, I mean. I don't even know if Kael... if he still even wants me."

Veronica moved closer until I could feel her breath against my cheek. "Listen to me, Seraphine. It's not too late. The bond isn't sealed, remember? You still have a chance—but you have to make Kael remember who he's supposed to be with."

My breath quickened as the full import of her words hit me.

"What... what are you saying?" I stuttered.

"I'm saying you need to fight now," Veronica whispered, venom in her voice. "Before Elara gets under his skin too much. Before your Alpha is ripped from you forever."

My heart pounded fiercely as I watched the trees while anger and fear surged through my body.

With a voice that had both warmth and threat to it Veronica asked Seraphine if she possessed the strength to perform the necessary actions.

My fists tightened and my heart pounded in my ears as I posed the question which was going to alter everything.

Can I muster the strength to reclaim Kael or is he lost to Elara beyond all return?