Chapter 7

Seraphina's POV

The silver-gray clouds hung low over the forest, as if reflecting my current mood. I was focused on dripping moon essence into a newly prepared potion when suddenly, a sharp knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.

"Coming!" I called out, wiping the medicinal residue from my hands as I went to open the door. Outside stood a young pack messenger, panting, obviously having run all the way here.

"Healer Seraphina," he said with a slight bow, handing me a small moonstone. "This is a message from the Alpha's residence."

I took the moonstone, feeling its cool touch against my fingertips. As soon as I touched it, the stone emitted a silver glow, and Delilah's voice echoed in my mind:

"Seraphina, Elder Willow has returned from the Three-Pack Council. She specifically wants to see you—at sunset tonight. Please don't be late."

The moonstone's light gradually dimmed, leaving me staring at it, my heart growing heavy. Delilah's tone left no room for refusal. Since my relationship with Lucian had become distant, I had been trying to avoid the pack's core territory—that place filled with scrutinizing and gossiping glances that made it difficult for me to breathe.

I sighed, glancing at the unfinished formula on my workbench. "Please tell Delilah I'll be there on time," I told the messenger. He nodded and hurriedly left.

Back inside, I gathered my herbal notes and selected several rare herbs as gifts. In werewolf packs, visiting an elder without bringing gifts was highly disrespectful, regardless of one's status.

"Where are you going?" Ember asked with concern, peering through the doorway.

"Elder Willow has returned from the council," I replied while wrapping the herbs in soft cloth. "She wants to see me."

Ember's eyes widened slightly. "The Elder herself? That's unusual."

"I know." I carefully tied the package with twine, my fingers trembling slightly. The last time I was summoned to the core area was during Lucian's Alpha ceremony—a memory that still pains me to this day.

At sunset, I stood before the massive stone door of the Alpha family's main hall, my heart pounding. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the heavy door, immediately hit by a wave of heat and mixed scents that made me dizzy.

The hall was bustling with voices, precious gifts from various packs displayed on stone pedestals: fine furs, ancient artifacts, rare medicinal herbs, all showcasing the status and wealth of the Blackmane Pack.

I immediately spotted former Alpha Dwayne and his mate Bronte standing by the central fire pit. They gave me only a cold glance before deliberately looking away, their disapproval unconcealed. Lucian's cousin Claire was nearby, and when I approached, she instinctively stepped back as if my presence made her uncomfortable.

Mira was surrounded by admirers, loudly distributing items from an elaborately decorated box. "These frost berries can only be gathered during the northern winter solstice," she deliberately raised her voice, "Lucian tracked them for three days through a blizzard. Isn't that impressive?"

Just then, Delilah approached with a rare warmth. "Seraphina! Thank the Moon Goddess you came so quickly!" Her words were full of sincerity, "Elder Willow only returned last night and has been asking about you since early morning."

I smiled and nodded, clutching my herb package tightly. "I came as soon as I received the message."

"She's over by the eastern alcove," Delilah said, leading me through the crowd. "She's been insistent on seeing you."

As we walked through, I could feel the surrounding gazes and whispers following me like shadows. "That's her—the healer from that marginal pack... Hard to believe she's still our Alpha's mate... Have you noticed they never come close to each other?"

I held my head high, pretending not to hear, although each word pierced my heart like a needle.

Mira's voice rose again, this time clearly directed at me. "I also brought back rare Arctic herbs. Seraphina, you probably haven't seen them before, have you?" Her smile was sweet, but her eyes were sharp as knives.

Before I could respond, I saw Elder Willow sitting regally in the alcove. Her silver-white fur gleamed in the firelight, wearing the traditional elder's robe embroidered with symbols of wisdom and status. Despite her advanced age, she remained vibrant and spirited.

Upon seeing me, her eyes immediately flashed with genuine joy. "My little healer has arrived! Come, come, old wolves don't have that much patience!"

I approached and presented the herb package with both hands. "Grandmother, I've brought ice mint and silver sage. They might help ease your joint pain during seasonal changes."

She accepted the package, sniffing it with satisfaction. "Always thinking of others, that's what makes a true healer." She patted the stone bench beside her, "Sit beside me, I've missed you."

I sat down next to her, noticing how the pack members around us discreetly moved away, as if an invisible circle had formed around us. Only Delilah remained nearby, her expression gentle.

"How is your research progressing?" Willow asked, her eyes flashing with sharp interest.

I was about to speak when Bronte let out a contemptuous snort. Claire even stepped back again, her face full of disgust.

Willow clearly noticed this, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Where is my grandson?" she suddenly changed the subject, "I thought he would come with Seraphina."

"He's gathering the warriors," Mira immediately stepped forward, her tone carrying a hint of pride, "Yesterday while patrolling the northern border, we discovered signs of intruders. He's organizing a response team now, but will be back soon."

"We?" Willow repeated, her silver eyebrows raised high. "I wasn't aware that you held any official position in the border guard, Mira."

The elder's tone made me smile inwardly, but I quickly grew tense again. Mira merely smiled faintly, not backing down at all.

"Oh, I was just accompanying him. Two pairs of eyes are better than one, aren't they? Especially when some people are better suited to remain in other positions." She gave me a meaningful look.

Willow's gaze flashed, her tone measured: "My grandson has a mate, and a pack to protect. Mira, doesn't your family need you to fulfill your own duties? Or is following someone else's mate the most important thing you have to do?"

The tension in the air suddenly intensified. Just as Mira was about to retort, my keen hearing caught familiar footsteps at the door. Before I could see him, Lucian's presence already enveloped me, making my heart involuntarily tighten.