Chapter 15 part 1 Getting Ready

Chapter 15 (Part 1)

SERENA POV

I composed myself and walked slowly from the training field back to the pack house. Every step felt heavier than the last, my muscles screaming in protest, my body reminding me of every strike I had taken and every blow I had returned.

The ache settled deep in my bones, dull yet persistent, like a warning that I had pushed myself to the edge again.

Still, I did not allow it to show. I walked with my back straight, my shoulders squared, my head held high. Grace was armor. Pride was survival. 

I refused to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing weakness written on my face, and have also done this numerous times in my pack. I don't have a choice, I have to show them I am strong, that I am not weak. Since they never truly accept me, I have to make them know I am stronger than them even if they are dissatisfied with me being the Alpha, they have to keep it hidden inside them.

In this palace, perception mattered just as much as strength. By the time I reached the King’s floor, my legs burned and my breathing was controlled but strained. I ignored it. 

The guards stationed outside barely glanced my way as I passed. I was expecting this now, whether they liked it or not.

Soon, I stood before my door. I opened it and stepped inside, shutting the world out behind me. The silence wrapped around me instantly, thick and comforting.

My room smelled faintly of nature and clean linen, a sharp contrast to the sweat and dust that still clung to my skin. I did not waste time.

I walked straight to my bedside drawer and pulled it open, retrieving my first-aid box. My fingers trembled slightly, not from fear, but from exhaustion. Carrying it, I crossed the room and collapsed onto the sofa with a quiet exhale.

Only then did I allow myself to breathe. I set the box down and opened it, taking out the items I needed. As I peeled back the fabric covering one of my wounds, a sharp sting shot through me. I hissed softly, my jaw tightening.

It hurt, but the pain was familiar. I cleaned the wound carefully, methodically, refusing to rush. Each movement was practiced, disciplined. I had done this too many times before. Still, I could feel the bruise beneath my skin already darkening, already blooming.

“You did well today.” Artemis’ voice filled my mind, calm and steady. 

“I really admire Zora as well,” I said aloud after a moment. 

“She’s a good warrior and a qualified sparring match. It shows that it isn’t easy to be the leader of the women’s warriors in the Royal Pack.”

“Yeah,” Artemis agreed. “It’s truly not easy. I’m sure the leader trained like an alpha of a pack. You know they are the leading Pack, so every warrior must be powerful. They can’t be like regular soldiers from normal packs.”

I nodded faintly as I wrapped the bandage tighter.

“But do you know something?” I continued. “I don’t actually see her as a threat.”

There was a pause before Artemis replied, thoughtful.

“Yeah, I know. She probably just admires Jayden. And she doesn’t mean any harm.”

“Exactly,” I murmured. 

“She understands strength. Discipline. She knows what it takes to lead.” My hands slowed as the tension in my chest eased slightly.

“I’m so tired,” I admitted quietly. “I need to rest. Talk later after I get enough sleep. Heal my wounds by then.”

“Okay,” Artemis replied gently.

 “I will.”

I stood, every movement deliberate, and walked to my bed. As soon as I lay down, the softness of the mattress pulled me under. My body surrendered before my mind could argue. Sleep claimed me quickly.

I woke up about an hour later.

For a brief moment, I forgot where I was. Then reality returned all at once, the palace, the royal pack, the guests waiting to be sent off.

I pushed myself upright and rolled my shoulders experimentally. The pain had dulled significantly. Artemis healed me.

I glanced down at my bandaged wounds, already healed enough to move without wincing. Magic hummed faintly beneath my skin.

“It’s time,” I whispered.

I rose from the bed and headed for the washroom. As soon as I stepped under the shower, cold water cascaded over my body, washing away sweat, blood, and lingering heat from training.

I closed my eyes.

I always loved water. Cold or hot, it didn’t matter. There was something grounding about it, something ancient. It calmed me, centered me, cooled the chaos inside my chest. When water touched my skin, I felt connected, balanced, alive.

I stayed there longer than necessary, letting it soothe my muscles and clear my mind. When I finally stepped out, I wrapped a towel around myself and moved into the adjoining walk-in closet. 

The space was wide and elegant, lined with clothing arranged by color and purpose. I stood before my wardrobe, studying my reflection. What should I wear?

Something classy. Elegant. Powerful. Something that matched the aura running through my veins.

I didn’t need to prove my royalty through clothes but presentation was still a language. One my mother had made me mastered.

My mother had always dressed with intention. Perfection was her armor. She believed that appearance was a strategy. She owned a fashion house, after all, one of the most influential in the world. Awards lined her shelves. Her designs shaped perceptions, defined power.

I had learned from watching her. Bold. Simple. Natural. Unique. A balance. I scanned the rows again, time ticking away. I couldn’t overthink this.

Finally, I reached for a simple brown mini bodycon gown. Clean lines. No excess. I paired it with boots grounded, practical. My hair curled long and straight, framing my face without softening my presence too much.

Jayden was planning something. I could feel it. The tension and joy around him always shifted when he was about to make his moves.

I worked quickly, efficiently. Forty-five minutes later, I stood before the mirror, applying minimal makeup. Enough to sharpen, not mask. I studied myself carefully. Strong. Ready.

“We can do this, Serena,” I whispered looking straight at my reflection in the mirror. “No matter what Jayden has planned for us, we will conquer it. You know the bond. You know the danger.”

“Yes,” Artemis replied. “And you are not alone.”

“Thank you,” I said softly.

With that determination settled in my chest, I turned and walked toward the door. Ready to face Jayden and what to come.

The corridor outside was quiet as I stepped out. I walked with purpose, heels echoing against the polished floor. Instead of taking the stairs like I usually did in the mornings, I entered the elevator. Today wasn’t about endurance, it was about composure.

The elevator descended smoothly.

When the doors opened, I stepped out and took only two steps forward before a voice cut through the space.

“Look who is here.”