The Moon Witch’s Second Life

Seraphine’s POVThe moon was full above Shadowfang and thousands of wolves were present under the moon. Wolves lit torches that burned in a wide circle around the ancient stone altar. Tonight was the night I finally became Luna, not just Rhydian’s mate in secret, but bound by blood and magic in front of the entire pack. I felt so excited. I stood barefoot on the cold stone, wearing the white gown the elders had chosen. My hands trembled a little, but I hid it and pressed them together. Rhydian faced me, tall and strong in black, his silver eyes locked on mine. He looked calm, but trust me when I say he’s ruthless. His jaw was tightened and he hated crowds almost as much as he loved me.The High Elder raised the ceremonial dagger. The blade caught the moonlight and threw it back.Rhydian stepped closer. His fingers brushed mine calmly. “You ready, love?” he asked.I nodded fast. My heart was racing. “I have never been more ready for anything in my life.”He smiled faintly. My stom

Seraphine’s POVThe candles went off, and only the morning light slipped through the curtains. I sat in the middle of it with my legs crossed and my new hands open on my knees. My whole body felt like it had been dragged behind a horse all night. I felt hurt in everything part of my body, emotionally and physically. I took a slow deep breath and tried to feel the power again. It answered me quickly. Violet sparks circled across my fingertips before I even knew it. I jerked my hands apart and the sparks shot to the wall. The old wood cracked loudly and I flinched hard.“Calm down,” I told myself. My voice still sounded strange in my ears.“Just calm down.”I closed my eyes and tried again. This time I pictured a small light, just enough to see the room. I felt the magic rise inside my chest, warm and eager, and I pushed it gently toward my palm.A ball of violet fire exploded in my hand.I screamed and threw it away from me. It hit the table and the whole thing went up in flames.

Seraphine’s POVI pulled the black hood lower over my face and kept walking. The snow fell heavier now, and thick flakes stuck to my lashes and melted down my neck. Every step toward the border was like walking back into my own grave.I knew these woods better than anyone. I had run them as a wolf. I had kissed Rhydian against that pine tree right there. I had carried baskets of healing herbs along this exact path when I was still Luna and everyone smiled when they saw me coming.Now the same trees watched me like strangers. I stopped at the invisible line that marked Shadowfang land. My boots sank into the snow then my chest tightened so hard I almost turned back.You can still run, a small voice whispered. Go north. Disappear. Let them think Seraphine Wynter is dead forever.I remembered feeling it when my wolf howled inside Rhydian’s chest. A pull so strong my ribs ached. She was waiting for me and she was fighting for me.I stepped over the border. Nothing happened, no alarm, n

Seraphine’s POV The room they put me in had a narrow bed, a washbasin, and a window that looked out over the training yard I used to run laps around before dawn, back when my legs belonged to me and my lungs didn’t ache just from standing still. One door down from his. I knew that the second the guard shut me inside, because I knew this hallway. I knew the crooked floorboard by the linen closet, the water stain shaped like a leaf near the ceiling, and the exact number of steps between this door and the one that used to be ours. I sat on the edge of the bed and pressed both hands flat against my knees until they stopped shaking. This was my house, my hallway, my floorboard, and yet I was locked in a spare room like a stranger because, to everyone who mattered, I was one. Heavy footsteps passed outside, unhurried in a way that used to mean he was coming to find me and had nowhere else to be. I held my breath until they faded past my door without stopping. I got up and walked the l

Seraphine’s POVI sat on the edge of the bed with my knees pulled up tight against my chest. The room felt too choky tonight and every creak of the pack house made my heart jump.Outside my door the guard hadn’t said a word since Rhydian left hours ago.My wrist still burned where Rhydian grabbed me earlier, from memories that refused to fade away. I rubbed the spot hard with my thumb, but it didn’t help.Down the hall voices started again. I pressed my ear to the door but all I caught was Rhydian’s angry voice.My stomach twisted. I knew they were talking about me. The arguing stopped suddenly and footsteps came closer.Quickly I backed off, and the door opened without a knock.Rhydian stood in the doorway, staring at me as if he was so full of questions. I stood up slowly, my legs shook badly. “Alpha?” the guard asked behind him.“Out,” Rhydian said.The guard left and the door was half closed.Rhydian didn’t move from the doorway, he just kept looking at me. I wanted to say so