4

Seraf's Pov

The cloud of smoke formed before me for some seconds and withered away into thin air. It's cold since the rain just stopped and night is almost upon us.

I sat quietly with Kauis, my best friend. I can tell he is worried about me. After all, I have been very quiet since I got to his room.

" I thought you have quit smoking, Seraf," He said, but I chose not to listen as I lighted up another cigarette.

I still can't believe Hayven would break up with me without getting to the root of everything. It has come as a shock to me and now I don't think I'd be sane again.

As I continued to smoke, the thought came to me and I creased up my face in confusion.

" Hayven won't go from me to Bastiano, will she? "

" She is not that type of lady. And I even think you should try focusing more on yourself than wallowing in self-pity"

" I can't... Forget her, Kauis. I can't seem to have the strength to forget her "

I bow in sorrow, wondering what would become of me now that the lady I love more than life itself won't listen to my words.

" I still can't believe she won't believe my words. I ... I never knew she would be so mad "

I saw Kauis cast me a glance, and I raised an eyebrow at him in question.

" It's a serious situation, Seraf. She practically caught you cheating on her "

" I didn't! You of all people should at least believe me "

" Yeah, I do, but what difference does that make? Hayven has left you. The bond between you is broken! "

" No, it has not. As long as the rejection is not mutual she will remain my mate "

I am frustrated with myself. Quickly, I stand up and go to Kauis's refrigerator, where I pick up a soda drink.

He is an orphan and the orphanage home he grows up from is under my father's payroll. So he is practically like my dad's adopted son even though not legally.

Thanks to his being brilliant, my dad took an interest in him and decided to enroll him in Shapeshifters College as my twin brother and I, but Kauis did not stay in the Twins building with my brother and me. He isn't a Werewolf or royalty.

I was long lost in my thoughts when my cell phone suddenly buzzed out. At one, I rushed towards it to check the caller, hoping it would turn out to be Hayven, but disappointedly, she wasn't the one calling. I cleared my throat and answered.

" Yes, Dad? "

" Come back home this instant! " My father, The Alpha King ordered, and the cell phone went dead. This makes me surprised. I felt something was off, but I couldn't pinpoint it.

At once, I grabbed my jacket and headed out without saying goodbye to Kauis. However, he rushes after me, asking.

" Where are you off to? "

" Home. I will keep in touch "

I disappeared through the exit in no time and got behind my car wheel. When my father calls, we are meant to come running. That's how he has brought us up. Very strict and Cruel.

***

I am a Prince. A werewolf Prince and I am eligible to be the Alpha King if heaven is on my side.

As I drove through the grand entrance of the Werewolf Castle, where my father lives, I was immediately enveloped in Reluctancy.

The long, tidy lane and ceilings were adorned with intricate moldings.

I alighted before the building, and at once, a butler came to take my car key from me.

I walk into my father's living room and I stop abruptly to stare at the top. It seems to stretch up to the sky. Crystal chandeliers refract rainbow hues across the polished marble floor, casting a Kaleidoscope of colors around me.

I grew up in this place where Each angle boasted of unimaginable wealth. Priceless artwork lines the walls, and rare, exotic flowers bloom in elegant vases.

I walk further in to realize something Which is already normalized in the castle. There's no hum of activity, no murmur of conversation, no hint of life beyond the soft creak of my footsteps on the marble tiles. It's as if the house is holding its breath, waiting for something – or someone – to stir.

I cautiously take my steps deeper, my footsteps echoing off as I emerge into the grand dining room, where I see my father sitting on the chair with Bastiano beside him.

My mother, the beautiful Luna Queen, was sitting there too, but she was mute. I know she wouldn't have the audacity to say a word when my dad is mad.

A cold chill ran down my spine when I received the glare from my father. He seems to harbor hatred for me now, and I wonder what I have done.

" Father. I apologize for coming late," I said the moment I got beside him, but he responded by slamming the glass cup of wine he was sipping at my head. I dare not Dodge. Yes. That's how cruel he is and I have grown to accept the pain that comes already with my title of being a Prince. Blood trickled down my head to the t-shirt I wore, but I still bowed, staying silent and respectful.

" Was it true you opened up at college about your inability to perceive scent? " The question came now that suddenly made my heart drop.

Damn! Bastiano tell on me? Really?

" Father I ... "

" Answer the question! " He thundered, and I sucked up the excuse I had prepared.

" Yes, father "

After I gave a response he chuckled, the sound bitter.

" Haven't I warned you not to reveal your weakness to the public? " He asked me but didn't wait for a reply before adding. " It seems you are hellbent on making me a ridiculous father, right, Seraf? "

I set my jaw. We both know it wasn't true. I never aim to ridicule him. Why should I when he is my father?

" You are grounded " He suddenly announced, stunning me. " Guards! "

" Father I have to attend classes. Father, please listen to me. I have my reasons. I can explain... Father... "

My plea fell on deaf ears, and to make matters worse, my mother didn't move an inch from her chair as I was dragged down to the large dungeon located on the outskirts of the castle. A place I am hated to be. A place that traumatized me for years of my childhood.

The guards dump me on the wet floor and walk out immediately without waiting to hear me out. It was a shock to me. Everything kept happening so fast that I couldn't even think.

I stood still, trying to find a way out. I wonder what Hayven would think of me if I didn't show up in school. Will she be worried about me? Will she be ...

The footsteps approaching cut into my thoughts, and I look up to see my twin brother, someone who looks exactly like me. Almost every inch.

He stood before me, the unbreakable bars between us. He smiled mockingly, and I gulped down hard the disdain I felt.

" I never know it's this easy. I would have done it long ago " He said easily. " Now, while you are in this dungeon which gives nightmares, I'd be with your ex. Hmm, I wonder if we'd go to bed after... "

" I will kill you! " I said, my voice trembling with rage. " If you dare lay a hand on her, Bastiano, I will kill you. I promise "

He scoffed at my face.

" Why are you so worked up? Didn't you know she was already coming to me? You can see for yourself today in class, right? It's over Seraf. Just give up "

Before my watchful gaze, Bastiano turned and walked away. His departure left behind a bitter taste in my soul. We are identical twins but we are so much in hatred with each other.

I closed my eyes, trying to reassure myself Father would let me go soon. At once I remember my cellphone. I quickly reached for my pocket for it, but to my horror, it was nowhere to be found.

" Shit. It must have dropped when I was dragged here," I mutter to myself as I sink to the floor. I feel miserable and extremely disheartened. Hayven. She is the only one I can think of. Only her and no one else. If only she had believed me. If only she have never doubted me.