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CHAPTER 7
Seraphina
We don’t fitin here, or more accurately, I don’t belong in this setting, but that’s inconsequential as I steal a glance at Violet, her brilliant eyes absorbing the procession of cars ahead. Most of them are limousines transporting alphas and their packs to the castle’s entrance.
I attempt to envision the scene unfolding before me as if I’m witnessing it anew. Still, it proves to be a formidable task. This is particularly true when I recall that the first time I laid eyes on this place was with Lex—Lex, who is likely present as an alpha without a pack.
“It looks haunted,”I mutter to my brother, my voice barely audible above the soft hum of the car’s engine. Lex leans forward, his curiosity piqued, and I can’t help but wonder what’s going on in his mind. Lex is usually as talkative as I am, so his silence suggests that this place has genuinely caught his attention.
He hums under his breath, the sound barely breaking the silence in the car. Lex has always been one to think beforehe speaks, a trait that often irritates me when I’m itching for conversation.
“You like it,” I accuse, giving him a playful nudge with my elbow.
“It’s enchanting,” he responds, his voice tinged with a touch of wonder.
“It’s falling apart,” I retort, jabbing a finger toward the decaying brick security house. “See that?”
“Again, enchanting,” Lex counters, his eyes fixed on the castle.
“You’ve been reading too many fantasy novels,” I grumble, my arms crossed tightly across my chest. My frustration is building because I can’t fathom why he’s so enamored with this decrepit place.
“I like fantasy,” he says with a shrug, leaning back into his seat. “I can’t believe this doesn’t interest you,” he scoffs as though he’s surprised.
“I want nothing to do with it,” I reply, my voice laced with stubbornness. I sound like the petulant child they have often accused me of being.
Mama turns in her seat, her eyes filled with bright, affectionate warmth as she smiles at me. “This castle was once the only thing standing between rogue alphas and omegas during the great war.”
I roll my eyes, my teenage defiance momentarily taking over. “So?”
“So it’s a part of who we are,” Mama insists, her voice gentle but resolute. “The halls are teeming with memories and stories.”
I look out the window again, trying to see what they see, but all I see is a gilded prison, a place that has bound our family for generations. Deep down, I know that a gilded prison is still aprison, and the thought of willingly imprisoning myself here is something I can’t bear to entertain.
Today,twinkle lights illuminate the long driveway, conjured by mages to hover above the pathway leading to the castle. On that day, the sun shone brightly in the sky, a stark contrast to the present moment where the moon barely forms a sliver in the night sky. Dark trees line the drive, adorned with even more fairy lights.
My brother found the castle grounds enchanting that day, and I reluctantly admit that it looks just as enchanting today, maybe even more so. As we inch closer, a flicker of unease courses through me. Here I am, driving us in my beat-up car, which has backfired twice since we joined this line. Suppressing my nerves, I steal another glance at Violet. She can hardly contain her excitement.
She looks mesmerizing, and part of me hopes she’ll find a pack tonight. She deserves that happiness. As directed, I veer to the right, parking my car among the more luxurious vehicles in the parking lot and cutting the engine. I’d rather walk up than drive to the valet and fall on my face when I get out of the car.
“One last chance, Vee,” I say while gazing out the window. “We can hightail it out of here, go home, grab some chocolate and wine, and watch a movie or maybe that new documentary. I heard the newest bachelor features a male omega.”
“Uh-uh,” she replies, opening the door and stepping out. She leans down, her hair in its natural state of tight, dark curls, a bold statement that suits her beautifully. “You can hide in here, but I am going in. Free drinks for omegas.”
“Free food,” I correct. We have to sneak around to get drinks.
“Then let’s go.” She slams the door in my face.
I was asking for too much, it seems. As I clamber out of the car, a blast of cold air stings my face. It carries the scent of impending snow, and a part of me secretly wishes for a snowstorm to provide an excuse to escape this night. Unfortunately, Violet isn’t waiting for me, and the needy omega in me despises that. I catch up to her, linking my elbow with hers, and we join the long line to enter the event. Chatter fills the air as omegas and alphas mingle before getting inside.
My body shivers from the cold, although it seems I’m the only one affected by the icy chill. Despite living in this place for years, I never considered the castle my home. Its imposing walls, hidden passageways, dungeons, and dean, who ruled this place like a prison, made me feel like an outsider.
So many omegas cherish this place, willingly showing up in pursuit of a better future—a future where a pack would love and care for them. The same hopeful future is reflected in Violet’s wide-eyed gaze. Hope for the future fills her eyes with stars, a sentiment I long to share. I want to feel what she feels.
Only I can’t.
I glance around and find myself surrounded by a sea of omegas, their expectant smiles and palpable excitement filling the air. I even spot a few gammas scattered throughout, their hope evident as they yearn for a chance to activate their omega genetics. All I see around me is hope, but deep within, all I feel is a pervasive chill.
“Girl, you can try to smile.” Violet nudges me as we inch forward in line.
