Chapter Seventeen
Tyler
The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting gentle golden rays that painted the room in warm hues. For a fleeting moment, I found contentment in this space, nestled among sweet-smelling sheets that enveloped me in the comforting embrace of familiarity. I hadn’t felt this whole in what seemed like forever.
But as the fragrance of honey lingered in the air, a disconcerting tension crept in, ripping me from my momentary peace. I knew that scent intimately—it was Seraphina’s, as tantalizing as syrup drizzled over warm pancakes or the aroma of honey-crusted pastries fresh from the oven.
I blinked away the remnants of sleep, confusion clouding my mind until reality gradually seeped in. There, beside me, lay Seraphina, her soft black hair cascading over the white pillow. She lay on her side, turned away, revealing the shape of her body beneath the sheets that had slipped down to her waist. My gaze traveled over the smooth curve of her fair skin, the dip of her waist, and the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she slept, utterly unaware of the storm brewing within me.
Sudden flashes of yesterday invaded my thoughts with heart-stopping clarity—I had gone to Linda’s. My mouth felt parched, and my throat constricted as I recalled the drink she had foisted upon me. A strange heat had burned through my veins, igniting a pleasure in my skin when Linda touched my arm that should have been repulsive. Instinctively, I had known something was wrong. The warmth consuming me screamed of a trap.
Desperate for escape, I had raced back here, seeking refuge from whatever effects that potion had unleashed upon me, but everything that followed was a blur, lost in the fog of intoxication.
I racked my brain, straining to pull together the scattered remnants of my memories. My heart thudded furiously in my chest as I looked down at Seraphina. Thoughts spiraled out of control as I recalled the heat surging through my system, how it had dulled my senses and made Linda’s touch feel welcome when it should have felt repellent. Oh, goddess, what had I done?
Flashes of the night raced before me: softness, honey-perfumed skin, silken hair, and luscious lips that replayed like a haunting dream. Had I forced myself on Seraphina? Disgust twisted violently within me, churning my stomach into knots.
I must have. Seraphina had a new fated mate. There was no other reason she would be here beside me. A fated bond was sacred, something to be revered—not cast aside. Yet, I had shattered that sanctity. I felt like a thief in the night, shame coursing through me. I had stolen something that could never be returned. I’d ruined the sacred bond for Seraphina a second time. Paralyzed by guilt, I couldn’t bring myself to move.
As the sun climbed higher, the light flooding the room felt uninvited to my guilt-ridden heart. It illuminated Seraphina’s bare form next to me like a damning accusation.
She stirred, and the light caught her hair as she rolled onto her back. Her jade green eyes fluttered open, blinking against the brightness and settling on me with confusion.
“I’m so sorry, Seraphina,” I blurted out, urgency and panic forcing my words into the open. “I acted impulsively last night… I’m so sorry.” My heart hammered against my chest, every beat feeling like a chastisement for my wretched apology. How could mere words ever encapsulate the weight of my remorse? I had violated both her trust and the bond she shared with Logan.
“You’re sorry?” Her voice cracked, rising questioningly. I could only lower my head in shame, scrambling into a sitting position, desperate to convey my sincerity.
She was right. Those two words were far too light for what I had done. The enormity of my crime bore down on me, demanding to be articulated in a way that could barely scratch the surface. “There’s no excuse for my behavior,” I began, my voice a whisper of regret. “I acted without thinking. I shouldn’t have slept with you, but—”
“Get out,” she cut me off sharply.
Shame knotted my stomach. I deserved this. Despite how much it hurt to hear the tremor in her voice, the least I could do was follow her order now.
I bowed my head, pushing myself off the bed, guilt flooding every corner of my being. Where had I left my clothes from last night? A quick glance at the floor yielded nothing.
I hurried toward the door, but something compelled me to look back at Seraphina. She had wrapped her arms around herself, making her appear fragile. But the steel in her green gaze was a warrior’s ready for battle. The urge to go back to her, to envelope her in my arms and whisper apologies, clashed violently with the shame that weighed me down, propelling me out the door.
Tearing my gaze away, I slipped into the hallway, my heart a stone lodged in my chest as I closed the door behind me. All I wanted was to protect the girl I loved, yet I kept inflicting wounds that ran deep.
Entering my own bedroom, I shut the door behind me and tugged on clean clothes, my thoughts spiraling back to the source of my turmoil—Linda. Whatever she had drugged me with still lingered in my system, the remnants of feverish heat in my chest felt all too familiar.
That sensation reminded me of the dark magic I had willingly infected myself with in the infirmary. I closed my eyes, focusing on the strange, heavy, slickness within me. Suspicion sprouted in my mind, anger and confusion entwining like a dark vine. This upheaval in my life was no accident. I was beginning to suspect that Linda had indeed orchestrated the illness that plagued our pack. Determined, I resolved to dig deeper into her involvement.
Just as I resolved to do so, Seraphina closed the bathroom door. I seized the chance, eager to give her the space she desperately deserved. With my suspicions swirling, I knew I had to confide in some of my packmates. After all, this investigation was my only hope of making amends for my grievous errors.
As I stepped outside, trudging through the crisp snow that crunched beneath my feet, I vowed there would be no more moments of weakness. I would be strong—strong for Seraphina, keeping my distance as I should have done. Finding the traitor among us and exonerating her parents were the only paths to contribute to her happiness, and I committed myself wholly to that resolve.
The library came into view ahead, and the double doors were unlocked, meaning I was sure the elder I sought would be within. I spotted the familiar figure of Elder Carl bent over an aged leather tome. No matter the hour, he could usually be found here, lost in the ether of words and wisdom. I recalled how he had helped Seraphina research the herb to heal our pack and how he had stood and defended her before the Council. His empathetic nature made him a trustworthy ally, and he was the person I needed on my side.
“Hi, Alpha Tyler,” he greeted me, looking up, his blue eyes warm and welcoming. “Anything I can do for you?” At this hour, it was just the two of us, and the stillness of the library was palpable.
“Yes, I need you to come to the Council Chamber,” I instructed, urgency lacing my voice. “If you could stop by Tara’s house and bring her with you, I’ll see you there.”
Fifteen minutes later, I was seated at my desk in the Council Chamber when Elder Carl and the young warrior Tara joined me, their presence reassuring amidst the turmoil roiling through me.
As Tara shut the door, the air thickened with anticipation. Elder Carl settled into the chair opposite me, and I wasted no time recounting the investigation that filled my mind with anger. I explained, with a steady voice, about Seraphina’s parents’ innocence and our suspicion that the same person who had framed them was responsible for the illness that had plagued the pack.
As I spoke, their expressions turned grim.
“Poor Seraphina,” Tara exclaimed, her voice a mixture of shock and compassion. “To think of everything she’s been through, and her parents were innocent!” Her hazel eyes sparkled with anguish for her friend—a testament to her growing bond with Seraphina. I had confided in her precisely because I knew she cared.
Guilt constricted my chest like a vise, a reminder of how I had deepened Seraphina’s suffering yet again.
Carl raised a brow, setting his lined face into a thoughtful frown. “If you give me a list of everything you and Seraphina know about the dark magic associated with this illness, I may uncover more in the library.”
I nodded, relief mingling with lingering dread. “I will.”
Tara’s warrior instinct made her eager to know everything she could about the enemy. “What do you know about the illness and culprit so far?”
“The two females who died were briefly aides in the infirmary,” I explained, my voice steadying as the pieces fell into place. “I’m sure the illness originated there.” My tone turned grim, the dread welling up within me. “When I infected myself, I felt a rush of dark magic, something I recently sensed from Linda.”
I didn’t expound on how I’d sensed that dark magic from her.
Elder Carl’s expression turned more severe. “Elder Darius would not take kindly to accusation against his daughter without substantial proof.”
“Precisely,” I agreed, knowing I needed to tread carefully. “We need to gather evidence before any accusation is made within the Council.”
“And we must avoid arousing her suspicion,” Tara emphasized, her expression serious.
“My thoughts exactly,” I said. “I’ve already informed Linda that more packmates will be assigned to harvesting duty so I can create a reason to visit the storeroom under the radar.”
My resolve hardened, and I added, “Tara, I need you to prioritize protecting Seraphina. Whatever danger is lurking, it must not touch her again.” Saying it pained me, but I also recognized that Logan was Seraphina’s rightful protector, and I added, “Whenever Logan isn’t with her, you’re to be with her.”
Tara straightened. Her warrior spirit ignited as her hazel eyes flared with determination. “I promise she’ll be protected. You have my word. Can I let Seraphina know I’m aware of her parents’ innocence? It might help to give her someone to confide in.”
“Of course,” I replied. “But please refrain from mentioning my suspicions about Healer Linda.” A weight settled upon me. To think that Linda, who had once stood by my side as a potential mate, might now prove to be the source of darkness in our community was a bitter pill to swallow. That she had wrought more pain between Seraphina and me deepened my anger. I was determined to shield Seraphina from further upset.
Elder Carl soon bid me farewell before making his way to the library while Tara prepared to check on Seraphina. As they departed, I wrestled with the image of Seraphina—her arms wrapped around herself, her face a mask of steely resolve.
Determination coursed through my veins. There would be no room for mistakes. I was going to find a way to set things right. I’d fight for Seraphina’s happiness, even if it cost me everything.