When The Moon Hides Her Crown (Seraphina) by Pooja novel Chapter 244

**He Promised to Give Me the World, Yet the Price Was My Soul by Caden Blake**

**Chapter 244: Ravenscroft**

“We will always be Seraphina and Ronan.”

In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still, and the chaos of the world around us faded into a mere whisper, leaving only the two of us suspended in our own universe. My heart raced, caught in a whirlwind of emotions, as tears streamed down my cheeks, relentless and unyielding. I found myself wrapped once again in his warm embrace, just as I had been before, and it felt like coming home. My instincts screamed at me to pull away, to retreat into the shadows of my own heart, bracing for the inevitable end that always seemed to loom. Yet this man—this magnificent creature—pulled me back into his arms, as if he could sense the darkness that clung to my soul.

The love I had thought I had lost was surging back to life, more fervent and consuming than I had ever imagined possible. But as the weight of reality pressed down on my shoulders, I felt an overwhelming urge to shatter the spell that our kiss had woven.

Ronan’s eyes fluttered open, tracking my retreating form with an intensity that sent shivers racing down my spine. “Seraphina…”

Without a word, I turned and fled, my heart pounding like a war drum as I navigated the labyrinthine halls of the ruins. Each twist and turn felt like a reminder of my inner turmoil, echoing the shadows of my past that clung to me like a second skin. Finally, I burst into the open air, where a vast field unfolded before me, bathed in the ethereal glow of the moon. The silver grass swayed gently in the night breeze, and I could see a narrow stream shimmering softly in the distance, illuminated by the moonlight, beckoning me to release my burdens.

I sank to the riverbank, the cool earth grounding me as I watched the water ripple and swirl. Memories flooded my mind—vivid flashes of moments I knew I could never escape, moments that haunted me like restless spirits.

Then, unexpectedly, warmth enveloped me. Strong arms encircled my waist, pulling me back against a familiar, solid chest. Ronan’s breath brushed against my ear as he murmured, “Don’t run from me, Seraphina,” and pressed a tender kiss against my cheek, igniting a spark of longing within me.

My eyes fluttered shut, another tear slipping free as I felt the turmoil within me clash with the comfort of his presence. “Why do you still want to hold me?” I whispered, my voice trembling with uncertainty, heavy with the weight of my past.

“I have no reason to let you go,” he replied softly, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. “Letting you go means relinquishing my very existence, and that’s not a sacrifice I can make.”

Pain twisted in my heart, and my lips quivered as I faced him, the truth of my past threatening to unravel me. “But I’m the reason your mother…” My voice faltered, the weight of my words pressing heavily in the air. “Don’t you hate me? You wanted to kill the Blood Petal, to avenge her death and suffering. Because of me, countless innocent women have perished—”

“Shhh…” His finger pressed gently against my lips, silencing me with a tenderness that both soothed and confused me.

“It was the white flower that brought about all that devastation,” he said, his tone soothing yet firm. “But you—you are alive. You are not that monster. You haven’t harmed anyone. Yes, I felt hatred. Yes, I craved vengeance. But none of that matters now. Because the Blood Petal is you, my soulmate, my one and only. The day I raise my hand against you will never come.”

His thumb brushed away my tears, and he continued, “Call me a hypocrite or a fool, but even if you were an evil soul, a poisonous flower destined to bring destruction, I would still choose you, Seraphina. I can’t alter the past. I can’t resurrect my mother. But my present… is you. And I refuse to lose you. I won’t allow you to run. If you attempt to escape, I swear I will burn this world to ashes before I let you go.”

Before he could utter another word, I turned and wrapped my arms tightly around his waist, burying my face in the comforting expanse of his chest, seeking solace in his unwavering strength.

He held me fiercely, our hearts beating in a harmonious rhythm, a beautiful symphony of connection that resonated deep within my soul.

“Don’t burn down the world. I want to live in this beautiful place for as long as I can,” I murmured, my voice quaking as I fought to keep my tears at bay.

How could he love me this fiercely? How could someone like him choose to stand by me? I felt overwhelmingly blessed, yet utterly unworthy.

“You love this world that much?” he asked gently, pressing a soft kiss to the top of my head, grounding me further in the moment.

“Yes,” I whispered, my gaze lost in the moonlight dancing on the river’s surface. “This world is breathtaking. So beautiful that,” I slowly lifted my head to meet his captivating violet eyes, “for the first time in my life, I got to see a Lycan. I had no idea your kind even existed.”

A flicker of something shy yet playful danced in his gaze before his lips curved into a faint smile. “Then I shall take you to my kingdom,” he promised, his voice rich and deep with conviction. “I will show you just how wondrous this world can be.”

I gasped, blinking in astonishment. “Y-you have a kingdom?” The question slipped out before I could hold it back. “Who are you, really?”

He tilted his head, a devilish smirk playing on his lips. “The Lycan King.”

My heart stuttered in my chest, and for a moment, I could only stare at him, my eyes wide with disbelief. Suddenly, everything clicked into place: the incredible strength, the burning red aura, the raw power that radiated from him like a tempest. He wasn’t merely above me; he was above everyone.

“H-how old are you then?” I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible. “A hundred? Two hundred?”

Ronan chuckled, reaching out to playfully pinch my nose. “Do you think I’m your great-grandfather or something?” His violet eyes twinkled with mischief. “Don’t buy into those absurd fairy tales in picture books. I’m twenty-five.”

A sheepish smile tugged at my lips. “Sorry. I just thought… being a King at such a young age—”

He sighed, shaking his head in amusement. “My old man couldn’t wait to hand over the throne. He had been eagerly anticipating my return for years, claiming he was tired. The truth is, he just wanted to keep me close. So, he passed down the throne and the kingdom to me as soon as I came of age, while he decided to ‘retire,’ which he is still managing reluctantly because I am here.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify