When The Moon Hides Her Crown (Seraphina) by Pooja novel Chapter 261

**He Promised to Give Me the World, Yet the Price Was My Soul by Caden Blake**
**Chapter 261: Need Help**

Regaining my composure took longer than I had anticipated. I dabbed at my tear-streaked cheeks, inhaling deeply to steady my racing heart. The last thing I wanted was for Ronan to catch a glimpse of my vulnerability. After I dressed, I made my way back toward the clearing, determined to mask any signs of my emotional turmoil. But there he was—Ronan, standing like a sentinel, watching me with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat.

As I halted in my tracks, the realization hit me like a wave; he had been there all along, his gaze fixed on me. Our eyes locked in a silent exchange, and in that moment, time itself seemed to freeze. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, he stepped closer and enveloped me in his arms. The warmth of his embrace was a balm to my aching heart, and I instinctively closed my eyes, leaning into him, feeling safe.

We remained in that cocoon of silence, the world around us fading into the background until I finally whispered, “Ronan, I love you.” His grip tightened around me, and he asked softly, “Even after I killed all the male members of your pack?”

“Yes,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. It would be madness to harbor blame or hatred toward him; those males had chosen pride over peace, and I knew that all too well. The she-wolves had made that abundantly clear.

Slowly, he released me from his embrace, his gaze searching mine. With a gentle touch, he brushed his thumb beneath my swollen eyes. “You look tired.”

“Well, yes, but more than sleep, I could really use a shower,” I joked lightly, a chuckle escaping my lips. “I smell like a bear.”

“No way,” he said with a playful grin, rubbing his nose against mine. “You smell amazing.”

I laughed, “You’re a terrible liar.”

“I’m being serious! There’s a lake south of the Blackpine Forest. How about we go there after dinner?”

A smile crept onto my lips, “Are you asking me out on a date?”

“Absolutely,” he said, pressing his lips to mine in a soft kiss. “Just make sure you actually show up, alright?”

I nodded, returning the kiss, “Okay.”

Hand in hand, we strolled back to the clearing, a sense of contentment enveloping us.

Suddenly, Mace approached, his demeanor serious. “Alpha, may I speak with you for a moment?”

I reluctantly released Ronan’s hand, sensing the weight of the conversation that was about to unfold. “You should go,” I encouraged him softly.

He nodded, albeit hesitantly, and walked away.

“What is it?” Ronan inquired, his brow furrowing with concern.

“Alpha, King Charles’ whereabouts are currently unknown.”

I found myself eavesdropping, my heart racing at the mention of the king. Ronan’s expression darkened. “What do you mean?”

“I saw Charles’ car on my way here, but he wasn’t inside. I searched the Royal Pack, but he hasn’t returned.”

I stepped further into the clearing, my mind racing with thoughts of King Charles. Where could he have vanished to?

The clearing was alive with activity; people were gathering wood for the fire, and tents were being erected with a sense of urgency. The scent of freshly hunted deer and rabbits wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way toward the water bottles when Aran approached me, his expression serious yet calm.

“Seraphina, I need your help with something,” he said, his voice steady.

“Of course! How can I assist?” I replied, eager to lend a hand.

He gestured toward Luna Victoria, who sat beneath a tent, wrapped in a blanket. She appeared lost, her eyes scanning the surroundings as if searching for something familiar. The untouched food before her was a clear indication of her distress.

“Is she unwell?” I asked, concern flooding my voice.

“Not exactly sick,” Aran clarified. “But she’s not recognizing food or drink right now. Your presence seems to soothe her, but it’s not enough. She needs more than just the clothes she’s wearing.”

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