When The Moon Hides Her Crown (Seraphina) by Pooja novel Chapter 292

THIRD PERSON POINT OF VIEW

“Is that so….”

Dread’s eyes spoke more than those three words. His gaze burned into hers, the silence between them stretching until he slowly lifted his hand, covering her eyes, his voice a low whisper in her ear. “You should not have…chosen him.”

Petal’s heart skipped a beat, and as her chest tightened, she slowly opened her eyes, only to find herself back in the flower garden by the cliff, the same place where she had first come to Dread that night. His words echoed in her mind, their weight pressing on her as she lay on the flower bed, eyes closing once more. "This is why I was not telling you..." she murmured under her breath.

She lay there unmoving for what felt like an eternity before she slowly rose to her feet. Her gaze drifted between the temple and Elysium Haven in the distance, the two forces pulling her in opposite directions. Her entire life, her kingdom, all of it had led her to this point. She had made her decision. Tossing the hem of her gown back, she strode toward the temple, where Theo was anxiously waiting.

“Petal, all the female Alphas had disappeared before we could bring any of them into our territory to protect them,” Theo’s voice cracked with panic.

Petal clenched her fists. Of course, Ryker wouldn’t reveal his plans to her before abducting the she-wolves. He was a step ahead.

“Why are you silent, Petal?” Theo pressed, desperation creeping into his voice. “Silas is out of reach, the other protectors are looking to me for answers, and the she-wolves in Elysium Haven are locked down for their own safety. But how long will that last? And now…the female Alphas are gone too. The entire realm is in chaos. The balance you created is falling apart, and all I can see is destruction—”

“I won’t let that happen,” Petal’s voice was low, firm, and devoid of any emotion. Her words seemed to chill the air around them. “I can still feel the female Alphas. They’re alive. I will bring them back, safe and secure. Elysium Haven will not be a prison for she-wolves. The realm will regain its balance. The peace and happiness will all return.”

With that, she walked past Theo, heading toward her bedroom.

Theo stood frozen, his heart heavy with dread, sensing the weight of her resolve. “Petal, what are you planning to do?” His voice trembled, his panic growing as she didn’t answer him. “Please, Petal, wait! I’m scared. Tell me what you’re—”

Petal stopped and turned to face him, her eyes meeting his with a cold, unyielding gaze. “Don’t worry. No one will be scared anymore.”

Theo watched helplessly as she disappeared into her room, locking the door behind her. He stared at the sky, the weight of Silas’ words settling in, his worst fears taking shape. For the first time in his life, he truly understood what Silas had meant. And for the first time, he feared the impossible: the loss of Blood Petal.

A moment later, Petal stood before Ryker.

“I knew you’d come,” Ryker said, sitting in the living room of his dark palace, a smile curling his lips as he watched Petal enter. This time she entered this nightmare on her own.

“Let those female Alphas go,” Petal demanded.

“Again, you’re thinking about other people when you should be thinking about us,” Ryker replied, his legs crossed casually as he sipped from his wine glass. But his grip on the glass tightened, his eyes darkening. “I captured them for tomorrow night’s new moon ritual, but it seems you never learn your lesson, Petal.”

Ryker chuckled darkly. “I don’t believe you, my little flower. You saying that you choose me doesn’t prove you’ve fully accepted me, nor that you won’t betray me.”

“How do I prove it to you?” Petal asked, her voice steady, though her mind raced.

Ryker’s smile twisted darkly. “Think of a way on your own.” He conjured dark smoke around him, swirling the air with a suffocating power that could detect any lies.

Ryker’s heart skipped a beat, his eyes wide with disbelief. The words he’d been craving to hear finally echoed in his ears. His expression, once furious and dark, softened as he glanced down at Petal, so close to him that he could barely control himself.

Grabbing her arm, he pinned her against the nearest wall, leaning down to kiss her. His hands moved lower, desperate to touch her, but still, he couldn’t.

“AHHH…fuck!” Ryker roared, his fist slamming into the wall beside her in frustration. His breathing came in ragged gasps, his eyes burning with lust and desire.

Petal stood frozen, holding her breath as Ryker lifted her chin, his voice a low growl. “Tomorrow, after our marriage, I’ll set the she-wolves free. Be prepared to bear my mark, and be my Luna.”