Reign of the Forsaken Moon - Chapter 41: Chapter 41

The storm came without thunder.
It swept across Windrest in silence, a quiet shadow that dimmed the sky and stilled the birds. No rain. No wind. Just an oppressive stillness that made even the bravest warriors pause mid-step and glance toward the horizon.
Seraphina stood at the watchtower, the Crescent Blade strapped to her back, her dark cloak billowing as if caught in a wind only she could feel.
Below, Windrest bustled with nervous energy—guards checking weapons, scouts sharpening their senses, citizens whispering about the howl that had echoed through the mountains the night before.
But Seraphina was watching the road.
And her heartbeat stuttered when she saw the lone rider crest the hill.
The Rider from the Veil
He wore a cloak of shadow-stained fur and rode a black stallion whose hooves left no imprint in the dirt. A thin scar crossed his jaw, and his hair was longer than when she had last seen him—but the eyes…
Those eyes haunted her dreams.
“Open the gates,” she ordered.
Mira, beside her, blinked. “Seraphina… is that…?”
“Yes.” Her voice was hard. “It’s him.”
The Return of Elric Nightthorn
When the rider entered the inner courtyard, he dismounted slowly and pulled back his hood.
Elric Nightthorn.
Her former betrothed.
Her first lover.
The male who had betrayed her kingdom to the Hollowfangs ten years ago—and who had been presumed dead in the aftermath.
And yet here he was.
Alive.
Beautiful.
Dangerous.
Seraphina descended the stairs, her steps deliberate. Darian appeared behind her, his energy radiating tension like a predator ready to strike.
“Seraphina,” Elric said, bowing slightly. “You haven’t aged a day.”
“You, however,” she said coldly, “have a lot of nerve walking back into my walls.”
“I bring no sword,” he replied. “Only answers.”
Darian stepped forward. “And who gave you the right to speak to the Luna?”
Elric smiled. “Fated mates. They’re always so possessive.”
Seraphina held up a hand. “Enough.”
She stared into Elric’s eyes. “You’re supposed to be dead.”
He smirked. “I was. And yet, death spat me back out.”
A Secret Revealed
They met in the war chamber, the doors sealed tight. Only Seraphina, Darian, Mira, and Kael were present.
Elric stood near the hearth, his expression serious.
“I made a deal,” he said, “with the Crescent Veil.”
“The ancient blood oath?” Mira whispered. “That’s forbidden magic.”
“I know,” Elric said. “But it was the only way to stop Celestine from claiming something far worse than your throne.”
Seraphina narrowed her eyes. “Speak clearly.”
“There is an ancient force older than Luna or Alpha,” he said. “The First Wolf. The Hollow One. He sleeps beneath the Veil, and Celestine wants to wake him.”
“And you helped her once,” Darian growled.
“I was young. Foolish. In love with ambition.”
His eyes flicked to Seraphina. “And in love with someone I didn’t deserve.”
Darian’s growl deepened.
Seraphina looked between them, her expression unreadable.
“If what you say is true,” she said, “why come now?”
“Because,” Elric said slowly, “Celestine doesn’t want Windrest anymore. She wants you, Seraphina. Body and soul.”
The Bond Wavers
Later that night, Seraphina stood on her balcony, the moon casting silver over her skin. She didn’t turn when Darian joined her.
“You’re quiet,” he said.
“So are you.”
He stepped behind her, placing his hands on her hips.
“I don’t trust him,” he whispered.
“Neither do I.”
“But?”
She turned to face him. “But the prophecy said betrayal. And it said love would burn. What if Elric’s return is the spark?”
Darian’s jaw tightened. “Do you regret us?”
Her eyes widened. “Never.”
“Because when he looks at you…”
“I see a ghost,” she interrupted. “But you, Darian, you’re the fire I choose. Every time.”
He pulled her close, lips brushing hers. “Then let me remind you why.”
Steamy Vows
She kissed him hard—tongue sliding into his mouth, hunger spilling into every breath. Her hands pulled at his belt, and he lifted her effortlessly, pressing her back against the stone wall.
“Mine,” he growled.
“Yes,” she gasped. “Yours. Only yours.”
They moved with urgency, skin against skin, teeth and tongue and breath. And when they collapsed together, limbs tangled and hearts pounding, she whispered into his chest:
“I don’t care what prophecy says. I will burn the world to keep you.”
The Deeper Game
Two days later, Elric remained in Windrest. He walked the halls like he belonged, speaking with guards, whispering to Mira, even laughing once with Lucien.
But Seraphina watched him closely.
And then came the moment she’d been waiting for.
A courier intercepted a coded scroll meant for Hollowfang.
Signed with Elric’s old blood sigil.
He was still playing both sides.
Seraphina stood in the throne room as the guards dragged Elric in, bloodied and silent.
“You lied,” she said coldly.
“No,” he replied. “I just didn’t tell you everything.”
She stepped down from the dais. “Give me one reason not to sever your head.”
He looked up at her, blood dripping from his jaw.
“Because I know what the prophecy really means.”
The Truth of the Moon’s Warning
“The First Wolf isn’t just an ancient evil,” Elric said. “He is her father.”
Seraphina’s breath caught.
“What?”
Elric smiled grimly. “You were reborn through fire. But your blood was always half-shadow. Celestine wants to wake the First not to destroy you—but to reclaim you.”
“She’s lying,” Darian spat.
“No,” Elric said. “She believes Seraphina was meant to rule—not as Luna of Windrest—but as the dark queen of a new world.”
Silence fell.
Then Seraphina laughed—a low, dangerous sound.
“She can believe what she wants,” she said. “But I’ve made my choice.”
“And that is?”
She looked at Darian.
“My mate. My pack. My kingdom."