Chapter 2: Blood and Betrayal
SERAPHINA
"You're planning on killing my father?"
The words came out strangled. I couldn't believe what I'd just heard.
"You're planning treason."
I whispered, pushing myself against the wall, putting distance between us. I had no idea what he'd do next.
"Yes, Princess. Treason. And I'm taking your dragons too. You really think I'd agree to marry you otherwise?"
My blood went cold.
"Impossible."
I snapped, pushing myself toward the door. I had to get out. Had to warn my father. Had to do something.
"What are you going to do? Run to daddy and tell him your betrothed is planning to murder him? You think he'll believe you?"
Adrian asked, and I froze.
He was right. He knew exactly what kind of man my father was—the kind who never listened to me, who'd probably laugh in my face and have me locked up for being hysterical.
"Why are you doing this?"
I whispered, feeling hopeless for the first time in my life.
He laughed. Not a quiet laugh, but loud and mocking.
"You think I want to marry a Lancaster? Your family created the Lord of Misery. Your grandfather, your father—they tortured him, experimented on him. Your family is the reason for all the bloodshed, the ruined kingdoms, the destroyed lives. You have so much blood on your hands, Seraphina. Blood you can never wash off. I'll help you defeat Draven Gravestone, sure. But you'll spend the rest of your life paying for what your family did."
His voice was cold, serious. The weight of his words crushed the air out of my lungs.
I had to get out.
I shoved past him and walked out of his chambers. The second the door closed behind me, my body sagged against it. I took deep, shaking breaths, my heart pounding so hard I thought it'd break through my ribs.
"I need to speak with my father."
I whispered to myself, then started walking quickly away from Adrian's halls.
I had to tell him. Even if he didn't believe me, I had to try.
As I walked through the castle, I heard noises coming from outside. I moved to the tall windows and looked out.
My heart sank.
Three guards were flogging a slave. The man looked half-starved, his body covered in scars and fresh wounds.
A tear slipped down my cheek.
I wanted to run down there, stop them, free every single slave in this cursed place. But I couldn't. My father had made it clear—I wasn't allowed near the slaves. He'd ordered the guards to keep me away.
He'd stopped me from interfering so many times I'd lost count.
"Princess Seraphina."
A voice made me turn. My personal bodyguard stood a few feet away, head bowed.
"The alpha wants to see you in court."
My stomach dropped.
"Court? Why?"
He shook his head, sadness in his eyes.
"I can't say."
"Are there other alphas there? Lords?"
Dread pooled in my chest. He nodded.
Fuck.
I straightened my shoulders and lifted my chin.
"Fine. Let's go."
My voice came out steady, even though inside I was screaming.
The moment the courtroom doors opened, every conversation died. Every eye turned to me.
The scene was horrifying. Exactly what I'd been avoiding my whole life.
But my father always found ways to drag me into his twisted games.
Alphas, vampires, witches, lords—all gathered in one room. The stench of sex and perfume mixed with the smell of fear and pain from the slaves kneeling at their masters' feet.
"We welcome Seraphina Lancaster, first of her name, daughter of Alpha Henry Lancaster, seventh in line to her throne, betrothed of Adrian Bateaus. She honors us with her presence."
The announcer's voice echoed through the hall.
I walked toward my father's throne, shoulders back, chin high. But I felt every stare burning into me.
The lords had slaves clutching their cocks. The women had male slaves between their legs, fingers buried in their cunts, moaning softly while staring at me.
Disgusting.
I kept my face cold, expressionless. I'd learned how to survive these scenes a long time ago.
My father sat on his throne, unmoved, a small smile on his lips.
"You called for me, father?"
I said, keeping my head straight, staring at the chandeliers instead of the horrors around me.
He turned to look at me. His silver crown sat on his white hair—hair I'd inherited. His silver eyes—also mine—stared at me with something that looked almost like affection.
But I knew better. There was nothing but calculation behind that look.
"I wanted you to see this. What do you think?"
He gestured to the scene.
I'd need three baths after this.
"Repulsive."
I said firmly, making sure he knew exactly how I felt.
He chuckled.
"I've trained you for years to understand power. To learn what it takes to keep it. Our fight for power made the goddess bless us with dragons. She gave us the ability to speak with them, control them, make them obey. That's why every pack, every kingdom, every land fears us. That's why I'm the alpha king. Because I'm Henry Lancaster. One of a kind. And you, my daughter... you're too weak to carry that power."
His voice was cold, firm, commanding. It made my wolf whimper inside me.
"But you weren't powerful enough to protect us from what's coming. From the enemy you created—Draven Gravestone."
My breath caught.
He knew. He knew Draven was coming for us.