Seraphina's POV

I stared at Kael, confused. Was this another one of his jokes?

"How can I convince you?" Kael sighed, looking like he was deep in thought.

"Are you serious, Kael?" I scrutinized him.

"Ah, yes!" Kael pulled something from his pocket. It was a small silver object adorned with intricate and beautiful engravings. "This is a whistle. It's a kind of summoning device. This whistle only works if its owner, the Queen, blows it. That's you, Seraphina." Kael handed the whistle to me.

"You said a summoning device? Summon what?" I took the whistle and examined it closely. It wasn't just any engraving; it was a Latin inscription.

"The... Guardian?" I tried to decipher the complicated Latin text.

"You're right. The Guardian. Only the Guardian can hear the whistle, and only the Luna Queen can blow it."

"So you mean this is to call the Guardian? But who is the Guardian?"

"There are two Guardians. One is an Eternal Beast, a Griffin. He is the Queen's guardian. Don't worry, even though you haven't met him yet, he will instantly know you are his mistress. The second Guardian is the Keeper of the Intermediate Stone. He is responsible for transferring the stone's power to the Queen. I must admit, this Guardian is incredibly handsome."

"Who is this Guardian?"

"Me." Kael smiled, raising his eyebrows.

"I should have known." I looked at him flatly. "Is everything you're saying true?"

"There's only one way to find out." Kael looked at the whistle in my hand.

I figured it wouldn't hurt to try. I blew the whistle, but no sound came out. I tried again, blowing harder, but still nothing.

"HEY!!! Stop blowing it so hard, you're going to make me deaf! Ahh, at times like this, I curse my sharp hearing," Kael said, covering his ears and grimacing. What's wrong with him?

"What's wrong with you? This thing is obviously broken. It doesn't make any sound, you know!"

"I guess you didn't listen to my story carefully. The whistle can only be heard by the Guardian."

I winced in embarrassment, realizing my own mistake. Suddenly, I saw something flying in the sky.

What is that? The creature landed in front of me and immediately bowed. I was shocked by what I saw. Could this be real?

"That is Griffin. Your eternal guardian. And he is the one who saved you when you were in that special room."

"But how is that possible? I didn't even call him then. How did he know I... wait, wasn't I supposed to have died from that arrow?"

"Griffin can sense when your life is in danger. You weren't dead yet at that time. The Moon Goddess entrusted Griffin to restore your life. You might not know this, but you have a strong bond with him. Griffin is your eternal guardian; when you're in danger, his instincts can track you. It's that kind of bond."

What Kael said was true. When Seraphina was in that special room, Griffin took her to meet the Moon Goddess. Because her destiny as Luna Queen was yet to be fulfilled, the Moon Goddess restored Seraphina's life, with the condition that her body first had to be submerged in the sacred pool.

"What about you? You said you're also a guardian, right? Do you have a bond like that with me too?"

"Oh, how will I survive this? Even my charm can conquer the Queen?" Kael looked at me with his strange smile, raising and lowering his eyebrows.

"Suddenly, I regret asking you that." Kael laughed at my response.

How can there be someone like him? Even in a serious moment, he can still joke around?

"We do have a bond, Seraphina. I can only sense when your life is in danger. But even so, I can't track you when you're in peril. Only Griffin can do that. That night, I tried to find you, deploying all my warriors. In the middle of the search, Griffin came to me carrying you. I immediately brought you to my pack. The doctor said you had been pierced by an arrow. I was really worried then." Kael looked ahead, lost in thought.

I imagined my condition at that time. Again. Every time I recalled all of it, I felt a tightness in my chest. It was as if no oxygen could enter my lungs.

"Kael..." Kael looked at me silently. "I don't think I can be the Luna Queen." I lowered my head, feeling regret.

"What?! Listen. You didn't choose to be the Queen, Sera. But this is your destiny. You can't avoid it." Kael placed his hands on my shoulders and tried to look into my eyes.

"I'm sorry, Kael, I can't do it." Rex, sensing my words, nuzzled my chest softly as if to whine.

"But why?" Kael looked at me, confused.

"Kael..." I sighed. I tried to gather my strength to say this. "That night, I was truly desperate and accepted my death." Kael was shocked by my statement.

All those memories resurfaced. I tried my best to hide my emotions from Kael. I didn't want him to see me as pathetic.

"My mate tried to reject me and be with another girl. Didn't you say it yourself? A Luna Queen needs her mate to control her power; otherwise, the consequences would be disastrous. How can I be a Queen when my mate doesn't even want me?" It felt like there was something stuck in my throat.

All memories of Evander felt so bitter. Kael turned his gaze forward. The muscles in his neck tightened, and his expression turned menacing. I saw a glint of gold in his eyes.

He was clearly holding back his anger. Was it because of my story? Honestly, this was the first time I saw Kael like this; he looked terrifying. I missed the annoying Kael.

"Kael..."

"We'll make him regret it." Kael looked at me, instantly changing his expression. He wore that strange smile again. One thing I realized now, Kael was good at hiding his emotions.

"What do you mean?" I looked at him, puzzled.

"We'll make a plan so you can be with your mate again."

"What?! You want me to beg for his love again?! I refuse! I'm completely sick of dealing with him!" Just the thought of it made me feel disgusted with myself.

For years, I begged for his love, and after my heart was shattered by him, Kael now wants me to beg again?! I'd rather die!

"Do you think I'd let you chase after him? Hah?! You are the Queen, Sera! Let him be the one to beg for you. That's how it should be."

"Regardless of who chases whom, in the end, you want me to be with him, right?!" I looked at Kael, filled with emotion.

I can't do this. Evander. I hate him too much. It's too painful to be with him and remember all the wounds.

"I know I might seem cruel saying this, but please give your past a chance, Sera. The fate of my pack is in your hands. The Intermediate Stone needs its owner, and you're the one. If the stone isn't claimed by the right time, it will destroy my entire pack, and all my people could die."

"What do you mean?"

"You know the stone is in my pack now. Specifically, at the core of my pack, a place only I can go. In six days, a big day is coming for you, Sera. You can't avoid it. You haven't been able to shift all this time, right? In six days, you'll get your shift. When the entire solar system aligns. That day marks the death and rebirth of the Queen. If the Intermediate Stone isn't claimed by its owner on that day, my whole pack will be destroyed, and we will all die."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. To me, everything Kael said sounded like a crazy destiny. I knew I couldn't be selfish and only think about my feelings. I was truly conflicted now.

"I think I've told too many stories tonight. Go back to your room, Seraphina. You still need plenty of rest. And please, think everything over carefully. Good night, Queen."

Kael left me. I looked at Rex, hoping to find an answer. Rex nuzzled his head against my stomach, and it tickled a bit. I gently stroked his head, and he purred like a cat.

"What should I do now, Rex? Should I go back to Evan?" Rex looked at me and nodded with a purring sound. I sighed heavily. So this is my fate? So complicated and confusing.

Aurora Guardians Pack.

Those eyes stared intently at the large mirror before her, her gaze unable to hide her red and puffy eyes. She saw her reflection in the mirror.

Her face was utterly messed up. There were so many emotions in her sharp gaze. Anger, sadness, devastation, disgust, and regret were so great that it was slowly destroying her soul.

He was angry, sad, and devastated. He deeply regretted hurting Seraphina too profoundly, which disgusted him with himself.

The door to the room opened, and Viktor approached Evan. Viktor could only let out a harsh sigh as he saw his Alpha and best friend on the edge of destruction.

Viktor's original intention was to scold Evan. Lately, Evan had never done his job as Alpha, which had left Viktor confused because his duties had multiplied.

All Evan did was lock himself up and stay in Seraphina's room. Seeing Evan like this, Viktor's intentions fizzled out instantly.

Viktor only saw Evan's silence; the object he was looking at was now indifferent, as if he didn't exist.

Viktor honestly felt sorry for Evan's current condition. But how else could Evan himself create such destruction for himself?

Viktor sat on the small bed beside Evan. He followed Evan's gaze. "Are you trying to see how broken you are right now, Huh?"

Viktor looked at Evan through the reflection of the large mirror before him. There was no answer or glance from Evan.

Viktor let out another resigned sigh. "Come on Evan, you're acting like the world is ending! Don't keep locking yourself in Seraphina's room."

This time, Viktor looked Evan directly in the eye with annoyance. "Get out Viktor! You'll contaminate Seraphina's scent!"

Evan spoke without looking at Viktor. This time, Viktor reached into his jacket pocket for something and held something out to Evan.

"I think this is for you. I picked it up at the party. He dropped this when you rejected him." A small black box with a pretty red ribbon. Seraphina's gift to Evan.

"Seraphina?" Evan accepted the box. Viktor patted Evan on the shoulder and walked away. He stopped at the doorway.

"I think you should know this Evan. The warriors couldn't find Seraphina. The girl's scent was lost in the ravine, this is just a guess. You must be prepared if Seraphina..." Before Viktor could finish his sentence, Evan cut in.

"OUT!" Evan couldn't bear to hear what Viktor would say.

He didn't want to be punished like this. Evan could accept any punishment as long as Seraphina lived.

Viktor closed the door and left. Evan looked sadly at the gift in his hand. Once again, he couldn't hold back his tears.

This seemed to be a record high in terms of crying in Evan's life. In fact, he had never cried before, even though when his father left, he could still hold it all in.

Evan opened the gift and smiled bitterly at its contents-a very cute handkerchief made by Seraphina. Evan took the handkerchief and inhaled deeply, trying to fill his senses with Seraphina's scent.

He looked at the gift again and found a folded paper inside. The man tried to open the envelope, which turned out to be a letter. Evan wiped his face roughly as he read the contents of the letter.

"Hi Evan, Happy birthday!.... I hope this letter reaches you. I have so much to say, but I can't do it in person. That's why I'm trying to write this letter. But strangely when I try to start writing, I don't know what to say. Take it easy, I won't ask you to accept me. I just want you to know that I love you very much. Maybe to you this is just a useless love letter, but I'm writing this with the sincerity of the feelings I have for you. You know Evan, it seems like my feelings can't be helped anymore. You're always giving me wounds but stupidly I can't stop my feelings, it feels like my feelings are getting deeper every day. I don't want you to have regrets later. Because I know it will hurt you a lot. If only we could share our wounds and heal each other, then your heart would definitely be more peaceful. I'm not good at composing beautiful poems, all I can write are simple words. All I want is one thing Evan, your happiness. I love you Evan, very much. I hope you're not disgusted by this letter I've written because this letter is my prayer for you. If hurting me will lessen your pain, then that's fine with me. Because you are the only purpose of my life. Once again I say with all my flaws, I love you Evan, my Mat..." - Seraphina.

Evan sobbed as he read the letter. Absolute devastation was coming to him. The man rubbed his face roughly. Every word Seraphina wrote managed to become a spear that pierced Evan.

"AARRGH"

A cry of anguish rang out loudly in the room. Evan held his chest tightly, hoping to ease the pain. But it was useless; the pain only increased.

He had never felt this broken in his entire life. If he could choose, he would fight hundreds of werewolves instead of feeling the pain of Seraphina leaving him.

The door to the room opened again, and we saw Luna Freya and Alpha Nimph looking at Evan with worried looks.

Seeing their son like this was heartbreaking. It was true that Luna Freya and Alpha Nimph were still angry with Evan's decision, but now that anger melted into sadness at seeing their son destroyed.

Luna Freya approached and immediately embraced Evan. Seeing her son's state, Luna Freya held back her tears. Alpha Nimph also approached.

"If you really regret it and really love him then get up! You won't get anything if you just sit there brooding over your regrets, Evan! Find her at all costs. Bring her home with your own hands. Seraphina will not return if you continue like this."

Alpha Nimph tried to get Evan to wake up. Alpha Nimph hoped this would be a slap in the face to her son for wasting such a precious girl.

***

Seraphina POV

I closed my eyes, letting the night breeze gently slap my face. I was standing on my room's balcony because I couldn't sleep. Kael's words kept ringing in my head.

"In six days you will get your shift. Right when the entire solar system is on one straight line. That day is the day of the Queen's death and resurrection. If until that day the Intermediary Stone is not retrieved by its owner, then my entire pack will be destroyed and we will all die."

I'm not that willing to let Kael's pack be destroyed. But if I'm not the one to pull out the Intermediary Stone, who will? If I let the Black Witch have it, I would destroy the immortal world.

But if I pull out the Intermediary Stone, it means I have to accept my destiny as Queen, which requires me to return to Evan.

How can I return if Evan hates me so much? I don't want my heart to be in constant pain.

I can't deny that deep in my little heart, there is still a feeling for him, but unfortunately, my hatred is just as great.

Loving someone you hate isn't so easy. It was complete! Sean hates me, and I hate him.

Our relationship is going to fail. I sighed tiredly, thinking about all this. 'What do you think, Lys?' I scanned Lysa to see what she thought.

'I don't know Sera. Honestly, I feel a little relieved that Evan didn't legitimately reject us that time and that I can still survive until now. We can't be selfish and only think about our feelings. The entire immortal world is in our hands.'

Lysa was right. If fate leads me to return to Evan, then what can I do? But can I stay with Evan? Can I survive? I'm still deciding whether to be accepted by Evan and think of staying by his side.

When Evan sees me again, he will surely kick me out of sight and continue his pending rejection. Gosh, all this is almost driving me crazy! What should I do now?

Kael laughed at Sera. "Waahh I seem to be a great person at hiding. You didn't see me before? Really? Since you left the room I followed you and hid behind. Seeing you like a confused person is so funny."

Sera looked gaping in disbelief. She wanted to smash her head against the wall. How could she talk like an innocent human being? Sera's patience was really being tested.

"So all this time you were hiding behind me and watching me look for you everywhere like a fool? Why did you do that?!"

Sera tried to hold back the annoyance that was about to explode. "Just wanted to."

Kael spoke very casually while shrugging his shoulders. Sera tried to catch her breath so that she could face him more calmly.

"You seem to be very talented at making people's blood boil. Sera looked at him with restrained annoyance.

"Really? That's good then." Kael looked at Sera with his annoying grin.

Never mind, Sera... Patience... This conversation will only give you a headache. The girl tried to forget her annoyance at Kael.

Kael sat next to Sera. Both of them were silent for a while until the girl opened her voice.

"You said that I should be the one to pull out the medium stone, right? And you told me to go back to Evan?"

Sera spoke forward without looking at Kael. From the corner of her eye, she saw Kael nod. Silence struck them again. Kael sighed and turned to Sera.

"Have you made a decision?" Kael spoke softly.

"I think so. But I'm not sure about this Kael." I returned the man's gaze.

"What is it?"

Sera could see from Kael's gaze that she was anxious for his answer. "I will remove the stone and..." Sera hung up my sentence. "Return to Evan."

Sera continued her sentence hesitantly. Kael heard a sigh of relief. The man immediately grabbed Sera's shoulders and locked gazes with both of them.

"Listen Seraphina! You're going to get Evan back. You said he rejected you for another girl, right? Then we must make him regret it and he will come to you again." Kael spoke with conviction.

Kael did not know the truth yet. "Kael..."

Sera hung her sentence, unsure whether to say this or not. Bringing this up would only hurt her again.

"Actually, the main reason Evan rejected me wasn't because of another girl. But he thought that the cause of his father's death was because he tried to protect me from the rogue's attack. Ever since then, he's hated me and never accepted me as his dead."

Sera struggled to say this with a choked throat. Kael just watched me silently; from his gaze, I could tell he was surprised.

"And is that true?" Kael looked at her intensely.

Sera just shook her head in response. "Sean misunderstood. I don't know where he heard that. No matter how hard I tried to explain, he didn't give me a chance." Sera's eyes burned with tears. She thought things had gotten better, but they were still the same.

Kael hugged her. The gentle stroking of his hand on her back made Sera unable to hold back her tears.

This was the first time she had ever confided in someone. This was the first time someone soothed her when she cried.

Kael didn't say anything, but his embrace said it all. For the first time, Sera felt that there was a place for her to run. Although Kael sometimes annoyed her, he was a good friend.

Kael released his hug when Sera was calmer. The man wiped away the remaining tears on Sera's temples.

"That means you are innocent. Then our first step is to resuscitate her. I will help you, Seraphina. Although my primary duty is to guard the Intermediary Stone, I am also in charge of guarding the Queen." Kael smiled at Sera.

Sera stared at Kael silently, thinking that every trait of the man was a surprise. This is the first time I've seen Aaron full of sincerity like this.

"Do you know what I realized when you cried?" Kael looked back at Sera deeply.

Sera just shook her head. "When you cry you're... Ugly! Hahaha."

Kael burst out laughing, seeing the girl's face so upset. Sera immediately hit his chest. Couldn't she be serious any longer? Hearing his incessant laughter made Sera laugh, too. Kael had a unique way to make Sera forget her problems, which was to find new issues with her.

"Since you've made up your mind, we should train your powers." Kael took her to the middle of the forest, which was still pack territory.

Here was the right place-an empty place in the shape of a large circle surrounded by trees.

"Your shift change is in four days, I need to know how strong you are so I can know where to start training you." Kael spoke five meters in front of Sera.

"I think you should teach me the basics. I haven't had a chance to learn how to fight or anything like that. The whole pack hates me, and no one wants to teach me." Hearing Sera speak, Kael just stayed silent with an angry look. Well, who wouldn't be furious if he had to teach everything from scratch? It would take a long time.

"You bastards!!! They're just stupid, barbaric creatures! They're really worse than dogs!"Sera glared in shock at all of Kael's swearing. "Then I'll make you good at fighting, Sera. Let's see who will swallow their own saliva!"

Sera looked at Kael, who was really determined. The girl chuckled at seeing him upset like that. Her face was so cute. All this time, she was only talented at making others upset, but now she was upset herself.

That afternoon, Kael taught Sera all the basic fighting techniques, including attacking, defending, punching, and kicking.

Kael didn't stop teaching her until Sera really learned them. One more new thing I learned about Kael.

He is serious about fighting. From the moment he taught Sera, there were no annoying jokes. They both practiced for a long time; Sera did not know exactly how many hours.

"We'll continue tomorrow, Sera. I don't want to train you too hard on your first day. Now let's go back. Let's have dinner together, I want to introduce you to my Betaku."

Sera only answered Kael with a nod. It felt like she was too tired to talk. Perhaps her body was shocked because it was the first time.

"Come up!" Kael bent down in front of Sera and told her to get on his back.

"No need. I can still walk back to the mansion on my own feet, Kael." Although Sera was tired, I didn't want to cause Kael any trouble.

"Get on, Sera! Or will I carry you? Ahh or did you expect me to carry you bridal style?" Kael spoke in his annoying tone again.

Sera finally had no choice. She climbed onto Kael's back hesitantly. Finally, the two of them walked home. Correction. She meant Kael was the one walking.

"Aren't you tired?" Sera looked at Kael with their faces so close together. Sera felt bad if Kael continued to carry her.

"I've defeated fifteen Black Witches with my bare hands, so something like this has no effect on me," Kael spoke with an arrogant tone.

Sera only chuckled at that. "Ahh right, you said you made all these plants glow with magic. So you have magic ability?" Actually, Sera had wanted to ask this for a long time, but she always needed to remember.

"I'm not a pure werewolf. My mother was a White Witch. Her power passed down to me." Sera only nodded in response to Kael.

"You also said that the previous Queen was your great-grandmother and that it happened thousands of years ago. I wonder how old you are now?" Seraphina looked back at Kael.