128 Chapter 128

Seraphina’s POV

The engagement party was a glittering nightmare wrapped in silk and champagne.

I clung to Damien’s arm like a lifeline as we moved through the crowded ballroom, my heels clicking nervously against marble floors. Crystal chandeliers threw rainbow light across hundreds of guests, all of them radiating the kind of supernatural confidence.

“You look stunning tonight,” he said, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Stop doubting yourself.”

I’d spent three hours getting ready, trying on four different dresses before settling on the navy blue cocktail number that Ophelia had picked out. My hair was pinned up in an elaborate updo that had taken twenty minutes of YouTube tutorials to master.

And I still felt like a fraud.

“I don’t recognize half these people,” I whispered as another group of impossibly elegant strangers glided past

“Pack business brings in a lot of allies,” Damien replied. “You don’t need to know them. You just need to be yourself.”

A server materialized beside us with champagne, and I grabbed a glass like it might save my life. The bubbles burned my throat, but at least it gave my hands something to do besides shake.

“Sera!” Riley’s voice cut through the crowd like a beacon. She appeared in a vision of silver silk, practically glowing with happiness as she pushed through the sea of guests. “You came! Oh my God, you actually came!”

She threw her arms around me with enough force to nearly spill my champagne, and for a moment I forgot about everything else. This was Riley. My friend. The reason I’d forced myself to come tonight.

“Of course I came,” I said, squeezing her back. “I promised.”

“You look absolutely gorgeous,” Riley gushed, holding me at arm’s length to study my appearance. “Doesn’t she look incredible, Lucas?”

“Beautiful as always,” Lucas agreed, appearing beside his fiancée with that easy smile that had charmed half

11:47

might break. “How are you feeling, Sera? Really?”

I lied

wait to meet Lily,” Riley said, her eyes sparkling. “When are you going

“Soon,” I promised.

then other guests

Seraphina,” Riley would announce proudly. “Damien’s mate and

momentary confusion when they realized I had no scent to speak of,

watched person after person greet Damien with the subtle head

turn to me and… nothing. Just awkward

nice,” I overheard one woman whisper as she

with obvious doubt. “Though

cheeks ached from

the floor-to-ceiling windows,

doing beautifully,” he said softly, his thumb tracing soothing circles on

feel like everyone’s staring

“They’re curious. It’s natural.”

with me.” The champagne

maintaining all evening. “They can all sense it, can’t

silver eyes intense in

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“Damien!”

the familiar voice, and my heart sank straight into my expensive shoes. Emma Rodriguez was walking toward us through the crowd, and

wore an emerald green gown that hugged every curve of her perfect body, the backless design showing off smooth, flawless skin that seemed to glow in the warm light. Her dark hair fell in glossy waves over

politeness. “I didn’t expect to see

that familiar flicker of confusion cross her features. It

warmth. “How wonderful

“Thank you,” I managed.

romantic melody that had

up with what looked like sudden

toward him with a smile that

I promise I won’t step on your

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