A Wolf Among Shadows

< Seraphina's P.O.V. >

The wheels of my carriage groaned as it halted, the horses neighing lowly, unsettled by the unnatural stillness that wrapped the air like a noose. I peeked out the small window and instantly felt the cold bite of dread creep up my spine.

George Hollow.

A name I had only heard in hushed warnings, spoken with bitter fear among the mansion guards and housemaids. A place where honor withered, and sin walked on two legs.

I stepped out of the carriage, the chilled ground crunching beneath my delicate boots. The very soil seemed cursed. A gate loomed before me—blackened iron twisted like the bones of ancient beasts, covered in creeping ivy and splashes of something that looked too dark to be wine.

And beyond the gate? Shadows. Lanterns swung from crooked wooden poles, barely illuminating a narrow path that sliced through the mist like a blade. Distant laughter echoed—lewd, drunken, wicked. The kind of laughter that made your soul flinch.

My breath trembled in my throat as I took a step forward. "I will be fine. He's waiting...", I whispered to myself, more a prayer than a belief. My hand gently brushed the charm necklace I wore—one of the last gifts from my mother, blessed with holy protection. I wasn't sure how much good it would do in a place like this.

As I moved through the gates, all heads turned.

Eyes. Dozens of them. Men of all sizes, some seated on barrels, others leaning against the walls of shadowed brothels, froze in mid-drink or mid-laughter. Their gazes clung to me—hungry, confused, and in some, disgustingly thrilled.

"Is that... a noblewoman?", I heard one mutter.

"Must be lost...", other said with surprise.

"Or brave... or stupid."

Their whispers crawled over my skin. My cloak did little to conceal the luminescence of my hair or the elegance of my frame. I must've looked like a swan walking into a den of jackals.

Still, I walked. Step by step.

I kept thinking of Rowan. My heart, foolish and lovesick, beat faster as I imagined him smiling at me, telling me this was all a test of courage—perhaps even a surprise proposal.

"Seraphina?"

A familiar voice cracked through the haze. I turned and saw him.

Caelen. His eyes were wide with disbelief, and his posture rigid as if the very ground under him betrayed his morals. His dark hair was disheveled, and a half-drained tankard was still in his hand.

"Brother Caelen!", I called softly and approached with hesitant joy. "It's been long… how have you been?"

He didn't respond immediately. Instead, he stared at me as though he had just seen a ghost.

"What… what in the goddess's name are you doing here?", he hissed, pulling me aside into the shadows.

I blinked, confused by his reaction. "I–Rowan invited me."

Caelen's jaw clenched. "You came here… alone? To George Hollow? Seraphina—this is not a place for you. This is a nest of filth, of broken oaths and ruined bodies."

I lowered my gaze. "I know… but I thought… maybe he had something special to say. Something important."

He looked around, then bent closer, his voice a sharp whisper. "You should have denied the invitation. Sera, you're too good for this place. You are the divine child of Lunaris himself. Do you even know what happens here?"

I swallowed hard, trying to suppress the panic bubbling in my chest.

"But… why are you saying this? Rowan loves me, doesn't he?"

He stepped back, exhaling like a man burdened with a truth too bitter to speak.

"I… I don't know anymore."

Before I could ask what he meant, a new voice rang behind us.

"Well, well… the stars have arrived."

Rowan.

I turned, and there he was—his smile too smooth, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He was dressed in a loose black tunic, slightly open at the chest. His scent—wild musk and something sharp—wrapped around me instantly.

Without warning, he pulled me into a hug. I stiffened. There was no warmth in the embrace—just possession. He rested his hand dangerously low on my back, making me shift uneasily.

"You came..", he whispered near my ear.

"I… did.", I said softly, stepping back from his touch.

He didn't seem to mind. "Come, let's go. I've reserved a room."

"A room?", I echoed, confused.

"Yes. For us to talk. You said you missed me, didn't you?", He winked.

Something in my gut twisted.

"Wait—Rowan—", Caelen stepped forward, clearly uneasy.

Rowan shot him a sharp look. "Don't interfere."

Caelen hesitated, his eyes flicking to mine, filled with silent warning. But Rowan was already guiding me by the small of my back, walking me deeper into the Hollow. The sound of laughter and music grew louder. The air smelled of wine, smoke, and desperation.

I looked over my shoulder one last time. Caelen stood where we left him, his jaw tight, his eyes glimmering with helplessness.

And I… I followed Rowan, unsure if I was walking into a night of love or into the beginning of my ruin.

***************************************

< Narrator's P.O.V. >

The heavy wooden door clicked softly behind Rowan as he stepped out of the private chamber where he had led Seraphina. His expression was unreadable, carved into stone beneath the low flickering lights of George Hollow. The corridor was suffocating with the scent of liquor, lust, and raw testosterone—a haven for those who had sold their conscience long ago.

Caelen stood there, jaw tight, arms crossed like a sentinel that had failed to guard his charge. He didn't even blink when Rowan approached—his storm-filled eyes fixed firmly on the man he once called brother.

Rowan smirked. "You worry too much about her, huh?"

Caelen didn't respond right away. His nostrils flared, trying to suppress the rage that threatened to burst forth. "She's not like the women you bring here, Rowan.", he finally said, voice low and sharp. "She's Seraphina. She's our divine Luna, the chosen child of Lunaris. She's like my little sister."

Rowan's eyes narrowed. "A sister you let walk into a den of wolves? Seems you're more sentimental than smart."

"I didn't let her!", Caelen stepped closer, fists clenched. "You sent her the invitation, Rowan! You knew what this place is! You manipulated her—lied to her! You brought her into filth!"

"She came, didn't she?", Rowan's lips curved into something dark and cruel. "Of her own will. Because she loves me. Because she wants to please me."

"That's not love..", Caelen growled. "That's blindness. And you're taking advantage of it. She's pure, Rowan. You don't deserve her."

Rowan's smile vanished.

He stepped forward, his presence suddenly suffocating. "Be very careful, Caelen. You may be my brother by bond, but I don't tolerate insubordination. Not here. Not when I'm so close to claiming what's mine."

"You speak of her like she's your property."

"She will be mine.", Rowan said, eyes gleaming. "Her body, her soul, her divine power. All of it. That beautiful eyes? That shy smile? I'll own it. Every trembling gasp—will be mine."

Caelen's hands shook now. "You're not thinking. This—this will destroy her. And you. Lunaris won't forgive you."

Rowan stepped back, laughed softly—mockingly. "Forgive me? That god may have created her, but I'll unmake her purity with my hands. And if he has a problem, he can strike me down himself."

Caelen lunged—but before he could reach Rowan, heavy boots thundered down the hall. Rowan had already waved.

"Guards."

Two burly werewolves grabbed Caelen by the arms.

"Don't do this!", Caelen shouted, struggling. "Rowan! She trusts you! She's still innocent!"

"She won't be for long.", Rowan whispered.

Caelen's eyes were wild now. "You bastard! She is the moon's light, and you're dragging her into shadow! You'll regret this! Do you hear me?! You'll pay for this!"

Rowan turned his back, brushing dust from his coat sleeve. "Escort him out. Make sure he doesn't come back."

The guards dragged Caelen through the corridor, his voice echoing long after he vanished from sight.

Rowan lingered, his fingers brushing the handle of the door he had left Seraphina behind. His voice, now no louder than a breath, carried a venomous promise.

"God's child or not… she'll become my favorite sin."

---

End of Chapter Three.

To be continued...

↓

[[[[ Trigger Warning:

The upcoming chapter contains a depiction of séxual violënce (rápe), which may be distressing or triggering to some readers. Please proceed with care and prioritize your well-being.

If this content is not for you, feel free to skip the chapter or revisit when you feel ready. Your safety and comfort matter. ]]]]