The festivities lasted long into the evening, with the Barduff Castle glowing in the last rays of the setting sun. Leah had been formally recognized as the ideal Luna of the Night Wind Pack, the pack had been protected, and the war had been won. For the first time in a long time, there seemed to be a tangible sense of tranquility as laughter and music filled the big hall.
The love of Jacob's life, Serafina, whirled joyfully in her silver gown as she danced freely among the pack members. For the first time since losing her mother, she was truly happy. She had a father who loved her very much, and Leah had filled the emptiness in her heart with warmth. Everything appeared to be perfect.
However, perfection was a delicate concept.
The celebrations continued as the night became darker, and the castle grounds were alive with laughter. Leah took care of business inside the great hall as Jacob conversed with his beta, Samuel, and a few warriors. When Serafina moved away from the middle of the gathering and into the garden where the fireflies were dancing in the moonlight, neither of them noticed.
The quiet of the gardens had always appealed to her. It was her haven, a spot secluded from the pack's inquisitive gaze where she could breathe. However, a chill went through her as she arrived at the fenced walkway. There was too much stillness in the air.
Her cry was muffled before she could turn back because a hard hand clamped over her mouth. She struggled and flailed against the invisible attackers, panicking, but their hold was unbreakable. The sparkle of a wolf's golden eyes and the repulsive smell of rogue wolves were the last things she noticed before she lost consciousness.
When Serafina's absence was discovered, the castle descended into anarchy. When Leah naturally went to see how she was doing, she discovered nothing but her discarded shawl next to the garden's entrance. She sounded the alarm with a knot of dread in her stomach.
At the mention of Serafina's disappearance, Jacob's blood froze. His inner wolf raged, demanding that he rip through the castle walls to find his daughter. He roared, "Search the grounds!" his voice echoing through the castle corridors. "Now find her!"
With their senses keen and alert, Samuel was already leading a squad of warriors into the grounds. Fear tore at Leah's heart as she struggled to remain calm. Serafina was only a child, yet she was strong for her age.
One of the scouts unhappily observed, "The scent trail leads beyond the gates." "Rogues."
Jacob's heart was racing. They had stolen his daughter, right in front of his eyes. And he could only think of one someone who would go to such lengths.
Boris Edmund.
The father of Gwen Boris, whom Jacob had divorced, was the Alpha of the Tailwind Pack. The only person with the right to hit him where it hurt most was a man full of retaliation.
Leah grounded Jacob by reaching for his arm. Despite the fear in her eyes, she replied in a whisper, "We'll find her." "We won't give up until she returns."
Jacob's jaw was tense with barely controlled anger, and he tightened his hands. "Then, at daybreak, we ride. Edmund is unaware of the fury he has just unleashed if he believes he can steal my daughter."
The search for Serafina began.