Sera's Pov
I woke up with a start, my mind still clinging to the remnants of the dream. Lucian's voice echoed in my head, soft yet firm, speaking of the Lunar Scythe. The name still sent a strange shiver through me, as if it was something I should already know, something buried deep within me.
Shaking off the drowsiness, I sat up and quickly got dressed in my training clothes. Today was different. There was no time to waste. The deadline to find a weapon was tomorrow, and I still had nothing. If I didn't act now, I wouldn't be allowed into the ball, and worse, I wouldn't get to see my father. That thought alone sent urgency rushing through my veins.
Instead of heading to the training grounds like usual, I took a different path. My feet carried me toward the main building—where Lucian was. The last time I was inside was during the world meeting, and I had lost the nerve to enter after. But today, I couldn't afford to hesitate.
As I neared the grand entrance, two guards stationed at the doors stepped forward, blocking my way.
"Halt. State your business."
"I need to see the Alpha King," I said firmly, keeping my shoulders squared despite the heavy way they scrutinized me.
The guards exchanged glances before one of them scoffed. "The Alpha King doesn't meet with just anyone. Turn around."
My jaw tightened. "I'm not just anyone. I'm an Alpha's daughter, which means I'm a future Alpha myself. If your argument is based on status, you have no right to stop me."
One of the guards sneered. "A future Alpha? You're just another trainee here."
I refused to let my face betray any emotion. "I said I need to see him. It's urgent."
Their expressions remained impassive, their stance unmoving. My nails dug into my palms. I could bring up that I was his mate, but seeing he barely acknowledged it, except to taunt me, I didn't want further humiliation.
"Is there a problem?" A voice came from behind the guards.
Turning, I saw one of the instructors stepping out of the building. His sharp gaze landed on me before flicking to the guards.
"She claims she needs to see the Alpha King," one of them explained.
The instructor studied me for a moment. Then, to my surprise, he simply said, "Let her in."
The guards hesitated. "Sir—"
"I said let her in," the instructor repeated, his tone brooking no argument.
They stepped aside begrudgingly. I didn't waste time thanking the instructor, but he merely waved me off, giving me quick directions to Lucian's office before adding, "I only let you in. Whether he wants to see you or not is out of my control."
Nodding, I stepped inside.
The interior was even grander than I remember. The marble floors gleamed under the light of the chandeliers, and every detail in the architecture screamed power and authority. I'd only ever seen glimpses of it before, when I was being ushered into the meeting room, but now that I was actually walking through its halls, it was overwhelming.
I should have paid more attention to the directions, though, because after a few turns, I realized I was completely lost. Each corridor looked the same, and every grand staircase only led to more halls that stretched endlessly. I wasn't about to ask for help, not after what happened with the guards. The last thing I wanted was to be sent right back outside.
Taking another turn at random, I exhaled slowly. Maybe I should just go back. Maybe—
I collided with something solid.
Stumbling back, I barely managed to keep my balance before I looked up—straight into an all-too-familiar scowl. My stomach dropped.
Lucian.
His piercing eyes narrowed, his presence an unshakable force as he towered over me. His expression, unreadable but laced with annoyance, sent my heart into a frantic rhythm.
"What are you doing here?" His voice was low, controlled, but laced with irritation.
My mouth went dry. Every thought I had, every reason for being here, suddenly tangled together in a mess of nerves.
I swallowed hard,forcing myself to meet his gaze.
"I need to talk to you."