Seraphina’s POV
The cafeteria noise faded into background buzz as I pushed food around my plate.
Emma’s na kept echoing in my head. Over and over. Like a broken record I couldn’t turn off.
*She’s going to be the Luna. Obviously.*
I stabbed a piece of chicken with more force than necessary.
"Easy there." Jessica laughed beside . "What’d that chicken ever do to you?"
"Sorry." I set down my fork. "Just tired."
"You’ve been saying that a lot today."
Before I could respond, the cafeteria doors swung open.
Emma walked in.
My entire body went rigid.
She looked perfect. As always. Hair styled just right. Makeup flawless. Wearing a beautiful dress.
And she was carrying a huge basket.
"Hello everyone!" Her voice rang out. Bright. Cheerful. Like sunshine personified.
The trainees’ conversations died down. Heads turned. Smiles appeared.
"Emma!" Sophie practically squealed. "What brings you here?"
"I co bearing gifts!" Emma lifted the basket higher. "The Alpha and I thought you all deserved so treats after such hard training."
*The Alpha and I.*
The words hit like a punch to the gut.
She set the basket on the nearest table. Started pulling out containers. Cookies. Brownies. So kind of fancy pastries.
"Oh my God, are those your famous chocolate chip cookies?" Maya jumped up.
"Fresh from the oven this morning!" Emma bead. "I know how much you all love them."
The trainees sward around her. Grabbing treats. Thanking her. Acting like she’d just delivered Christmas.
I stayed in my seat. Frozen.
Emma moved through the crowd with practiced ease. Touching shoulders. Laughing at jokes. Rembering nas.
She was good at this. Really good.
The perfect Luna.
"She does this every week," a voice said quietly beside .
I turned. Riley—the trainee, not my friend—had leaned closer.
"What?"
"Emma. She cos every week with food." Riley kept her voice low. "Always says it’s from her and the Alpha. Like they’re a team or sothing."
My throat closed up.
"Has she... has she been doing this long?"
Riley shrugged. "Since I started training six months ago. Maybe longer."
Six months. Half a year of Emma playing Luna. Bringing treats. Making herself indispensable.
Making everyone love her.
I watched her laugh with Sophie. Saw how naturally she fit. How the trainees gravitated toward her like planets to the sun.
This was her territory. Her people.
And I was the interloper.
Emma’s gaze swept across the room. Landed on .
Her smile faltered. Just for a second. Then it was back. Brighter than before.
She started walking toward our table.
No. No no no.
"Sera!" Emma’s voice was warm. Friendly. "I didn’t realize you’d be here today!"
Everyone at the table went quiet. Watching.
"Hi." The word ca out flat.
Emma’s smile didn’t waver. "How are you settling in? The Alpha told he asked you to help with training."
*The Alpha told .*
Of course he did.
"It’s fine." I forced myself to et her eyes. "The trainees are great."
"They really are, aren’t they?" Emma glanced around at the watching faces. "Such dedicated warriors. I’m so proud of all of you."
The trainees bead. Ate it up.
Emma turned back to . Her expression shifted slightly. Sothing calculating flickering behind the warmth.
"Actually, Sera... I was hoping we could talk?" She tilted her head. "Do you have a minute?"
Every instinct I had scread to say no.
But everyone was watching. Waiting to see what I’d do.
If I refused, I’d look petty. Jealous. Weak.
"Sure." The word tasted like poison. "Why not."
"Wonderful!" Emma’s smile widened. "Maybe we could step outside? It’s a bit loud in here."
She gestured toward the exit.
I stood up slowly. My legs felt like lead.
Jessica shot a concerned look. I shook my head slightly. *It’s fine.*
It wasn’t fine.
Emma led the way out of the cafeteria. I followed a few steps behind. Felt dozens of eyes tracking our movent.
The hallway outside was quieter. Cooler. My skin prickled with goosebumps.
Or maybe that was just dread.
Emma stopped near a window overlooking the training grounds. Turned to face .
Her smile was gone now. Replaced by sothing harder. More real.
"I think we should have a serious talk," she said. Her voice had lost that sugary sweetness. "Don’t you?"
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