Chapter 0235

I shove thoughts of Logan and Evrin aside.

“That’s our father, with my mother. Look closely—she’s pregnant. With me.” Seraphina says. “I don’t blame you for doubting me. But how else do you explain how much we look alike?”

“Is that why Julian sought you out?” Zachary challenges. “Because you were the closest thing to Athena?”

She snarls at him. “Julian has claimed me as his.” She pulls her jacket aside and reveals the mark above her collarbone.

Zachary bursts into laughter. “So he marked you because he couldn’t have Athena?!”

Seraphina glares as his laughter fades. I don’t need to look to know he’s still smirking.

Her dark eyes lock on me. “Last time I came, I didn’t handle things well. I made you feel threatened.”

‘Lies.’ Nyx whispers.

“I only wanted you to know the truth about our father. You deserved that much.”

“You’ve told me. Now you can leave.”

“I thought we could talk. Sister to sister.” She insists. “Just the two of us. Alone.”

“Do you really think she’s that stupid?” Brianna’s sharp voice cuts through the air as she drops from a nearby tree. I’d been so focused on holding back the darkness I hadn’t sensed her presence. Had Zachary? He never missed anything.

“Brianna?” Seraphina spits out the name like it’s poison.

“You must be the lying bitch.”

What the hell was happening? They sounded like they knew each other, yet didn’t.

“Julian told me all about you. How you almost killed my half-sister?” Seraphina’s eyes return to me. “Why did you let her live?”

“I don’t owe you an explanation.” I snap.

She steps toward me and Zachary moves with her. “Listen carefully, little sister. It’s dangerous to surround yourself with former Rogues.”

“Takes one to know one.” Brianna growls from my other side.

Seraphina steps back. She looks stunned, as if Brianna just revealed a dark secret she never wanted shared—especially with me.

She rocks on her heels, cheeks hollowed as she searches for a response. Instead, she turns to leave, then glances over her shoulder. “Protection means nothing when it comes from the wrong people, Athena.”

She struts down the lane and slips into a luxury car. As it turns around, I catch sight of Julian inside—he looks angrier than ever.

“Brianna, what were you doing in that tree?” I demand.

“I saw her, okay? I was up there watching, like I have been since her last visit. I didn’t believe Zachary when he said she looked like you. I had to see for myself.”

“What did you mean, ‘takes one to know one’?”

Her eyes dart to Zachary. “He had his suspicions.”

I spin toward him. “Why?”

“That day I saw them drive off together. She was the only Lycan around.”

“So?”

“Lycans who prefer solitude are usually ones who’ve gone Rogue.”

“I wasn’t going to accuse her outright.” Brianna adds. “But her reaction confirmed it. It’s not something she wants known.”

“So she’s felt this?” I murmur, pressing a hand to my heart. “This darkness.”

They both sigh.

“I’m not saying I feel sorry for her.” I snap. “She clearly wants something from me.”

‘She’s lying to you.’ Nyx murmurs. ‘Last time and now, she acts like a different person each time. Don’t fall for it.’

I glance down at the half-crumpled photo in my hand. My father had loved another, but gave it all up for his true mate—and Seraphina hated me for it.