Chapter 27: Seraphine

Aurora sat on the beach, mesmerized by the river's gentle flow. The water's surface glimmered like polished silver, reflecting the garden's twinkling lights and the crescent moon's soft glow.

The night air vibrated with laughter, music, and muted conversations from the pleasure garden's revelers across the lake.

But Aurora's attention remained fixed on the pocket watch, her grip tightening as frustration simmered.

She shoved it back into her purse, her eyes scanning the shadows.

"Where is that bastard?" she muttered, her voice ticking over the lapping water.

Thirty minutes past midnight, and the lycan she'd summoned still hadn't arrived.

Her fingers combed through her hair, with grave restlessness.

She'd chosen this secluded spot to avoid detection, fearful her mother would send spies to monitor her.