My Sister Stole My Mate And I Let Her (Seraphina) novel Chapter 128

Chapter 128: Chapter 128 UNCHARTED TERRITORY

SERAPHINA’S POV

The OTS hall had been gorgeously transformed. Silken banners cascaded from the rafters, catching light from the chandeliers above so that everything shimmered with a faint golden glow.

The air thrummed with conversation, a low hum of power and politics interwoven with laughter, glasses clinking, and the weight of eyes that seemed to evaluate everything at once.

Guests poured in steadily—Alphas in tailored suits, Lunas draped in masterpieces of curves and contours, allies and rivals mingling under one roof.

And at my side, Lucian.

I slipped my hand into the crook of his arm, pulse steady despite the cloud of expectation hovering over the room.

The necklace he’d gifted me two nights ago rested cool and solid against my collarbone, its pendant a reminder with every subtle shift of movement. His grandmother’s legacy—meant for the woman who was worthy to stand beside him.

Tonight, I had to live up to that.

Lucian’s voice was steady as he guided me through the hall from one introduction to another.

“Seraphina Blackthorne,” he said with quiet pride, his hand never straying far from mine. “My partner.”

I greeted each Alpha, Luna, and dignitary with measured grace. No fumbling, no shrinking.

My words didn’t feel like scraps of forced politeness or nerves, and their appraising gazes didn’t burn the way they used to; they didn’t make me want to shrink and hide away.

Instead, I met them evenly, a faint smile tugging at my lips when someone’s gaze lingered too long on the pendant.

I felt poised. Not exactly perfect, but composed, confident, and tonight, that was enough.

Then, from the crowd, a figure emerged who made Lucian still beside me.

Tall. Broad-shouldered. Dark hair threaded with faint silver, though his face bore only a few years more than Lucian’s.

His presence drew attention like gravity itself, though it was less sharp than Lucian’s controlled authority and more...rooted, like an oak tree.

“William.” Lucian’s voice carried both surprise and warmth.

The man smiled faintly as he approached, his gaze flicking once to me, then down to the pendant around my neck.

He stopped short, his brow raising in something that looked very much like shock.

I tensed. “Is...is something wrong?”

The man—William’s eyes snapped up to mine, and his expression softened almost instantly. “Not at all. Only...that necklace is not given lightly.”

His mouth curved into something between a smile and a knowing smirk, that faint surprise still lingering. “He must love you deeply.”

The word struck me harder than I expected. Love.

Lucian had spoken of wanting me. Of choosing me. Of wanting me by his side. But love? That was completely uncharted terrain.

My pulse faltered, and for a beat I forgot how to breathe.

Also...who was this man to make such an observation?

Before I could speak or ask my question, Lucian smoothly interjected, ignoring William’s comment.

“Sera, I always intended for you to meet my brother,” he said, his hand resting lightly at my waist as his gaze cut to William. “But OTS has been demanding, and LST even more so. William came tonight to support me—and to meet you, Sera.”

Brother.

I blinked, suddenly seeing the resemblance.

Lucian’s piercing navy blue gaze softened in William’s eyes, but their bone structure was similar, the way they carried themselves, the quiet intensity in the set of their jaws.

“It’s an honor,” I said, inclining my head.

“And mine,” William replied, his smile warm and disarming in a way that instantly put me more at ease.

A flurry of movement caught my attention, and Lucian’s head dipped toward a flustered-looking Omega, whom I recognized as the one overseeing catering services for the gala.

Lucian nodded once and turned back to me and William. “If you’ll excuse me,”—he gave me an apologetic smile—“there’s an urgent matter I have to attend to.”

William smiled. “I’ll keep your...partner company, don’t worry, brother.”

Lucian’s touch lingered on my waist as he slanted an incomprehensible look at his brother. And then his touch disappeared as he followed the Omega into the hall.

My side suddenly bereft, I became aware of how quickly the crowd could close in when I was alone.

William must have sensed it, and he effortlessly slid to my side, taking Lucian’s place.

He offered me a glass of wine from a passing tray and a reassuring nod. “I’m sure he won’t be long. In the meantime, I’ll keep you company.”

I accepted the glass, fingers curling around the stem. “Thank you.”

William’s smile was calm, reassuring. “You’re handling yourself well tonight. Most would feel cornered, standing at the forefront of an event like this.”

I exhaled softly, amused. “I suppose that means I’m hiding my nerves better than I thought.”

“Or,” he countered gently, “you’re steadier than you give yourself credit for.”

A smile tugged at my lips. “You sound practiced at putting people at ease. Very like your brother.”

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