My Sister Stole My Mate And I Let Her (Seraphina) novel Chapter 129

Chapter 129: Chapter 129 ARCHERY QUEEN

SERAPHINA’S POV

The bow was heavier than I expected, but it settled into my grip like it belonged there, and the comfort of its familiarity soothed me.

A hush rippled through the crowd as I stepped into the cordoned-off area. My stomach churned—not from fear, but from the sheer awareness of how many eyes followed my every move.

The rules had been called out, loud and clear: No werewolf heightened senses. Only human skill and focus.

Helen stood across from me, already poised, bowstring taut, eyes gleaming with smug confidence.

Good. Let her underestimate me.

The attendant raised his hand. “First round. Three arrows each. Highest total score advances.”

I inhaled. Exhaled. The string drew back against my cheek, the feather of the arrow brushing my jaw.

My heartbeat steadied as I released.

Thwack.

Dead center.

Gasps echoed. Scattered applause.

Helen fired next—solid, but just shy of the bullseye. Her mouth tightened, smile faltering before she forced it back on.

The rest followed the same rhythm. My arrows sang truer, sharper. By the final shot, the outcome was undeniable.

The attendant lifted his arm over my head. “Winner—Seraphina Blackthorne.”

Applause crashed like a wave, rousing and unrestrained. Even those who hadn’t cared a moment ago now leaned forward, curious, impressed.

Helen lowered her bow, jaw rigid. For a heartbeat, I thought she’d throw a tantrum, contest my win, express outrage at being bested by lowly Seraphina.

Then, with stiff dignity, she inclined her head. “As promised, I owe you a favor. Name it when you wish.”

I smiled, bowing slightly, though my chest still heaved with adrenaline. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

More applause followed, approval washing over me like warm sunlight.

For the first time in such a public arena, it wasn’t whispers of doubt that followed my name—it was admiration.

But then, like a discordant note cutting through harmony, a voice pierced the air.

“Unimpressive.”

The single word slithered across the crowd, silencing claps. My stomach coiled instantly—I knew that voice.

Abby.

She stepped forward, arms folded, eyes bright with scorn. “Really, everyone’s so easily dazzled. Archery, darts, knife-throwing—those are all Lockwood specialties. It’s practically bred into them. If anything, Seraphina is only playing her part as a Lockwood daughter. But,”—her lips curled—“the true archery queen was always Celeste.”

The name struck like a spark to dry wood. Curious murmurs rippled, heads turning.

And of course, summoned by the attention, Celeste stepped out gracefully from the crowd. Abby easily fit beside her, flanking her along with Emma on the other side.

Her dress caught the light like spun silver, her smile soft, deceptively demure. “Oh, Abby,” she said, voice honey-smooth, feigning modesty, “you exaggerate.”

But her eyes—oh, her eyes—glittered with triumph. Her favorite place to be had always been under the spotlight.

Someone in the crowd spoke up eagerly. “Then prove it! A contest between the sisters!”

My grip tightened on the bow. Sister. The word rang hollow now, a mockery.

Celeste’s gaze swept over me, dripping with false concern. “Oh, I really shouldn’t,” she cooed, her smile sickeningly sweet. “Seraphina’s worked so hard to make tonight a success. It would be cruel to let her suffer humiliating defeat before such a prestigious audience.”

A few chuckles rippled through the crowd. I felt the weight of their eyes shift toward me, pity mixed with expectation.

Celeste had staged it perfectly—if I refused, I’d appear fragile, a coward like Helen had insinuated.

If I accepted and lost, I’d confirm her superiority.

But Celeste had forgotten one thing. I was no longer the girl who yielded to her to keep the peace.

I stepped forward, my voice calm but clear. “I accept.”

Just like at the restaurant when she hadn’t expected me to call her bluff, Celeste’s composure slipped, surprise flickering in her eyes before she quickly smothered it.

The attendant reset the targets with swift efficiency.

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