My Sister Stole My Mate And I Let Her (Seraphina) novel Chapter 138

Chapter 138: Chapter 138 ANOTHER LECTURE

SERAPHINA’S POV

The last shard gleamed faintly in the fog like it had been waiting for us all along.

My fingers brushed the rough, moonlit stone as I pulled it free from the root where it was wedged.

A tremor passed through me—not from the effort, but from what it meant.

We had done it.

The final advancement slot was ours!

For a heartbeat, none of us spoke. There was just the sound of our ragged breathing, the hiss of mist curling low around our boots, and the glow of the shard’s faint shimmer in my palm.

Then Judy laughed—loud, fierce, joyous. She grabbed my arm, shaking me so hard the shard nearly slipped from my fingers.

“We did it! We actually did it!”

Finn exhaled like he’d been holding his breath for hours, his shoulders easing at last.

Even Talia let out a little squeak, covering her mouth as though laughter might be too indulgent—then giggling anyway.

Even Roxy couldn’t hide the spark in her eyes. Her lips twitched, and though she tried to suppress it, her posture relaxed and her gaze softened—a reluctant but undeniable joy.

I closed my fist around the shard, drawing strength from its cool weight as I chuckled. “Let’s get to the finish line before one of you collapses from excitement.”

We half-ran, half-stumbled through the fog toward the clearing where the finish markers blazed.

The moment we stepped past, a blaring announcement confirmed what we already knew: “Team Seven—advancement confirmed. All slots are now filled.”

Cheers broke from my team. Relief rolled through me like a wave, washing away the dread and doubt that had shadowed every step.

An attendant pressed thin silver badges into our hands, each engraved with the OTS insignia and the numeral 9—our new team designation for the next round.

Mine sat heavy on my chest when I pinned it to the jacket Lucian gave me. I brushed the fabric reverently, imagining the smile he would give me if he were standing before me.

Gods, I missed him. And Maya. They would both be so proud.

Judy twirled her badge on the chain like a medal. “We earned this.” She squealed. “Damn right we did!”

Surprisingly, Roxy didn’t snap at her for being loud. She only muttered, “We’d better,” though I caught the faint curve of her mouth.

Talia clutched her badge close, eyes shining, and then she surprised me by suggesting, “We should...we should celebrate. Together.”

Judy immediately latched onto the idea. “Yes!” She clapped her hands together excitedly. “Let’s all go out to dinner!”

I smiled faintly. “Yeah, that sounds nice.”

Again, Roxy surprised me when she didn’t protest. “As long as it’s not whatever sludge the cafeteria tries to pass off as stew.”

Talia’s face brightened. “I know a place! It’s quiet, affordable, and—” She flushed at the sudden attention, ducking her head. “And the food’s amazing. Please, let me take you.”

It wasn’t just excitement in her tone—it was pride. Like offering us this restaurant was offering a piece of herself.

I glanced at the others, then nodded. “Lead the way.”

***

The restaurant was tucked off a side street, lanterns glowing warm against the cool night.

The scent of sizzling meat and herbs hit us before we even stepped inside, rich and mouthwatering.

After the suffocating damp of the woods, the heat and spice felt like stepping into another world.

We crowded into a wooden booth, badges still gleaming on our chests.

Plates arrived soon after, steaming with roasted fish, spiced rice, and broth so fragrant even Roxy’s scowl melted into a grudging nod.

“Not bad,” she muttered, then—after a bite—added with a smile, “Not bad at all.”

Talia’s cheeks glowed pink, delight spilling out of her in laughter. “Food is a passion of mine, but I don’t really have people to share it with.” Her smile dimmed a little. “Back home, my brothers would tease me. They made fun of me for eating too much. That’s why I...” She gestured at her round frame, faltering.

Silence settled, not cruel but heavy.

“OTS is different, though,” she rushed to add with a shy smile. “No one cares about my weight, only that I pull it on the sparring mat.”

I reached over and squeezed her hand. “As it should be.”

Then Judy leaned forward, stabbing a piece of fish with her chopsticks. “Screw your brothers,” she declared. “And whoever else made fun of you. Their loss. They were properly bitter because they had no one to lead them to the joys of good food.”

Finn lifted his glass. “To Talia. May her taste always guide us.”

The toast earned a round of chuckles and lifted the shadows from Talia’s face.

The conversation shifted, loosening with every bite as everyone told their own stories.

Judy shared how she’d joined OTS after being overlooked for her pack’s combat division, repeating what she’d told me about how much she wanted to make her family proud and give them a good standing in their pack.

As tall as he was, Finn seemed to shrink when he spoke. “I was always smaller than everyone else. Too wiry to be picked for sparring. And my wolf—” He shrugged. “They said I looked more coyote than wolf. Not...noble enough.”

There was no bitterness in his tone, only a quiet acceptance. But it scraped at me, the cruelty of those who dismissed strength just because it didn’t match their mold.

“Idiots,” Judy said flatly. “If they can’t see the amazing value you bring, that’s on them.”

Finn’s mouth curved slightly, gratitude flickering in his gaze.

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