---- Chapter 18 No.18 Kaelen POV: The high-security cells were a world away from the common dungeon. They were deep beneath the Alpha's tower, carved from solid rock, each door sealed with silver runes. This was where we kept the most dangerous criminals, the traitors and murderers. This was where Seraphina belonged. Her adopted parents and Lyra were waiting for me when | arrived. Elena looked at the pathetic, weeping figure of the girl she had raised, her expression a mixture of pity and revulsion. "Why?" Elena whispered, her voice cracking. "We gave you everything. Why did you hate her so much?" Seraphina finally dropped all pretense. Her tears dried up, replaced by a venomous glare. "Because of blood," she spat. "Because of fate! | worked my entire life to be perfect, to be worthy. And she did nothing! But she was born with the right bloodline. She was chosen by the Moon Goddess to be his mate! It didn't matter what | did, how much you loved me, or how much he cared for me. In the end, | would always lose to her. Because his soul was tied to hers. | had to sever that tie." The raw, ugly truth of her jealousy hung in the air. My mate's mother, Elena, looked as if she had been slapped. The love she had harbored for this girl died in that moment, replaced by ---- a profound, soul-crushing regret. "We were all so wrong," she murmured, tears streaming down her face. She turned to me, her eyes pleading. "Kaelen... are you looking for her? For Elara?" She was openly weeping now, her composure shattered. "l was a terrible mother. | was so blinded by my own disappointment... If you find her, please, tell her... tell her | am so sorry." Her husband, the Beta, placed a hand on her shoulder. He looked at me, his pride stripped away, leaving only the raw pain of a father who had failed his child. "Alpha, | know | have no right to ask. But if you get any word of my daughter... please, let us know." "| will," | said, my voice hoarse. "Finding my mate is the only purpose | have left." Lyra stepped forward, her face hard as stone. "Seraphina deserves the harshest punishment the tribunal can deliver. She is a traitor to this pack and a disgrace to our family. Show her no mercy." At the mention of punishment, Seraphina began to scream. "No! Not the Sinner's Mark! Please, anything but that!" The permanent magical brand, a mark of eternal shame, was a fate worse than death. She scrambled towards her family, her hands outstretched. "Mother! Father! Lyra! Please, don't let them do this to me!" They all took a step back, recoiling from her touch. Even Elena, who had always been so quick to comfort her, stood firm, her ---- face a mask of cold disappointment. "You had a life that should have been Elara's," Elena said, her voice trembling but resolute. "You lived in her home, you wore her clothes, you received her parents' love. Now, you will pay her debts. It is time for you to suffer as she suffered." In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.