"Excuse me." I let go of Lila and turn, scanning the room for Siena.I can't avoid her presence, but it’s as if the room sees a golden cloud that floats through the room.Standing at the edge of the room, beautiful as she always has ebeen. Watching everything, everyone.The Great Luna, Siena, at lea
(Siena's POV)The music has ended; the dance comes to an end.We split apart.A wave of reporters surges toward us like they’re storming a castle. Flashing lights, eager questions, demands — I brace myself for the inevitable storm.Before I can move one step, Raiden’s arm snakes around my waist, pul
(Siena’s POV)“Why are you looking at me like that?” I ask, lifting a subtle eyebrow at Raiden’s scrutiny. “I have the most basic sense of contract spirit. Once I make a promise, I intend to honor it.”He remains quiet, but there are notes of confusion that rattle between his eyes.“...Tomorrow, I w
(Raiden's POV)The document is crisp, the ink still fresh. I feel nothing but annoyed as I skim through the clauses of this fake marriage contract.Three months of marriage. A transactional agreement.No emotions, no commitment involved.Just an exchangeb — her presence for my public image, my money
(Siena’s POV)The dim glow of my phone fades, leaving me staring at the reflection in the black screen—my reflection.Drumming my fingers mindlessly againstthe smooth surface of my desk, a hollow weight of regret settles over me.Ollie lounges on the couch infront of my desk, scrolling her phone, ab
Ten years…ten wasteful, painful years. He’s had warmer inetractiosn over business dinners with perfect strangers.He’s treating this like a reward. As if I’m something that can be boougt, paid for, and delegated at will.A pawn.Now, he’s even questioning my love...?My fingers tighten around the ph
(Raiden's POV)Zion sits across from me, his face shocked. I can’t believe the message on his phone, and he can’t believe he’s suddenly been thrust into this situation.We’re caught in a moment that feels endless....Why does Siena contact Zion?She never cared about any man other than me in the pas
Siena's POVI sit on my bed, staring at my phone. My fingers hover above the screen, and for a moment, I’m frozen. I had been hoping—no, expecting—a message from Raiden, as my best friend had suggested. She had said, "It’s definitely Raiden. He owes you an apology for everything he’s done!"But the
(Raiden’s POV)The council chamber falls into stunned silence as Mia's carefully maintained composure fractures."You're suggesting I had something to do with this?" she asks, her voice pitched higher than normal. Her fingers nervously adjust her silver pendant."I'm not suggesting anything," I repl
“Raiden,” I greet softly, stepping aside to let him enter. His eyes scan my quarters instinctively, protective instincts clear despite his careful politeness.“I was making my patrol rounds,” he murmurs gently, eyes flickering briefly toward the evidence on my desk. “Are you alright?”His genuine co
(Siena’s POV)The delicate silver hairpin Raiden gifted me years ago lies on my desk, shifted ever so slightly from its usual position—a subtle yet unmistakable sign that someone has invaded my sanctuary.My breath catches sharply.I step closer, and my senses sharpen with acute awareness.Moonlight
(Raiden’s POV)The grainy security footage flickers ominously across the monitor, each shadowy movement like a knife twisting in my gut, whispering the name I've come to dread most—Lila.I lean closer, my eyes burning from hours spent staring at endless loops of surveillance.The cramped security ro
"Good idea," I manage, my voice steadier than I feel. "I'll speak with Tomas about positioning archers on the ridge above."Raiden turns his head slightly, his face now inches from mine. "Siena..."My pulse quickens softly, heart stumbling traitorously. "We should focus on the threat," I whisper, no
(Siena’s POV)Raiden’s plea from the cabin echoes relentlessly in my mind, threatening to fracture every wall I've painstakingly built around my heart.I pace restlessly across the elegant guest quarters, my fingers tugging nervously at the edges of my jacket, tension coiling sharply within my chest
My wolf surges forward, craving her closeness. "Siena, I—""Don't," she whispers, but she doesn't move away when I step closer. "Please don't say things you'll take back tomorrow.""I never should have taken them back the first time," I confess, my voice breaking as I reach for her hand. "I've misse
(Raiden’s POV)Thunder crashes violently overhead, shaking the cabin walls, as if nature itself demands I finally lay bare the secrets I've guarded far too long.The steady rhythm of rain pounds relentlessly against the roof, creating a constant, murmuring backdrop to the silence hanging between us.
The oak offers no comfort or wisdom. It offers only silence and the mocking permanence of symbols that now mean nothing at all.I brush my fingertips over the markings, memories flooding vividly through me.That day, I felt cautious hope despite our union's political nature.I'd believed, or at leas