The question is a dagger, its point aimed directly at the weakest part of our partnership. I feel the tension ripple through the crowd, the silence that follows heavy with anticipation. Siena stiffens beside me, her shoulders straightening as if bracing for impact. Before I can think, before I c
(Siena’s POV)The room hums with tension, the kind that prickles against your skin and settles deep in your bones.The announcer steps forward to the ceremonial platform, the silver emblem of the Grand Gathering glinting on his chest. The torchlight catches his face as he unfurls the traditional scr
His words catch me off-guard, and I feel a flicker of warmth in my chest. Zion has always been supportive, his belief in me unwavering even when my own faith faltered. “Thank you,” I say softly, meaning it. “For believing in me when few others did.” He smiles, a genuine smile that reaches his ey
(Raiden’s POV)Days have passed, but Siena’s presence lingers like a phantom, haunting the corners of my mind.Horace paces restlessly beneath my skin, agitated and clawing to break free. Every time I close my eyes, I see her standing there—strong, composed, untouchable. And yet, there was something
I hear her murmuring softly, her hands brushing over me with practiced ease. But I’m too far gone to process it.It’s as if I am under some spell.The last thing I remember is the scent of her perfume clinging to the air as sleep claims me. ***Morning comes
(Siena’s POV) The morning of the third competition dawns with a quiet tension that settles deep in my bones.The air feels charged, heavier than usual, carrying the weight of unspoken things. I try to shake it off as I step out onto Windhowl’s training grounds, but the unease lingers, prickling at
A knot tightens in my throat. What’s happeneign to me? To him?“Forget it,” I say, forcing the connection closed, severing the brief glimpse of his turmoil. “It doesn’t change anything.” Rairity watches me carefully, her expression unreadable, but she doesn’t press. We move through the final p
(Raiden’s POV)The third round of the competition begins. This is where Silverfang excels—where I excel.Leadership evaluation isn’t about brute strength or dominance. It’s about strategy, foresight, and the ability to manage crises under pressure.These are the qualities that define a true Alpha.A
(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