LOGIN(Siena's POV)My pulse stutters unevenly as I struggle to comprehend what I'm feeling.Beside me, Raiden's entire body tenses, his muscles rigid beneath the fitted fabric of his shirt, posture radiating barely-contained fury.His protective stance positions him squarely between me and this newcomer,
(Raiden's POV)We're gathered in the airy central chamber of Windhowl's main hall.The moment Siena smiles openly during the council meeting, my heart stutters in my chest—a quiet, profound reminder of everything I once lost, and everything I'm determined never to lose again.Afternoon sunlight stre
My breath catches softly, heart stumbling gently beneath quiet anxiety. Yet beneath hesitation lies cautious curiosity, openness I carefully nurture. I nod slowly. “Of course.” His voice remains gentle, carefully phrased to remove pressure or expectation. “Would you consider dinner? It's not reconc
(Siena's POV)The bruises on my skin have faded, yet the persistent ache deep inside my chest refuses to heal, Raiden's words echoing relentlessly within my mind despite my stubborn attempts to silence them.A week has passed since the attack, and Windhowl and Silverfang are finally beginning to hea
(Raiden's POV)The metallic scent of blood and antiseptic fills my lungs, mingling into a nauseating cocktail that twists my stomach into knots, but I refuse to leave Siena's side even for a moment.Around us, chaos slowly yields to order. Security forces carefully secure Lila and Mia, their wrists
(Siena POV)Chaos erupts instantly, and Lila lunges swiftly toward me, teeth bared, eyes glowing, glinting dangerously beneath dim lighting.Instinctively, Raiden moves protectively forward, yet equally instinctively, I shift swiftly to shield him, deliberately placing myself between Raiden and Lila
(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
"Your grip is too tight," I say flatly, adjusting her fingers on my shoulder. "You're leaving bruises.""How inconvenient for you," she whispers, close enough that only I can hear. "Imagine having permanent marks from someone you trusted."I deserve that. I deserve worse."This competition is our la
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
“You missed everything,” I say quietly, my voice steadier than I feel. “You missed who I actually am.” To my surprise, he doesn’t argue. He doesn’t deflect or deny. Instead, he nods, a small, almost imperceptible movement that feels heavier than any words he could have spoken. “I’m beginning to







