Raiden’s POVMy seat feels colder beneath me, harder somehow, as the head judge’s voice echoes through the air."For innovative pack leadership and redefining strength—Windhowl!"The words ripple across the space like a crack of lightning.My eyes snap to Siena, almost instinctively, and I catch the
She doesn’t care about anyone but herself.Dismissing her efforts as another one of her power plays. I told myself she was pretending. That it was all for show. But now, staring at this projection, I feel something twist uncomfortably in my chest."She stole it," Lila whispers in my ear, her voice f
Siena’s POVThe air in the council chamber is thick with animosity.Whispers ripple through the gathered Alphas, their voices low but sharp, cutting through the silence like knives.I stand at the center, perfectly still, my head high and my shoulders squared, but inside, my wolf paces nervously. He
Little by little, she is losing ground. She knows it, i smell teh fear, the desperation that has recently taken up residence inside of her.The mask is chipping away. ***Siena’s POVI linger at the edge of the room, my pack gathering around me. They’re buzz
Siena’s POVThe ballroom glitters with crystal chandeliers, their light refracting in a thousand directions, casting a golden glow over the polished marble floor.The music swells, a slow, lilting melody that fills the space, elegant and haunting.Wolves from every pack mingle at the edges of the da
"A million per day," I say abruptly, my tone shifting to something clipped and businesslike. I need to regain control of this moment, to remind myself of what this is. "I’ll pay extra for the extended union."The words are harsh, even to my own ears, but I don’t soften them. I can’t.I see the way t
Raiden’s POVA haunting melody that fills the ballroom and echoes faintly in the vaulted ceilings. My hand rests on Siena’s waist, her fingers resting lightly in mine as we glide through the steps.To anyone watching, we must look like the perfect pair—an Alpha King and his Luna, regal and poised, m
Siena freezes, her steps halting mid-turn.It’s so sudden, so unexpected, that I nearly stumble, my grip on her tightening instinctively to steady us. Her face remains impassive, but something flashes in her eyes—something raw and painful and impossible to ignore.Grief.The realization hits me like
(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