The sight of it sends a fresh wave of unease through me, the same unease I’ve been battling since the day it appeared."Is something wrong?" she presses, her fingers brushing against the back of my neck."Nothing," I reply tersely, my voice sharper than I intended.Her smile falters, but only for a
(Raiden's POV)The ballroom hums with energy, alive with laughter and the rhythmic melody of violins weaving through the air. Crystal chandeliers cast glittering reflections, showering the marble floors in fragmented starlight.Despite the gaiety, a gnawing discomfort coils within my chest, tighteni
Across the room, Siena turns slightly, our gazes colliding.Time freezes, the world blurred and distant as we share a single, unguarded moment.Her eyes widen briefly, unshielded vulnerability flickering across her features.The raw emotion there—pain, longing, regret—mirrors my own with startling i
(Siena's POV)Cold raindrops sting my cheeks, mingling quietly with the tears I've stubbornly refused to shed.The slick cobblestones beneath my feet offer little traction as I hurry through the dimly lit streets. Each step sends sharp jolts through my knees, a cruel reminder of the night spent knee
Stopping abruptly, I turn to face Rairity, my voice firm despite the storm within me. "Rairity, would you consider becoming my beta officially?"Surprise flickers across her features, quickly replaced by respectful seriousness. She studies me closely, searching my eyes for sincerity. "Are you sure,
(Siena’s POV)The evening air is cool and damp against my skin, the lingering scent of rain still sharp and fresh.My footsteps echo softly against the cobblestone path as I approach the ornate stone fountain, its softly cascading water gleaming silver in the moonlight. Beside me, Rairity walks with
His words surprise me, unsettling the careful walls I've built around my heart.I fight down the sudden rush of emotion that threatens to overwhelm me, keeping my expression composed, meeting his smoky eyes evenly, nodding slightly in acknowledgment before stepping back."Thank you, Zion," I reply
(Raiden’s POV)The early morning sun is bright and piercing, its golden rays cutting sharply through the lingering mist of dawn.I stride purposefully toward the arena grounds, the tension of today's competition already crackling through me. My wolf prowls restlessly beneath my skin, alert and agita
I turn to face him fully, finding courage in the gathering darkness that somehow makes vulnerability easier.“I want a connection that strengthens rather than constrains. Partnership without possession. Trust earned through actions rather than assumed through ceremony.”My wolf surges forward at the
(Siena POV)The evening air wraps around me like a cool blanket as I sit on the settlement's eastern overlook, watching the sun's last rays paint the valley below in shades of amber and gold.My fingers trace the rough texture of the wooden bench beneath me, weathered by seasons of rain and sun. Lik
His eyes find mine across the distance, the challenge in them clear.I don't look away.If he wants a fight, well then, I will give him one.Conversation dies away as I approach the speaking stone—an ancient granite boulder worn smooth by generations of pack leaders who have stood upon it to address
(Siena POV)The scent of fresh pine from the forest beyond my window mingles with the lingering aroma of herbal tea gone cold in a forgotten mug. My eyes burn from lack of sleep, but my mind refuses to rest, spinning endlessly over the revelations of the past two days.I press my fingertips against
“Did it give you satisfaction to destroy this, too?”“The pack deserved to know the truth about someone wielding significant influence over our policies,” I reply, keeping my voice even despite the storm of emotions churning beneath the surface.Siena raises her head finally, amber eyes locking with
(Raiden POV) I tap my fingers against the ancient desk, feeling the smooth wood worn by generations of Alphas before me.The folder beneath my hand contains information that burns like fire—Zion's greatest failure, neatly documented and verified. My wolf stirs restlessly beneath my skin, urging act
The truth is bitter, and it burns, but it makes no matter, as long as I am the only one who knows it.The sacrifices are a necessary evil.Voices emerge from the eastern corridor leading toward the private office typically reserved for sensitive discussions.Rain still beating violently against wind
(Raiden POV)The rain falls in relentless sheets across pack territory, transforming the afternoon into premature twilight, which perfectly suits my mood.From my position in the eastern watchtower, I can observe the settlement without being immediately visible.It’s a tactical advantage in this ong
( Raiden POV)The Alpha chambers feel too confined tonight, centuries-old stone walls pressing inward despite their impressive thickness.I can’t breathe.Moonlight filters through tall windows, casting elongated shadows across the polished wooden floor where I pace with restless energy no amount of