Let me breathe.The other judges are already assembled, murmuring quietly as I take my seat at the head table. I busy myself with the competition rules spread out before me, desperate to distract myself from the turmoil raging within me.Horace continues pacing restlessly beneath my skin, agitated b
(Raiden’s POV)From my vantage point on the elevated judges’ platform, the sprawling landscape of the competition grounds stretches out beneath me—an intricate patchwork of forests, rocky terrain, and open clearings.The early morning mist has finally dissipated, revealing a pristine battlefield tha
(Siena’s POV)The banquet hall once again hums with excitement, the gentle clink of crystal glasses intertwining with melodic laughter and happy murmurs of celebration.Warm golden candlelight bathes everything in a soft glow, reflecting brightly against polished silverware and delicately arranged c
My eyes drift reluctantly toward Siena, who sits quietly among her warriors rather than at my side, the empty Luna chair a silent accusation against me.It gnaws at me, uncomfortable and bitter.I watch as she cares carefully for her warriors, her slender fingers gentle as they check bandages, adju
(Siena’s POV)My phone rings sharply in the darkness, jolting me awake so violently that, for a moment, I struggle to remember where I am.My heart pounds wildly in my chest as I fumble blindly for the device, eyes still blurry with sleep."Siena," Rairity's urgent voice cuts through the haze, insta
“Not now. He is no longer our mate.” I scold back.For a moment, we stand close enough that I can feel the warmth of his breath and sense the tension radiating from his powerful frame.Memories of happier times flicker through me, of nights spent safely wrapped in his arms, his strength a sanctuary
(Raiden's POV)I stand at the window as dawn breaks across the horizon, splintering the sky into shades of gold and crimson.The vibrant colors should soothe me, but instead, they mock my restlessness, highlighting the turmoil I feel deep within. The sleepless night has left me drained yet wired, my
Something about that mark has always unsettled me—an unease I've stubbornly ignored for far too long. My jaw tightens sharply as I meet her expectant gaze."Nothing is guaranteed," I reply coldly, watching her smile falter again, hurt flickering briefly across her lovely face. I feel a pang of irri
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