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
(Siena's POV)The air is quiet but for the murmurs of anticipation echoing softly from gathered Alphas and Lunas.My heart pounds heavily beneath my ribs, nerves fluttering uncomfortably in my stomach.Today marks the final day of the second competition—the day that could make or break everything I'
My pulse races unsteadily, and I stare at his outstretched palm.Refusing would humiliate us both further, yet accepting means enduring the unbearable closeness of a bond that remains torturously broken.Swallowing hard, I force my trembling hand into his firm grasp.The instant our skin touches, el
(Raiden's POV)I stand rigidly at the starting line, the morning air crisp against my skin as sunlight filters gently through the trees.Around us, murmurs of anticipation ripple softly through the gathered crowd, warriors and spectators alike waiting eagerly to see our performance.My heart thuds u
(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