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)The sky above Windhowl dawns blood-red, as if even the heavens condemn my foolish pride.I stand alone at the edge of the ceremonial grounds, where ancient trees tower solemnly, their branches stretched out like silent judges over today's proceedings.The clearing we chose for the due
(Siena’s POV) I don’t sleep. Raiden’s words replay in my mind over and over, as insistent as the spring rain drumming against the windows of my temporary quarters.I love you, Siena.Not as a political arrangement or a convenient alliance, but for exactly who you are. For years, I longed to he
I stare at the compass, my fingers tracing the carvings as Horace stirs again, her emotions a mix of curiosity and reluctant admiration. “May it guide you home,” Raiden says quietly, his voice carrying an undercurrent of something I can’t quite name. “Whatever home means for you now.” His words
How did we come to this, Zion and I? Lifelong friends, now torn apart by jealousy, pride, and my own stubborn denial.Before either of us can speak again, a quiet, faint scent drifts through the open doorway—familiar and hauntingly sweet.Siena.My blood turns to ice in my veins, and my heart plumme







