(Siena’s POV)The celebration dinner this evening feels bittersweet; joy at our accomplishment tempered by the constant pain in my chest where the mate bond continues to weaken.Windhowl's council members have spared no expense, transforming our pack's communal dining hall into something almost rega
Without the stage of Raiden’s adoration, she doesn’t bother with the charm. There’s only cold, vicious satisfaction in her eyes now.The woman I’ve seen in fleeting moments over the years, the one who wears the mask of sweetness for his benefit, is standing before me in full, unrestrained form.Lila
(Raiden’s POV)I can feel her before I see her.Siena sits at the far end of the conference table, her back straight, her voice steady as she presents Windhowl’s strategy for the upcoming negotiations.She’s commanding, in control, but I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong. Her face is to
If I hadn’t been so selfish. If I had just told her the truth when I had the chance.But no. I’ve made my choice. I’m not going to let her drag me back into that painful mess.That night, after the dinner I find myself alone in my quarters, the weight of the day pressing down on me.The laughter and
(Siena’s POV)Lila’s words about my father keep echoing in my mind, haunting me.I try to push them away so that I can focus on the task at hand—preparing for the upcoming negotiations and the competition.But they cling to me, tight, like claws digging into my chest, scratching at the edges of my t
The room is silent for a moment, and then the murmurs begin. The councilors exchange looks, their expressions thoughtful, impressed, but still skeptical.I can see the wheels turning in their minds, weighing the potential benefits against the risks.It’s too soon to tell if I’ve won them over, but f
(Raiden’s POV)“She outmaneuvered everyone.”The words are repeated so often that they feel like a chant, a reminder of just how much I’ve underestimated her.How did she pull this off? She had every reason to fail, every reason to crumble under pressure, but instead, she walked into that room and f
(Siena’s POV)The grand hall of the Lycanthrope Council gleams with an almost oppressive elegance.Crystal chandeliers cast prismatic light across marble floors, illuminating the faces of the pack representatives with an unforgiving brightness that reveals every calculation, every political maneuver
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