“We need to get you out of here,” she says, voice steadier than it has any right to be. “Can you stand if I help you?” I nod, though I'm not certain it's true. Her arm slides around my waist, surprisingly strong as she braces herself against my weight. Together, we struggle to our feet amid the ru
(Raiden’s POV)The putrid scent of smoke and burning wires assaults my senses the instant Siena and I burst into the command center. The flickering emergency lights cast sinister crimson shadows across shattered monitors.Chaos greets us on every side—warriors shouting over crackling radios, technic
My wolf stirs restlessly inside me, ears perked hopefully despite caution's lingering whispers. I roll onto my side, pulling my knees toward my chest. The memory of our last real conversation burns like acid—the cold fury in my voice as I accused him of trying to overshadow my accomplishments, of
(Siena POV)A violent pounding on my door jolts me awake, shattering the stillness of night. I bolt upright, heart hammering against my ribs as my senses snap to full alertness. “Siena!” Raiden's voice carries through the wood, urgent and strained. “Wake up! We're under attack!” I leap from bed, a
Her expression shifts from anger to something worse—disappointment. “You've already lost what matters most,” she says softly. “No contest can change that.”She turns away before I can respond, moving toward Zion, who waits near the hall's entrance.Their brief exchange—no touch, just words—sends fre
(Raiden POV) My reflection in the glass shows a stranger—hollow eyes, tension etched into every line of my face.The ceremonial challenge token weighs heavy in my palm, its black stone surface cool despite hours of being held.I've made my decision.The ancient laws still exist, buried in our oldes
***When I enter, the Great Hall hums with subdued conversation. Council members are gathered around the ancient oak table, which has witnessed generations of pack decisions, from territory expansion to war declarations to peace treaties that shaped current boundaries.Massive timber beams arch over
(Raiden POV)The first rays of dawn filter through the windows of the Alpha quarters, painting my sparse chambers in hues of gold and amber that remind me painfully of Siena's eyes.I haven't slept.Again.The tangled sheets bear witness to hours of restless tossing as strategies formed and collapse
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