(Siena’s POV)The irony of it all doesn’t escape me.I sit at the edge of the conference table, the official announcement of the third competition round still echoing in my mind:A pack unity challenge requiring Alpha and Luna to work together, leveraging their unique strengths.Unity. Cooperation.
I swallow hard against the sudden tightness in my throat. His unexpected vulnerability makes it difficult to maintain the protective shell I've built around myself.For a dangerous moment, I almost reach across the table toward him, an instinct my body hasn't unlearned despite all the reasons my min
(Raiden’s POV)Preparations for the unity challenge consume every waking moment.Silverfang is heavily favored, and everyone knows it.A leader and mate work in perfect harmony, and their bond gives them an undeniable advantage.That should’ve been us. Siena should’ve been by my side. But instead, I
(Siena’s POV) The ancient Stone Circle rises from the earth like the spine of some great beast, massive granite monoliths standing sentinel against the twilight sky.Firelight flickers across their weathered surfaces, casting long shadows that seem to dance with purpose across the packed dirt of t
(Raiden’s POV)The echo of my own words haunts me, looping endlessly in my mind: Our arrangement served both our purposes. At the time, it had felt like the safest answer, the easiest way to sidestep the vulnerability hanging between us after her question—Did you ever care for me at all? But the
“I’ve been unfair to you,” I say, the words heavier than they should be. “About your father. About… many things.” The admission hangs in the air between us, inadequate but honest. I glance at her, waiting for some kind of reaction, but she just stares at me, her amber eyes searching my face like s
(Siena’s POV) His non-answer shouldn’t sting. Not after everything.Not after years of rejection, years of being the placeholder he tolerated because the Moon Goddess said so.And yet, it does. The words—I want to make amends—echo in my mind like a cruel melody, hollow and weightless. They’re no
“When this is over,” he says, his tone careful but determined, “I’d like to court you. Properly.” The words catch me off-guard, and for a moment, I don’t know how to respond. Zion has always been kind to me and always supportive in a way that felt genuine and uncomplicated.His offer is flattering
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