“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
(Raiden’s POV)I stare at my reflection in the shattered mirror, each fractured shard mocking me with distorted echoes of failure.Siena’s words ring mercilessly in my ears, looping endlessly through my mind. Her voice, raw and aching with betrayal, has left its imprint on my heart, carved deep enou
"Your grip is too tight," I say flatly, adjusting her fingers on my shoulder. "You're leaving bruises.""How inconvenient for you," she whispers, close enough that only I can hear. "Imagine having permanent marks from someone you trusted."I deserve that. I deserve worse."This competition is our la
(Siena’s POV) I can’t sleep. The moonlight spills into my room, soft and silvery, but it doesn’t soothe me.It only sharpens the ache in my chest, the one that’s been growing for weeks now, threading itself deeper and deeper into my soul.The bond is weakening—I feel it slipping further with ever
“You missed everything,” I say quietly, my voice steadier than I feel. “You missed who I actually am.” To my surprise, he doesn’t argue. He doesn’t deflect or deny. Instead, he nods, a small, almost imperceptible movement that feels heavier than any words he could have spoken. “I’m beginning to
(Raiden’s POV) The final unity challenge begins with a ceremonial acknowledgment of pack bonds, a tradition steeped in symbolism.The gathered packs watch from the grand arena, their eyes sharp, their judgment palpable. As Siena and I stand together before the council of judges, the weight of thei
The question is a dagger, its point aimed directly at the weakest part of our partnership. I feel the tension ripple through the crowd, the silence that follows heavy with anticipation. Siena stiffens beside me, her shoulders straightening as if bracing for impact. Before I can think, before I c
(Siena’s POV)The room hums with tension, the kind that prickles against your skin and settles deep in your bones.The announcer steps forward to the ceremonial platform, the silver emblem of the Grand Gathering glinting on his chest. The torchlight catches his face as he unfurls the traditional scr
(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