(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
His words catch me off-guard, and I feel a flicker of warmth in my chest. Zion has always been supportive, his belief in me unwavering even when my own faith faltered. “Thank you,” I say softly, meaning it. “For believing in me when few others did.” He smiles, a genuine smile that reaches his ey
(Raiden’s POV)Days have passed, but Siena’s presence lingers like a phantom, haunting the corners of my mind.Horace paces restlessly beneath my skin, agitated and clawing to break free. Every time I close my eyes, I see her standing there—strong, composed, untouchable. And yet, there was something
I hear her murmuring softly, her hands brushing over me with practiced ease. But I’m too far gone to process it.It’s as if I am under some spell.The last thing I remember is the scent of her perfume clinging to the air as sleep claims me. ***Morning comes
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