Chapter 0004

(Siena's POV)

The silence stretches, thick with unspoken fears.

Every pair of eyes follows me, disbelief clear in their widened gazes. I don’t blame them. Siena—the lovesick fool, the Luna who sacrificed everything for a man who never truly cared—has she finally come to her senses?

She has.

Spine straight, I don’t waver. “Rairity, assemble the council. We need to meet.”

“Siena.” She hesitates. “Are you sure this is the right move? For you—for all of us?”

“I will take over as acting Alpha.”

A murmur ripples through the chamber.

The door swings open with force, and Rickard strides in, his presence heavy as a thundercloud. My father’s Beta—loyal, disciplined, unyielding. His gaze lands on me, and I see it—the flicker of unease, the silent dissent.

“As you see fit,” he says finally. “But may I advise we move quickly? Your father’s funeral arrangements…”

“A small ceremony. In a few days,” I reply, my voice steady despite the grief clawing at my chest. Push it down, Siena. Not now. Not in front of them.

The pack watches, uncertain. They’ve never seen this side of me—but they must learn to accept this Alpha.

“Until the ceremony, we keep my father’s passing quiet from the outland packs. Any perceived weakness could be exploited.”

Rairity nods, but her silence speaks volumes. We’re thinking the same thing.

Rogues.

“That’s enough. We need to move,” she orders sharply. The room empties, save for Rickard. He doesn’t move, his stance unyielding.

“You have something to say, Rickard?” I ask, folding my arms, mirroring him.

A muscle jumps in his jaw, but still, he stays silent.

Rairity exhales in frustration. “Oh, for the goddess’ sake, just spit it out! You don’t think she can do it, do you?”

His eyes meet mine. “I served your father for many years, Siena. I respected him. And I respected that he never forced you into leadership.”

Lifting my chin, I mask my sorrow. “Maybe he should have.”

Rickard studies me. “Your father, Zeno, wanted nothing more than your happiness.”

My chest tightens. “Mistakes were made,” I admit. “I was a fool who thought happiness meant being someone’s wife instead of leading my pack. I won’t make that mistake again.”

“This isn’t just about taking his title. Windhowl is drowning in debt. We’re vulnerable. If the wrong ears hear of this too soon—”

“We need resources. Allies.” I cut in. “I have a plan for that.”

Both of them listen, intrigued.

“The Summit of Alpha, that's our last chance.”

Rickard’s brows furrow. “The hosting rights?”

“Yes,” Rairity confirms, handing me a schedule. “If we win, we gain financial support, connections, and influence—everything we need to survive.”

Rickard’s expression is unreadable. “You know who else is competing?”

I don’t need to ask. I already know.

“Raiden.” His name is bitter on my tongue.

Rickard watches me closely, expecting hesitation. He will not find it here.

“I don’t care if Silverfang is competing. Windhowl needs this, and I’m not backing down.”

Rairity hums in approval. “No, you’re not.”

Rickard considers for a moment before nodding. “Then we’d better start preparing.”

***

(Raiden's POV)

The pack house is dimly lit when I step inside. It’s quiet, which suite me fine, the exhaustion clinging to me like a dampened, soggy second skin.

Another day filled with meetings, negotiations, responsibilities I shoulder without question.

Rolling my neck, I glance the grand halls. There is not a soul to be found.

Something feels off.

AT first, I can’t place it. But, as I move deeper into the house, a nagging sensation grows stronger.

Then, I relaize it. The scent of fresh flowers is missing from the foyer. The usual warmth of candle light in my study is all but dead—, inside only blackness, as if it belongs to no one, let alone the Alpha King.

The faint hum of carefully selected music no longer drifts through the air.

The small, insignificant comfotrs I rarely pay attention to—gone.

What’s happening?

“Where is my tie for tomorrow?” I call out to the silence, irritation lacing my voice.

There is nothing — silnce.

Is this a joke?

Suddenly, i hear heavy patters of feet. The butler, a young pup just happy to be here, appears. His posture is stiff, his face is neutral, but his eyes give him away. He’s lost.

“Alpha, sir,” he clears his throat. He’s panicking and he should be. “Many apologies. How can I assist?”

“My tie, Gorkin, where is it?”

“I’m..I’m very sorry Alpha, I do not know.”

Is this pup serious?

I swallow down the instinct of rage, settling on a frown. “What do you mean you don’t know Gordkin? That’s exactly your job, what you’re paid to do! KNOW!”

The growl escapes. I cannot control the fury.

He’s terrified, but it makes no difference. I want answers and I wnat them now.

“Speak Pup!”

“Ah..Ah Lady Siena. She is the one who prepares your belongings alpha. She handles the schedules, makes your social arrangements, your—”

“And you? What do you do?”

The question burns between us.

“I..I'm sorry.”

I waive a hand, cutting him off. “So everything that is misplaced and wrong in this house tonight is due to the Luna’s absence? Is that your explanation?”

The butler trembles but remain silent.

Exhaling sharply, I run a hand and through my hair. “...Maybe That crazy woman was actually useful after all,hmm.”

“You are excused pup.”

Suddenly, my wolf stirs in the back of my mind. A low growl of disapproval rumbling through the deepchords for our bond.

[You never appreciated her.]

I scowl. “Why are you so keen on defending her Horace? She chose marriage for an alliance! She has no love for you, or me or this pack! She manipulates, lies.”

Horace is silent for a moment before he reposnds, voice quiter, but firm.

[If you keep ignoring Siena and pushing her away, you’ll come to regret it Raiden. Mark my words, nothing good can come of this.]

He could be right, but it makes no difference. I have sacrificed time, money and my sanity for many years on her account. I want nothing but compliance because that is what I am owed.

That is what was agreed.

[Remember Raiden. She is your Luna, our Luna. respect—]

“Enough!” I growl, slamming my fist into the fridge, rattling it’s contents.

Trying to shake off the unsettling warning from my intrusive wolf, I pull out the phone. Only a few hours ago I commanded her to be home.

She has disobeyed me.

Setting the phone down, I grab a water, a bag of cashews and I wait.

The silence is loud. The clock ticks in the distance, it’s rhythm is everywhere and in no particular place, all at once.

What nerve she has! Who does she think she is?

Drumming my fingers on the marble counter, i wait. Still, there’ s notihng.

Frowning, I pull the phone out again. Checking the screen.

Delivered. Not read.

Not even opened.

What game is she playing at?

A strange sunken feeling begins to whirl around in my stomch.

The girl who used to chase me around, hung on my every word. the woman who sacrificed everything for me—

Blocked me.

She’s ignoring me...?