(Siena's POV)I am stunned. Of all the possible outcomes for this narrative, this is the one that eluded my attention.My fingers tremble slightly as I clench my fists at my sides, willing a composure that threatens to break at every turn.“Why?” I demand, my voice raw. “Why refuse divorce? Windhow
(Raiden‘s POV)What a ridiculous idea — treating marriage as transaction.Who does she think she is?I have never been plagued by such absurdities.Love, devotion—these things should be earned, not bought. And yet, here I am, standing in the middle of a grand banquet, staring at the undeniable proof
"Excuse me." I let go of Lila and turn, scanning the room for Siena.I can't avoid her presence, but it’s as if the room sees a golden cloud that floats through the room.Standing at the edge of the room, beautiful as she always has ebeen. Watching everything, everyone.The Great Luna, Siena, at lea
(Siena's POV)The music has ended; the dance comes to an end.We split apart.A wave of reporters surges toward us like they’re storming a castle. Flashing lights, eager questions, demands — I brace myself for the inevitable storm.Before I can move one step, Raiden’s arm snakes around my waist, pul
(Siena’s POV)“Why are you looking at me like that?” I ask, lifting a subtle eyebrow at Raiden’s scrutiny. “I have the most basic sense of contract spirit. Once I make a promise, I intend to honor it.”He remains quiet, but there are notes of confusion that rattle between his eyes.“...Tomorrow, I w
(Raiden's POV)The document is crisp, the ink still fresh. I feel nothing but annoyed as I skim through the clauses of this fake marriage contract.Three months of marriage. A transactional agreement.No emotions, no commitment involved.Just an exchangeb — her presence for my public image, my money
(Siena’s POV)The dim glow of my phone fades, leaving me staring at the reflection in the black screen—my reflection.Drumming my fingers mindlessly againstthe smooth surface of my desk, a hollow weight of regret settles over me.Ollie lounges on the couch infront of my desk, scrolling her phone, ab
Ten years…ten wasteful, painful years. He’s had warmer inetractiosn over business dinners with perfect strangers.He’s treating this like a reward. As if I’m something that can be boougt, paid for, and delegated at will.A pawn.Now, he’s even questioning my love...?My fingers tighten around the ph
(Siena's POV)The delicate ceremonial goblet slips from my trembling fingers, and I barely catch it before it shatters, much like my heart once did in this very place.My breath comes in short, shallow gasps as I clutch the intricately engraved silver chalice, my chest aching fiercely.Each item I p
Instinct takes over, primal and fierce, yet beneath each attack lies hesitation, reluctance. I lunge forward, jaws snapping, heart twisting painfully as Zion dodges skilfully aside, countering swiftly.Each strike, each blow, shatters more deeply into my conscience.I pin him briefly, my jaws inches
(Raiden's POV)The sky above Windhowl dawns blood-red, as if even the heavens condemn my foolish pride.I stand alone at the edge of the ceremonial grounds, where ancient trees tower solemnly, their branches stretched out like silent judges over today's proceedings.The clearing we chose for the due
How I’ll manage to look at him again, after hearing those words, I’ll never know.Entering his office, I find him already seated, his expression carefully neutral, his eyes guarded. My heart stutters painfully, and my emotions swirl chaotically. Silently, I extend the documents required for my depar
(Siena’s POV)“I've already forgotten about her.”Raiden's cold dismissal echoes through my mind, each word tearing into wounds I thought long healed, forcing my carefully constructed emotional walls to tremble, to fracture, threaten collapse.My legs swiftly carry me into the darkened forest, lungs
How did we come to this, Zion and I? Lifelong friends, now torn apart by jealousy, pride, and my own stubborn denial.Before either of us can speak again, a quiet, faint scent drifts through the open doorway—familiar and hauntingly sweet.Siena.My blood turns to ice in my veins, and my heart plumme
(Raiden's POV)The instant Zion utters Siena's name, something dark and primal explodes to life inside me.I'm standing by the window of my office, staring out at the twilight shadows creeping slowly across Windhowl, when he casually, confidently announces his intentions—words that slice through me
I stare at the compass, my fingers tracing the carvings as Horace stirs again, her emotions a mix of curiosity and reluctant admiration. “May it guide you home,” Raiden says quietly, his voice carrying an undercurrent of something I can’t quite name. “Whatever home means for you now.” His words
(Siena’s POV) I don’t sleep. Raiden’s words replay in my mind over and over, as insistent as the spring rain drumming against the windows of my temporary quarters.I love you, Siena.Not as a political arrangement or a convenient alliance, but for exactly who you are. For years, I longed to he