"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
(Raiden's POV)Zion sits across from me, his face shocked. I can’t believe the message on his phone, and he can’t believe he’s suddenly been thrust into this situation.We’re caught in a moment that feels endless....Why does Siena contact Zion?She never cared about any man other than me in the pas
Siena's POVI sit on my bed, staring at my phone. My fingers hover above the screen, and for a moment, I’m frozen. I had been hoping—no, expecting—a message from Raiden, as my best friend had suggested. She had said, "It’s definitely Raiden. He owes you an apology for everything he’s done!"But the
Over Lila's shoulder, my gaze locks helplessly onto Siena again, and my chest tightens as I see the raw hurt flash briefly across her delicate features before she quickly masks it behind practiced composure.Her warm eyes shut instantly, walls slamming firmly back into place, leaving nothing but col
(Raiden's POV)I stand rigidly at the starting line, the morning air crisp against my skin as sunlight filters gently through the trees.Around us, murmurs of anticipation ripple softly through the gathered crowd, warriors and spectators alike waiting eagerly to see our performance.My heart thuds u
My pulse races unsteadily, and I stare at his outstretched palm.Refusing would humiliate us both further, yet accepting means enduring the unbearable closeness of a bond that remains torturously broken.Swallowing hard, I force my trembling hand into his firm grasp.The instant our skin touches, el
(Siena's POV)The air is quiet but for the murmurs of anticipation echoing softly from gathered Alphas and Lunas.My heart pounds heavily beneath my ribs, nerves fluttering uncomfortably in my stomach.Today marks the final day of the second competition—the day that could make or break everything I'
Something about that mark has always unsettled me—an unease I've stubbornly ignored for far too long. My jaw tightens sharply as I meet her expectant gaze."Nothing is guaranteed," I reply coldly, watching her smile falter again, hurt flickering briefly across her lovely face. I feel a pang of irri
(Raiden's POV)I stand at the window as dawn breaks across the horizon, splintering the sky into shades of gold and crimson.The vibrant colors should soothe me, but instead, they mock my restlessness, highlighting the turmoil I feel deep within. The sleepless night has left me drained yet wired, my
“Not now. He is no longer our mate.” I scold back.For a moment, we stand close enough that I can feel the warmth of his breath and sense the tension radiating from his powerful frame.Memories of happier times flicker through me, of nights spent safely wrapped in his arms, his strength a sanctuary
(Siena’s POV)My phone rings sharply in the darkness, jolting me awake so violently that, for a moment, I struggle to remember where I am.My heart pounds wildly in my chest as I fumble blindly for the device, eyes still blurry with sleep."Siena," Rairity's urgent voice cuts through the haze, insta
My eyes drift reluctantly toward Siena, who sits quietly among her warriors rather than at my side, the empty Luna chair a silent accusation against me.It gnaws at me, uncomfortable and bitter.I watch as she cares carefully for her warriors, her slender fingers gentle as they check bandages, adju