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
(Siena’s POV) The morning of the third competition dawns with a quiet tension that settles deep in my bones.The air feels charged, heavier than usual, carrying the weight of unspoken things. I try to shake it off as I step out onto Windhowl’s training grounds, but the unease lingers, prickling at
A knot tightens in my throat. What’s happeneign to me? To him?“Forget it,” I say, forcing the connection closed, severing the brief glimpse of his turmoil. “It doesn’t change anything.” Rairity watches me carefully, her expression unreadable, but she doesn’t press. We move through the final p
(Raiden’s POV)The third round of the competition begins. This is where Silverfang excels—where I excel.Leadership evaluation isn’t about brute strength or dominance. It’s about strategy, foresight, and the ability to manage crises under pressure.These are the qualities that define a true Alpha.A
"Our data shows that territories employing this balanced approach have experienced 40% fewer security incidents while maintaining cultural integrity. This isn't about compromising who we are—it's about evolving how we coexist."A murmur passes through the judges.Her words are precise, her arguments
(Siena’s POV) The competition grounds buzz with excitement after the third round.The news that Windhowl and Silverfang tied for first spread like wildfire, igniting whispers of an unprecedented outcome—a shared victory—a possibility that no one had considered—not even me. But I know better than
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
“My opposition was… personal rather than political.”The confession costs me more deeply than I could have anticipated.Admitting my pettiness, admitting my inability to separate emotion from responsibility—it feels like peeling away a carefully maintained facade, exposing wounds I’ve long worked to