(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
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
(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
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
(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 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
(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
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
(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