(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'
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
(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
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)It haunted me for days; the synchronicity Siena and I had shared during the competition.Every time I closed my eyes, I could see her moving beside me—fluid, instinctual, perfect.We had moved as one.My wolf hadn’t felt that aligned with another since… since before everything fell ap
And then, just beyond the corner of my eye, I saw her.Siena.She stood across the room, her expression carefully neutral. But for a split second—just a moment—I saw it. The flash of pain in her eyes before her mask slipped firmly into place.It hit me harder than I expected, a sharp stab to the che
(Siena's POV)Watching Raiden kiss Lila feels like a searing blow, despite the years of rejection that should have numbed me to this kind of pain.My wolf howls in anguish, clawing beneath my skin, restless and furious.“I hate her,” she growls, low, threatening.“I know, but we have all made decisi
"Fifteen would suffice if we implement a rotation system," I reply automatically before catching myself. Why am I sharing these details with him?"Ambitious," he remarks, eyes wandering down to where my hands rest on my knees. I cross my arms, creating distance."The Silverpelt Pass is still vulnera
"Good idea," I manage, my voice steadier than I feel. "I'll speak with Tomas about positioning archers on the ridge above."Raiden turns his head slightly, his face now inches from mine. "Siena..."My pulse quickens softly, heart stumbling traitorously. "We should focus on the threat," I whisper, no
(Siena’s POV)Raiden’s plea from the cabin echoes relentlessly in my mind, threatening to fracture every wall I've painstakingly built around my heart.I pace restlessly across the elegant guest quarters, my fingers tugging nervously at the edges of my jacket, tension coiling sharply within my chest
My wolf surges forward, craving her closeness. "Siena, I—""Don't," she whispers, but she doesn't move away when I step closer. "Please don't say things you'll take back tomorrow.""I never should have taken them back the first time," I confess, my voice breaking as I reach for her hand. "I've misse
(Raiden’s POV)Thunder crashes violently overhead, shaking the cabin walls, as if nature itself demands I finally lay bare the secrets I've guarded far too long.The steady rhythm of rain pounds relentlessly against the roof, creating a constant, murmuring backdrop to the silence hanging between us.
The oak offers no comfort or wisdom. It offers only silence and the mocking permanence of symbols that now mean nothing at all.I brush my fingertips over the markings, memories flooding vividly through me.That day, I felt cautious hope despite our union's political nature.I'd believed, or at leas
(Siena’s POV)Raiden’s whispered plea haunts me, echoing relentlessly through the stillness of my room, refusing me even the small mercy of sleep.“Don’t go.”Those two simple words replay over and over, each repetition carving deeper into my carefully constructed walls.I sit upright in bed, sheets
(Raiden’s POV)The clock on my office wall ticks relentlessly, each second louder than the last, marking the cruel passage of time slipping through my fingers.I pace the room like a caged animal, my wolf restless beneath my skin.My eyes flick repeatedly toward the window, searching for glimpses of
(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