(Raiden’s POV)Preparations for the unity challenge consume every waking moment.Silverfang is heavily favored, and everyone knows it.A leader and mate work in perfect harmony, and their bond gives them an undeniable advantage.That should’ve been us. Siena should’ve been by my side. But instead, I
(Siena’s POV) The ancient Stone Circle rises from the earth like the spine of some great beast, massive granite monoliths standing sentinel against the twilight sky.Firelight flickers across their weathered surfaces, casting long shadows that seem to dance with purpose across the packed dirt of t
(Raiden’s POV)The echo of my own words haunts me, looping endlessly in my mind: Our arrangement served both our purposes. At the time, it had felt like the safest answer, the easiest way to sidestep the vulnerability hanging between us after her question—Did you ever care for me at all? But the
“I’ve been unfair to you,” I say, the words heavier than they should be. “About your father. About… many things.” The admission hangs in the air between us, inadequate but honest. I glance at her, waiting for some kind of reaction, but she just stares at me, her amber eyes searching my face like s
(Siena’s POV) His non-answer shouldn’t sting. Not after everything.Not after years of rejection, years of being the placeholder he tolerated because the Moon Goddess said so.And yet, it does. The words—I want to make amends—echo in my mind like a cruel melody, hollow and weightless. They’re no
“When this is over,” he says, his tone careful but determined, “I’d like to court you. Properly.” The words catch me off-guard, and for a moment, I don’t know how to respond. Zion has always been kind to me and always supportive in a way that felt genuine and uncomplicated.His offer is flattering
(Raiden’s POV)I stare at my reflection in the shattered mirror, each fractured shard mocking me with distorted echoes of failure.Siena’s words ring mercilessly in my ears, looping endlessly through my mind. Her voice, raw and aching with betrayal, has left its imprint on my heart, carved deep enou
"Your grip is too tight," I say flatly, adjusting her fingers on my shoulder. "You're leaving bruises.""How inconvenient for you," she whispers, close enough that only I can hear. "Imagine having permanent marks from someone you trusted."I deserve that. I deserve worse."This competition is our la
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