3.03%
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.
Ollic lounges on the couch infront of my desk, scrolling her phone, absentmindley chewing on the end of a pen.
“He still hasn’t replied?” She asks, glancing at me from under thick luxuoripus lashes.
I shouldn’t expect a response.
Ollie purses her lips, twirling the pen between her fingers. “You’re spiraling.” she notes, shifting her position. “I get it, but let’s not pretend this was ever going to go differently.”
I say, “You know Zion has always looked down on me. Olic.”
Olivia says, “Okay, let’s wait him. By the way, Windhowl has kept your father’s passing a secret… Alpha King–I mean, Raiden, does he know?”
I reply, “I wanted to tell him, but obviously, he would only take it as a joke.”
…Without a doubt, he would.
Raiden has already lost patience with Windhowl, and my pack is in an extremely fragile state. Even the slightest turmoil could cause drastic changes. At this critical moment, I cannot afford to make any reckless decisions.
Thinking of my father, a sharp pain pierced my heart for a moment.
…I will tell him when the time is right,” I say.
Time ticks by, sharing in my agony until a half–hour of complete silence has passed.
Then, as if the Goddess herself had inetrevened, the phone vibrate.
My pulse jumps.
IT’s not a reply from Zion–it’s a call form Raiden.
Raiden never calls. Ever.
1
Ollie sits up straight, eyes widening. “Raiden? That’s weird.”
This can’t be good.
Hesitating, I take a deep breath and decide to do the unthinkable–answer.
“Hello?”
I pick it up.
“Siena.” A heavy pause.
“I hope you’ve not cooked anymore of your fantasies about this marriage. We have a solid agreement. Do not embarrass me and do not betray.”
༥.63%.
Chapter 12
…Betray? What?
IIIs voice is cold, blunt. It’s unusual. All I can think of is what does he mean?
“Excuse me? Raiden-“1.
“I know you contacted Zion.” Him.
His words land precisely where they’re meant to.
I gripping the edge of my desk. “My business with Zion is my own, Riaden.”
“Increet. You are my business. He is my best friend. This has everything to ddo with me.,” he replies flatly. “If this is aboutthe SOA (The Summit of Alphas) competition, i’ll warn you off it now. Don’t even bother fighting for a spot, Siena, you won’t win.”
