is hands hang loosely at his sides, and his face is unreadable, but his eyes… his eyes are on me.
For a moment, something sharp and raw passes between us. I can’t name it, but I can feel it, heavy and unrelenting.
I square my shoulders and turn away, refusing to let him see how much his presence affects me. I won’t stay here, subject to Lila’s gloating smirk or Raiden’s cold indifference.
I have more important things to focus on.
The cool night air brushes against my skin as I step onto the terrace, the hum of the ballroom fading behind me.
The city stretches out before me in a glittering sea of lights, each one shimmering like a distant promise.
I take a deep breath, letting the crisp air fill my lungs and clear my mind.
1
My wolf stirs uneasily, still restless, still growling at the memory of Lila’s mark. She doesn’t understand why we’re here, why we’re tolerating this. She doesn’t understand why Raiden looks at Lila the way he used to look at me.
Neither do I.
I grip the stone railing tightly, my knuckles whitening as I stare out into the night.
The phone call replays in my mind, the excitement in my assistant’s voice, the pride that surged through me. For the first time in weeks, I feel a glimmer of hope.
But even that hope is tinged with bitterness. Raiden’s absence is a shadow in every victory. He should be the one standing beside me, sharing these moments, celebrating what I’ve accomplished.
Instead, he’s inside, with her.
My chest tightens, and I close my eyes, forcing the thought away. I can’t afford to dwell on him. Not tonight. Windhowl needs me, and I won’t let anyone take this moment from me.
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Chapter 20
“Siena”
62
The voice stares me, low and wndardier. 1 torn to find Rickard standing low feet away, his expression warm and open
I hope I’m not intruding he says, his tome polite bant curion. I fout wanted to say how impressed I was with your presentation cartier. It’s rare to see that kind of vision and dedication?
The compliment catches me off guard. For a moment, I don’t know how to respond
“Thank you,” I say finally, my voice steady despite the flicker of uncertainty in my chest.
He steps dower, offering a small smile. “Windhowl is lucky to have you. If there’s ever anything I can do to support your efforts, please don’t hesitate to ank”
“Thank you,” I repeat, more firmly this time. “That mean a great deal Kickard
He nods, his smile widening slightly. “Would you allow me to escort you back inside?
I hesitate. The thought of returning to that room, of facing Raiden and Lila, is almost unbearable. But the alternative- lingering out here, alone with my thoughts–is no better.
“Of course, I say finally, slipping my arm through his.
The weight of the stares hits me the moment we reenter the ballroom. Wolves from every pack watch us, their gazes curious and calculating, their whispers buzzing faintly in the background.
I keep my head high, my expression calm and composed.
Rickard is just a frind, a guide, a mentor; let them watch.
Let them wonder.
My eyes drawn to him like a moth to a flame, Raiden is on the dance floor now, Lila in his arms, her body pressed too close to his. But his focus isn’t on her.
It’s on me.
Our eyes meet across the room, and for a moment, the noise and the crowd fade away. There’s something in his expression I can’t quite place–something raw, almost possessive.
It lasts only a second before he looks away, his jaw tightening as he focuses back on Lila. But the flicker of emotion lingers, etched into my mind like a brand.
As Rickard at my side leads me toward the edge of the room, I feel a strange sense of triumph.
Let Raiden watch. Let him wonder.
I am Siena of Windhowl.
