I linger at the edge of the room, my pack gathering around me. They’re buzzing with satisfaction, purpose awared to them through the honr of this day, of what they have conquered for our pack.
Their loyalty to me evident in the way they stand close, their expressions glowing with vindication.
1
“You were brilliant, Luna,” Elara says softly, her wrinkled hand gripping my arm. Her eyes shine with pride, and the warmth in her voice eases the tightness in my chest, if only slightly.
“Thank you, Elara,” I say, my voice steady. I glance at the others, offering them a small smile. “This was a win for all of us. Windhowl stands strong because of you.”
The ball begins, the grand hall transformed into a glittering spectacle of light and music.
The scent of polished wood and expensive wine fills the air, mingling with the subtle tension that always lingers at these events. Wolves mingle in clusters, their laughter and conversation a low hum that echoes off the high ceilings.
I stand near one of the massive windows, the cool night air brushing against my skin.
My pack is scattered throughout the room, blending seamlessly into the crowd. Even in celebration, they remain vigilant, their loyalty to me soldified.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Raiden approaching. He moves with the same commanding presence he always does, his strides confident and unhurried.
62%
Chapter 26
My wolf stirs uneasily, her instincts sharp and wary.
What fresh hells will you bring to the feet of your Queen Raiden? What new cruelty do you have for me?
+5
“Siena,” he says as he stops in front of me, his voice low and measured. He offers his hand, his expression unreadable. “Shall we?”
It takes me a moment to realize what he’s asking. The obligatory dance.
Of course.
It’s tradition, after all–an Alpha and Luna must share at least one dance at events like this. I take his hand without hesitation, masking the swirl of emotions in my chest.
His touch is warm, steady, but it feels foreign to me now. Once, it had been a comfort. Once, I’d believed in the bond between us.
But now, it’s just a reminder of everything we’ve lost.
We step onto the dance floor, the room seems to quiet, all eyes turning to us.
The music begins, a soft, lilting melody that fills the space. Raiden’s hand rests lightly on my waist, the other holding mine with the perfect amount of pressure–neither too tight nor too loose.
We move together with practiced ease, our steps smooth and synchronized.
“Your proposal was… impressive,” he says after a moment, his voice stiff but sincere.
I glance up at him, searching his face for some hint of mockery, but there’s none. His expression is guarded, but there’s a flicker of something in his eyes–something that looks almost like curiosity.
Where have you hiddne your malice Raiden?
“Where did you learn to structure welfare systems like that?” he asks, his tone shifting slightly. There’s something familiar in it, a trace of the genuine interest he used to show me during our early courtship, before everything between us had soured.
For a moment, I’m caught off guard. I don’t know how to respond.
“Experience,” I say finally, my voice quiet but firm. “And necessity. Windhowl’s survival depends on finding solutions that others overlook.”
He nods, his gaze dropping for a moment before meeting mine again. For a heartbeat, I see him–the mate I once believed in, the wolf I thought I could build a future with.
But then, just as quickly, his gaze hardens, the wall between us slamming back into place.
I feel the weight of the evening settle heavily on my shoulders. His support during the council session had been unexpected, but it changes nothing. The walls between us are too high, too fortified.
But
