The ballroom hums with energy, alive with laughter and the rhythmic melody of violins weaving through the air. Crystal chandeliers cast glittering reflections, showering the marble floors in fragmented starlight.
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Despite the gaiety, a gnawing discomfort coils within my chest, tightening painfully as I watch Siena from across the room.
She’s not leaving.
Is she hesitating? Does she….does he want my attention?
She stood gracefully poised, her midnight–blue gown shimmering like captured moonlight against the curve of her hips. My breath caught involuntarily, betraying me with a pang of unwanted longing.
Her expression remains serene, composed–but her eyes flash with quiet defiance each time she rejects another Alpha’s offered hand. The elder Alpha has retreated, but that does nothing to slow the steady interest of her gand.
Something warm and possessive stirs inside me, making my wolf rumble with smug satisfaction. I clamp down on the feeling instantly, disgusted and confused by my own weakness.
“You promised me a dance,” Lila whispers, her voice trembling softly beside me.
My pulse quickens with guilt–I’d nearly forgotten she was there, clinging to my arm, her delicate fingers trembling slightly in practiced vulnerability.
Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, begging for attention I haven’t given her tonight.
I force a practiced smile to my lips, masking the turmoil raging inside me. “Of course,” I murmur, guiding her gently toward the dance floor but unable to ignore the new Alpha, so young, virile, charismatic, busily swooning over my Luna.
Have they no respect? No idea of boundaries? The thought sickens me; am I losing control?
As I pull Lila into my arms, I can’t help the involuntary glance toward Siena.
My Luna.
The thought rattles me, though I fight to deny its significance.
She stands alone now, a subtle pride in her elegant posture. Her chin lifted slightly, and those eyes–deep and haunting- remained carefully unreadable.
My stomach twists painfully, betraying the confusion churning within.
“Raiden?”
Lila tugs gently at my arm. Her eyes ever watery as if my fractured attention has somehow broken something inside of her.
Is that what I do? Break the things inside people?
The music swells, gracefully carrying us across the floor. Lila presses closer, her perfume drifting around me like a cloying cloud.
Something feels off about it—too sweet, too artificial. It lacks the warmth and natural radiance of sunshine and wildflowers, which once comforted me in my darkest moments.
“Apologies.
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08:39 Sun, 20 Apr
Chapter 32
Siena’s scent had always grounded me and made my wolf feel secure and alive. This scent, the one that envelops me now, only deepens my unease.
“You seem distracted,” Lila murmurs softly, her voice gently accusing, breaking through the haze of my thoughts. Her eyes search mine, soft and pleading, seeking reassurance.
“I’m sorry,” I say quickly, feigning sincerity. “My thoughts drifted to tomorrow’s events. Forgive me.”
She nods, a faint, shy smile curving her lips. “Your lips were curling up,” she whispers, her eyes sparkling hopefully. “Were you happy? Have I made you happy?”
My heart jolts painfully at her question.
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Truthfully, I’d forgotten her entirely. Happiness is such a lonely, foreign concept that the only acceptable response is a lie. No matter how hard I resist, my eyes follow Siena, follow every single wolf who presents himself to her. They are faces I will never forget- with prejudice, I will seek my own brand of justice.
“Why? You have forsaken her, not the other way around.” Horace nags in the back of my mind.
I do not respond. I cannot. That would mean admittance, and I would not yield.
I refuse.
My careless smile still blooms from relief–relief at seeing Siena reject every Alpha who dared approach her. Relief she still belongs to no one else, even though I have no claim or right to her anymore.
The realization unsettles me, a chill sliding down my spine. I shouldn’t feel this possessive jealousy–not after everything we’ve done to each other.
“Yes,” I lie smoothly, hating how easily deception slides from my tongue. “Of course, I’m happy. You look beautiful tonight.” She blushes, dipping her head shyly, satisfied with my hollow praise.
Yet even as I speak, my eyes betray me, drifting back toward Siena. Her slender figure moves gracefully, weaving through the crowd as she politely but firmly refuses another hopeful Alpha.
Her dignity radiates power, quiet strength shining beneath her calm facade. Something raw and primal twists painfully inside me, urging me toward her. My wolf snarls softly, urging me to claim what’s ours–to protect and cherish her as we once promised.
I wish she would just leave. Allow me some sort of relief.
I crush the impulse ruthlessly, reminding myself of all the pain she has caused–of the endless manipulation and betrayal that tore us apart.
And yet, a whispering voice deep within me challenges those beliefs.
Had I judged her unfairly? Had I condemned her too harshly, blinded by my own pride and hurt?
Lila shifts uneasily in my arms, sensing my restless energy. Her soft eyes glance up at me questioningly. “Raiden?” she whispers, her voice uncertain.
I force another reassuring smile. “Forgive me, I’m just tired,” I murmur gently, though exhaustion isn’t the problem. My mind races, consumed by confusion and doubt.
Across the room, Siena turns slightly, our gazes colliding.
Time freezes, the world blurred and distant as we share a single, unguarded moment.
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Chapter 32
