The evening air is cool and damp against my skin, the lingering scent of rain still sharp and fresh
My footsteps echo softly against the cobblestone path as I approach the ornate stone fountain, its softly cascading warr gleaming silver in the moonlight. Beside me, Rairity walks with quiet confidence, her presence grounding me as we wear the waiting figure.
Standing rigidly by the fountain is Zion, his usually relaxed posture unusually stiff and formal
This isn’t the Zion I know–sarcastic, irreverent, and perpetually lounging with an easy grin.
Tonight, he’s impeccably dressed in a charcoal suit that accentuates the strength of his tall, muscular frame. His dark hair is carefully combed back, highlighting the sharp angles of his handsome face.
Something about his demeanor feels off, unsettling.
He notices us approaching and straightens abruptly, tension evident in the set of his shoulders.
His gaze meets mine, and I detect an unfamiliar softness there. Nervousness flickers briefly in his eyes, quickly masked by practiced composure.
I brace myself instinctively, wary of his intentions. My wolf remains indifferent, unimpressed, and unmoved. She has already chosen–there’s only one mate for her, no matter how deeply Raiden’s rejection still wounds us both
“Siena, thank you for coming,” Zion begins, his voice uncharacteristically somber and genuine. His sincerity surprises me, catching me off guard.
I vividly recall his past mockery, the cruel sneer on his lips.
Who are you?
The memory still burns, a stinging humiliation that tightens my throat even now. I steel myself, keeping my posture composed as I regard him coolly.
His actions will not be so easily forgiven.
Zion glances briefly toward Rairity, curiosity evident, before returning his attention to me. His expression grows serious, almost earnest. “I wanted to apologize for how I treated you before. My actions were unfair, and…. I’m sorry!”
My pulse quickens slightly; I’m startled by his unexpected sincerity.
For a brief moment, I glimpse genuine remorse in his eyes, raw and unguarded. Yet, beneath that apology lurks something else–a hidden intention that makes my stomach flutter uncomfortably.
I remain silent, guarded, waiting for the true reason behind this meeting.
He clears his throat, shifting uncomfortably before continuing. “I’ve heard you still haven’t chosen a beta yet,” he murmurs, his voice softer, almost hopeful.
The implication behind his words hangs heavily between us, thick with tension. My heart stutters briefly, confusion mingling with caution. Zion, Raiden’s best friend–why would he approach me now, after everything that’s happened?
Before he can continue, I straighten, gathering my strength. “Actually,” I reply firmly, glancing toward Rairity with pride, “I’ve just appointed Rairity as my Beta–ofcciclayy. I intend to make the announcement as soon as possible.”
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Chapter 24
Surprise and disappointment flash immediately across Zion’s handsome features, quickly masked by his practiced charm.
He recovers, flashing a quick, charming
