The early morning sun is bright and piercing, its golden rays cutting sharply through the lingering mist of dawn.
I stride purposefully toward the arena grounds, the tension of today’s competition already crackling through me. My wolf prowls restlessly beneath my skin, alert and agitated by the constant hum of anticipation.
Packs gather in clusters, murmured conversations buzzing with excitement and nervousness about the territory defense simulation.
As I step into the briefing area, my breath catches sharply, a wave of unexpected emotions washing over me.
Siena stands there already, her slender figure bathed in the soft, golden morning light, deep in quiet discussion with her newly appointed beta–Rairity.
She did not consult me on this. The news reached me through Zion.
Of all who might bring me news of my Luna–my best friend.
Or betrayer? It remained to be seen.
My heart clenches painfully in my chest at the sight.
Another wolf stands beside her now, occupying the position that rightfully belongs to me–a position I surrendered yet still feel fiercely possessive of.
Horace snarls bitterly within me, furious at my own stubborn pride, at my inability to reclaim what was always ours.
I clench my fists tightly, forcing down the surge of possessiveness and bitter regret that threatens to overwhelm me. Keeping my expression carefully even, I approach them with deliberately casual strides, doing my best to mask my turmoil behind practiced confidence.
“I see Windhowl finally has a beta,” I comment lightly, allowing my gaze to sweep dismissively over Rairity. She wears simple attire, practical and unadorned–nothing like the expensive finery my own pack members favor.
My wolf bristles internally at the unfairness of my judgment. He knows as well as I do that loyalty isn’t measured by wealth or elegance, yet admitting that truth is a step too far for my bruised pride.
Rarity was the best choice, the smartest choice.
Siena meets my eyes.
Unflinching, standing straighter than I remember, a quiet regality radiating from every line of her body.
Something has changed in her–the timid, fragile Luna I once knew replaced by someone quietly confident, someone resilient and unyielding.
The realization unsettles me deeply. Her newfound strength is both captivating and infuriating, a painful reminder of the distance between us.
“Yes,” she replies softly, her voice steady and unwavering. “Rairity has proven her loyalty repeatedly.”
More than you ever have or ever will.
The unspoken accusation hangs between us, heavy and suffocating.
Chapter 35
My wolf snarls defensively, guilt tearing at my heart.
I ache to defend myself, to explain the hurt and betrayal that drove us apart.
11
I want to tell her about the damning evidence I discovered years ago–evidence that shattered my trust and drove a painful wedge between us. But pride keeps my tongue frozen, unwilling to reveal the wounds buried deep within.
Before I can respond, Lila appears at my side, a delicate hand slipping possessively through my arm. Her expensive perfume swirls around me in an overwhelming cloud, cloying and suffocating. “Alpha King” she murmurs sweetly, her voice soft yet somehow grating, “the judges are asking for you.”
Her eyes flick dismissively toward Siena and Rairity, a smug satisfaction evident in her posture.
My muscles tense involuntarily, irritation prickling beneath my careful composure.
