Around me, applause rises spontaneously from the judges, their genuine approval undeniable. I find myself rising with them, clapping firmly, my gaze locked helplessly onto Siena’s slender form below.
Her amber eyes widen slightly, startled by my open approval.
For a single heartbeat, our gazes lock–time freezing momentarily, a rush of warmth passing silently between us.
Lila’s delicate hand slips possessively onto my arm, breaking the fragile connection between Siena and me.
Reality crashes bitterly back, my muscles stiffening involuntarily at her touch. I tear my gaze away sharply, forcing my features into practiced neutrality, though my heart pounds violently in my chest
I have made my choice. So did she.
I remind myself harshly–one clever strategy doesn’t erase years of manipulation and betrayal
My wolf rumbles quietly, insistently. “You know the truth now. Don’t deny it.”
I struggle to suppress the turmoil raging inside me, focusing instead on the closing ceremony. The other judges congratulate Siena warmly, and their respect is evident..
I watch silently, torn between stubborn pride and newfound admiration. If I join in, how will that look–to her?
Eventually, Siena approaches the judges‘ stand, pausing uncertainly before me.
“Congratulations 1 finally manage to say stiffly, my voice sounding cold even to my own ears. Her eyes dim slightly at my
“Thank you” do murmure ardily, her voice carrying quiet dignity despare my coldnes the tuma emez gemeticly, returning in her warriors, leaving me standing alone, regeer choking me latterly
Beside me, Lila bonds impatiently, irritation evident in her posture. Can water the ackeruty, dearly thigle med by my lingering attention toward a
I nod cuntly, irritation prickling beneath my skin. As we walk away, my gave dritis momenty komadara Zem approaches her again, admiration clearly enched into his expression
Jealousy twists sharply in my chest, prosessiseness roaring furionly nee
“Do something” Horace growls. But do nothing because now, the agreements bene struck
I couldn’t if I wanted to
We return silently to our quarters, Lila’s displeasure palpalde beside me “I shall leave you to rest?
“Raiden, wait
1 close the door behind me, just firmly enough to hope she gets the point.
I need to think.
Once alone, I pace restlessly, my thoughts consumed entirely by Siena Her strength, her intelligence, her dignity–all qualities I’d stubbornly refused to see before today.
Had I truly been so blind, so stubbornly prideful, that fid overlooked the very qualities that made Siena an exceptional
Lama?
My woll growls bitterly. “Yes. You were blind.”
I close my eyes briefly, inhaling sharply, memories flooding painfully through me.
Siena’s gentle laughter ringing softly through our shared quarters, the warmth of her small hand slipping trustingly into mine, the quiet strength she’d always carried beneath her delicate exterior. How could I have dismissed all that so easily! How could I have been so utterly wrong!
Because she betrayed me, she was selfish and cruel. Sure, she was talented at hiding, and the art of deception ran through her veins with a vigor I’d never know.
That’s why I will never forget it. All the times she and her father begged at my feet like peasants for money. All the times I was mortified, but still, I supported them.
Her.
And what did I receive in return? Just more of the same nonsensical greed.
I sink heavily onto the edge of the bed, burying my face in my hands, pride crumbling painfully beneath the weight of
realization.
Just as always, I was being manipulated.
To Siena, I was not more than a puppet on a string
For that, there was no forgiveness
