Watching Raiden kiss Lils feels like a searing blow, despite the years of rejection that should have numbed me to this kind of pairs.
My wolf howls in anguish, clawing beneath my skin, restless and furious.
“I hate her,” she growls, low, threatening
“I know, but we have all made decisions. These are necessary concessions. It’s almost over”
She whines but says no more, and for that, I am grateful
I don’t let my pain show. I refuse to give them the satisfaction. Instead, I square my shoulders, schooling my expression into practiced indifference as I turn away.
You deserve better than this,” Rairity whispers fiercely beside me, her voice low but edged with barely restrained anger.
The words hang in the air, heavy with truth, but I push them aside. I’m not ready to accept that–not yet.
“I’m fine,” I murmur, though my throat is tight and my heart pounds painfully in my chest.
Rairity doesn’t believe me–I can see it in her eyes. But she lets it go for now, knowing that pressing me won’t change anything.
The night comes swiftyly, but sleep evades me.
My mind is a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, memories clashing with the harsh realities of the present.
Slipping out of my cabin, needing the cool night air to soothe the storm raging inside me, the familiar moonlight casts long shadows along the perimeter of the camp, the distant hum of the forest provides a quiet, steady rhythm to my racing thoughts.
My steps lead me to the ancient oak that marks the boundary of Windhowl’s territory. I’m surprised to find someone already there–Zion.
“Can’t sleep either?” he asks softly, his usual arrogance absent, replaced by something quieter, more genuine. His expression is calm, but I can sense the curiosity beneath it.
1 nod, folding my arms as I lean against the rough bark of the tree. “Too much on my mind.”
“Understandable, he murmurs, his gaze drifting toward the horizon. Tonight.. it was a lot.”
We fall into an easy silence, the night wrapping around us like a protective cloak. For once, Zion doesn’t fill the air with meaningless bravado. Instead, he waits–giving me space, something I’m not used to.
“What are you doing out here?” I ask finally, my voice softer than I intend.
He smiles, but it’s not his usual cocky smirk. It’s softer, more thoughtful. “Thinking. Wondering if Kaiden even realizes what he’s throwing away.”
His words hit a nerve, and I glance away, focusing on the distant treetops swaying gently in the breeze.
“Don’t, I whisper, but there’s no real heat in my voice.
Chapter 13
fo
“I
Tis not trying to overstep, Siena His tone is quiet, laut there’s an undercurrent of sincerity that I can’t ignore 1 just. I see how hard you fight for them. For him. And he
Stop 1 mmr, a sharp edge returning to my tone, though it’s more for my benefit than his
He falls silent, but I can feel his gaze on me, steady and unyielding
You’re remarkable, Siena,” he says softly after a long moment. “Raiden he’s a foot
The words between us, echo louder in the stillness of the night.
I don’t respond.
I can’t
Because a part of me knows he’s right–but acknowledging it feels like a betrayal of everything I’ve held onto for so long
The oak’s shadow stretches across the clearing, moonlight filtering through its leaves. It’s well past midnight, and the pack grounds have fallen silent except for the occasional howl in the distance.
“You should be sleeping.” I say as Zion approaches. I hadn’t expected company during my midnight vigil.
He shrugs, settling beside me against the ancient trunk. “So should you.”
my skin.
We sit in silence for a moment, the night air crisp against my skin.
“Your warriors move differently now,” Zion finally says. “More cohesive. More confident. The entire pack feels… transformed. What’s your secret?”
I consider my words carefully. Zion is Raiden’s bestfriend, after all. “No secret. Just trust and training
“Come on. Siena. His voice is light, coaxing. “There must be more to it than that.”
I shift uncomfortably as his gaze lingers a beat too long. The admiration in his eyes feels… inappropriate.
