“I don’t expect you to trust me on faith alone.” I say, pushing the papers across the table. “But I’m offering you a partnership. A chance to invest in Windhowl’s future. A future that will benefit both our people.”
The room is silent for a moment, and then the murmurs begin. The councilors exchange looks, their expressions thoughtful, impressed, but still skeptical
I can see the wheels turning in their minds, weighing the potential benefits against the risks.
It’s too soon to tell if I’ve won them over, but for the first time in a long while, I feel a spark of something deep inside me.
“The Council will now vote on the proposed territory allocation and trade agreements, announces Elder Voss, his weathered face impassive beneath his silver hair. “Representatives will cast their votes in order of pack seniority”
I scan the chamber, my breath catching when I lock eyes with Raiden across the room.
His jaw is clenched so tight I can see the muscle twitching beneath his skin.
The coldness in his gaze is unlike anything I’ve seen before–not just anger, but a seething, calculated hatred that makes my wolf bristle in warning. This isn’t just about business for him anymore.
“Silverfang votes against the proposal. Raiden states, his voice a controlled blade of ice that cuts through the chamber. “The northern territories require experienced leadership, not experimental governance structures.”
Beside hum, Lila’s painted lips curl into a satisfied smirk. She leans toward Zion–and whispers something that makes him nod slightly.
16:26 Mon, 21 Apr
Chapter 49
The betrayal cuts fresh again, seeing them conspire so openly.
Was he in on this too! Was that why he asked so many questions?
“Mooncrest votes against,” Alpha Marcus announces without meeting my eyes
The voting continues around the circle, each representative casting their declaration. My mind races, calculating numbers, trying to ignore the sickening thought that’s been growing in my mind for weeks.
What if this was Raiden’s plan all along? Not just to humiliate me politically, but to systematically bankrupt Windhowl through the trade restrictions he’s imposed, forcing us into a vulnerable position where acquisition would be our only option?
The perfect revenge–taking everything from me while appearing to be simply a savvy businessman.
“Eastern Alliance votes
in favor,” says
Councilor Orlong, giving me a subtle nod
“Western Territories votes in favor,” follows Representative Garcia.
The votes continue, my heart pounding harder with each one. The chamber feels too hot, too close, as I watch the tallies mark on the central board.
“Northern Coalition votes in favor,” states Elder Miriam, her voice firm despite Raiden’s glare boring into her.
Elder Voss clears his throat. “By a vote of seven to five, the Council approves Windhowl’s proposal for the northern territories, including all specified trade agreements and boundary adjustments. The tournament will proceed to refletthe
cournils vote.”
The gavel slams
A murmur sweeps through the chamber.
I don’t allow myself to smile–not yet, anyway. But there’s a sense of vindication that fills me, a weight lifting off my chest. I’ve proven myself. Not to Raiden, not to Lila, but to myself.
Across the room, Raiden’s face transforms into something truly frightening–a mask of control slipping just enough to reveal the rage beneath. He leans toward his advisors, speaking rapidly, his eyes never leaving mine.
Ugly incarnate.
Lila’s smirk has faltered, but there’s something in her expression that worries me more than outright anger–a calculation, as if they’ve simply reached the next phase of whatever plan they’ve crafted
I’m capable. I’m strong. And no one can take that from me.
No one.
As the delegates file out of the room, I hear the whispers. They’re softer now, more respectful.
Maybe Luna Siena isn’t just a pretty figurehead after all. Maybe I’m a leader in my own right.
I turn to Rairity, the only person in this room who has stood by me through all of it. “We did it,” I say quietly, the words feeling strange but true.
Rairity smiles, but there’s something in her eyes that I can’t quite place. “You did it, Siena. You’ve proven yourself. To
everyone.”
I nod, a hollow smile tugging at my lips. “Maybe. But it doesn’t matter, does it?”
16:26 Mon, 21 Apr H
Chapter 49
Rarity blinks, clearly surprised by the bitterness in my voice. “What do you mean
* 51%
1 look at her, my heart heavy, my thoughts swirling with things I don’t want to say but can’t keep inside. “Raiden’s not here. He didn’t see it. He didn’t. He doesn’t care,”
Rairity’s expression softens, and she takes a step closer. “Siena, you can’t keep living for him. You’ve done this on your own. This victory is yours, not his.”
I swallow hard, nodding but not feeling it
I want to believe her. I really do. But the ache in my chest is still there, a constant reminder of the one thing I can’t have
“I’ll believe it when it’s true”
