for generations.”
Siena navigates these complex pack politics effortlessly, her diplomatic skill clear and impressive. And I- the fool who let her walk away–can only observe from the shadows, witnessing the leader she’s become without me.
Why
ad I never truly seen her this way before?
Across the crowded room, I overhear a visiting Alpha–tall, silver–haired leader from the eastern packs–address Siena warmly, admiration clear in his voice. “Your international itarian work has been truly inspiring, Siena. Your efforts have brought hope to many suffering families.”
My pulse quickens sharply, surprise jolting through me.
International itarian work?
I realize abruptly how little I truly know about her accomplishments during our separation.
How much has she achieved in the years apart, quietly making a difference without needing recognition or praise? Shame settles heavily in my chest, bitter and sharp. What else have I missed? What else have I so blindly ignored?
As dinner progresses, Horace grows increasingly restless inside me, pacing anxiously, impatient with meaningless conversation and diplomatic formalities. My gaze remains fixed stubbornly upon Siena, desperate to catch her eye, to
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#Chapter 87: The Parting of a Queen
signal my need for private conversation.
Finally, after what feels like endless hours, an opportunity arises.
Siena slips quietly onto the open terrace, seeking fresh air away from the stifling heat and noise of the dining hall. My heart leaps painfully, and my pulse races with sudden urgency. I swiftly excuse myself from my companions and follow her outside.
The night air is cool and bracing, scented faintly with pine and distant rain. Siena stands quietly at the terrace railing, gazing thoughtfully into the darkness, moonlight gently illuminating her features. My heart pounds unsteadily, nerves tangled chaotically within me.
“Siena,” I begin softly, my voice rough and nervous.
She turns slowly, amber eyes meeting mine carefully. Her expression remains guarded yet polite, the careful mask of diplomatic neutrality firmly in place. “Raiden,” she replies quietly. “Enjoying the evening?”
Frustration rises sharply inside me, words I’d rehearsed evaporating instantly beneath her calm gaze. “The weather is… pleasant,” I say awkwardly, inwardly cursing my own cowardice.
She nods politely, eyes flickering briefly toward the stars. “Yes, it’s lovely tonight.”
Silence stretches painfully between us, heavy with unspoken words and tangled emotions neither of us dares openly acknowledge. My wolf snarls inwardly, urging honesty and vulnerability, yet pride and fear hold me stubbornly frozen. “I-” I start hesitantly, heart hammering fiercely. The words I desperately need to say remain lodged firmly in my throat. “I wanted to… um… thank you for your diplomatic efforts during your visit.”
The polite, impersonal words feel painfully inadequate and bitterly disappointing.
Siena’s eyes flicker briefly, something unreadable shifting behind her careful composure. “Of course,” she murmurs gently, turning back toward the railing and staring quietly into the night.
This moment–my chance–is slipping quickly through my fingers. I step impulsively closer, nearly reaching out to touch her, desperate to bridge the painful distance between us.
“Siena, I-” My voice cracks softly, vulnerability trembling dangerously beneath the surface. “I wanted to say that-” She glances back curiously, her amber eyes softening slightly. She is waiting patiently for words I can’t force myself to speak.
My pride rises sharply, choking me and preventing full honesty. I swallow roughly, my gaze falling helplessly to my clenched fists.
“You’ve been invaluable to Windhowl,” I finish lamely, frustration burning fiercely inside me. “And to Silverfang, of course. Your departure will be felt.”
Siena’s expression shutters gently, disappointment flickering briefly across her beautiful features before she again carefully masks her emotions. “That’s kind of you,” she says quietly, politely detached. I’ll miss Windhowl greatly.”
Something snaps sharply within me, desperation surging abruptly forward. As she turns carefully toward the terrace doors, preparing to retreat, I step forward impulsively, fingers wrapping instinctively around her wrist before I can reconsider. “Don’t go,” I whisper hoarsely, voice raw and urgent. The words hang heavily between us, holding double meaning–don’t leave this conversation unfinished, don’t leave Windhowl again.
Don’t leave me.
Her breath catches softly, and her eyes widen in surprise at the raw vulnerability in my tone.
For a heartbeat, something fragile and uncertain flickers gently between us, emotions tangled chaotically beneath careful composure. Her pulse quickens beneath my fingertips, our damaged bond crackling sharply with electricity, fierce and undeniable.
Slowly, carefully, Siena withdraws her hand, expression unreadable once more. “Goodnight, Raiden,” she whispers softly, slipping swiftly back inside, leaving me alone beneath the silent stars.