“Good idea.” I manage, my voice steadier than I feel. ‘I’ll speak with Tomas about positioning archers on the ridge above.” Raiden turns his head slightly, his face now inches from mine. “Siena…”
My pulse quickens softly, heart stumbling traitorously. “We should focus on the threat, I whisper, not moving away. “Is that what you want?” His voice is low, careful.
1 meet his gaze, finding the courage to be honest. “No. But it’s what we need right now.”
His eyes hold mine for a moment longer before he nods, returning his attention to the map. “The pack comes first,” he agrees, but his hand brushes mine as he reaches for a marker, and neither of us pretends it was an accident.
Suddenly, a small noise sounds unexpectedly outside the chamber doors–a faint shuffle of footsteps, barely audible yet enough to trigger immediate caution.
Without hesitation, Raiden steps forward swiftly, positioning himself protectively between me and potential danger. His muscles are tense, and his senses are alert.
My breath catches softly, heart swelling gently with unexpected warmth at his instinctive protectiveness.
Despite everything–past wounds, lingering prideful barriers–Raiden’s first instinct remains shielding me from harm. The gesture stirs complicated emotions, silently acknowledging that despite independence, part of me still deeply appreciates his strength by my side.
It’s not a need, it’s…a want.
False alarm–merely a passing warrior outside–but the meaningful moment remains vivid between us, vulnerable yet powerful.
Standing quiet together, I realize softly that moving forward doesn’t necessarily mean severing connections completely. Perhaps some bonds, though damaged, can be gently transformed rather than discarded entirely.
Raiden glances back toward me, “Are you alright?” he asks gently, his voice low with genuine concem.
I nod slowly, my pulse fluttering gently, and emotions swirling quietly inside me. “I am,” I murmur softly, my eyes locked quietly with his. “Thank you”
Raiden’s eyes meet mine. “I meant what I said. Every word.”
The door bursts open before I can respond, warriors flooding into the room with urgent energy
“Alpha! We’ve found tracks along the western border Kael announces, eyes bright with discovery. “Fresh ones!”
Raiden immediately straightens, our moment vanishing like morning mist “How many? What direction?”
“At least seven individuals.” Elena cuts in excitedly, unrolling a hastily drawn map. “They’re moving in a pattern I’ve never seen before–almost like they’re testing our perimeter
“Or looking for weaknesses. I suggest, stepping forward
“Exactly what I thought! Elena exclaims, pointing to marked locations. “See these crossing points? They’re all near the underground water channels”
Warriors gather close, voices overlapping with theories and suggestions. Despite the tension, there’s an electric current of energy–the pack coming alive with purpose
“We need to split into three teams Raiden commands, voice carrying easily over the commotion. ‘Covert observation only -no engagement unless absolutely necessary”
As we coordinate defense plans, assign warriors to positions, and establish communication protocols, my heart remains persistently aware of Raider’s protective presence
2/4
#Chapter 90: Threats on the Horizon
He instinctively includes me in every decision.
There is respect in his voice when he references my suggestions.
As evening approaches, I stand near the window, gazing across Windhowl territory, watching warriors move into position with practiced efficiency.
“You should rest,” Raiden says, appearing silently beside me. “You’ve been on your feet for fifteen hours.”
I shake my head. “I can’t. Not with them still out there.”
“Then at least eat something.” He offers a plate of simple food from the kitchen.
Our fingers brush as I accept it, and neither of us pulls away too quickly.
“I’ve been thinking,” I say, watching torches illuminate the perimeter. “It makes sense for me to stay longer than planned. Until this threat is neutralized.”
His head turns sharply. “You’re extending your visit?”
“Purely strategic,” I say, but my traitorous heart races at his poorly concealed hope. “The pack needs every experienced fighter.”
“Of course,” he agrees quickly. “Purely strategic.”
But the smile threatening at the corners of his mouth mirrors the secret relief blooming in my chest, impossible to dismiss despite all logical justifications.
“I’ll remain here until the threat is resolved,” I inform Rairity firmly. “Pack responsibility demands it.”
She nods silently, eyes gentle with quiet understanding, seeing perhaps deeper than my careful justification. As she leaves quietly, Raiden moves efficiently nearby, coordinating smoothly with warriors, competent and focused amidst a potential crisis.
Watching him now, I feel gentle appreciation stir softly inside my chest, impossible to fully deny despite lingering caution. Perhaps staying longer is about more than pack responsibility
alone, though I’m not yet ready to fully admit that truth openly.
Regardless, tonight, beneath quiet twilight skies, I acknowledge softly within myself the gentle possibility of healing connections once thought irreparably broken.
