The air is quiet but for the murmurs of anticipation echoing softly from gathered Alphas and Lunas
My heart pounds heavily beneath my ribs, nerves fluttering uncomfortably in my stomach,
Today marks the final day of the second competition–the day that could make or break everything I’ve fought so desperately to build.
I arrive early, trying desperately to quell my anxiety by reviewing strategy notes scribbled hastily in my notebook.
My fingers tremble slightly as I flip quickly through pages, eyes scanning familiar plans and diagrams. I force myself to breathe deeply, steadying my racing pulse.
Nearby, I sense movement–too close, too deliberate. Glancing up sharply, I find Zion standing just a few feet away, dark eyes fixed intently upon me.
His expression is open, confident, and filled with a careful warmth that makes unease prickle sharply along my spine. Something about his attention lately feels different, more intense, and increasingly uncomfortable.
“Siena,” he greets smoothly, stepping closer. “You seem nervous.
I force a polite smile, shifting subtly away from his proximity. “Just preparing, I reply softly, careful to keep my voice neutral and distant.
Zion’s gaze flickers briefly, noticing my subtle withdrawal, yet he maintains his confident demeanor. “Windhowl has proven itself already,” he murmurs gently, voice reassuring. “You’ve shown everyone what you’re capable of.”
The competition master’s voice echoes sharply across the hall, instantly silencing conversations and providing me with the respite from Zion’s affections 1 so desperately need.
“Attention, competitors!” he announces loudly, his tone carrying clearly through the tense silence. Today’s event will test more than just physical skill–it will require perfect synchronization between Luna and Alpha. Each pair must navigate a challenging obstacle course designed specifically to demonstrate the strength of your bond.
His words sent icy dread slicing sharply through my chest, my breath catching painfully. Panic surged wildly, and snapped instinctively toward Raiden, standing stiffly across the room.
my gaze
His expression mirrors my own shock, jaw tightening sharply, eyes darkening with troubled realization. In that instant, know we share the same panicked thought: our broken bond will now be exposed openly to everyone present.
My wolf whines anxiously inside me, pacing restlessly beneath my skin.
Being close to Raiden–touching him, moving beside him–without being able to feel our bond would be exquisite torture truly.
We’ve hidden the painful truth for so long, masked the shame of rejection beneath carefully crafted illusions. Now, it will be laid bare before our peers, humiliation burning hotly across my cheeks.
Whispers ripple rapidly through the assembled Alphas and Lunas, eyes darting curiously between Raiden and myself. My throat tightens painfully beneath their scrutiny, shame and embarrassment knotting sharply inside me.
Rickard steps forward carefully, kindness evident in his gentle expression. “Perhaps those with…strained relationships could request alternative arrangements,” he suggests diplomatically, gaze lingering meaningfully on my flushed face.
Though his intentions were good, perhaps even sound, in their hope of shielding me from embarrassment, his kindness only deepened the st
