I hated me for days; the synchronicity Siena and had shared during the competition,
Every time I closed my eyes, I could see her moving beside me–luid, instinctual, perfect.
We had moved as one.
My wolf hadn’t felt that aligned with another since since before everything fell apart. It was a feeling I’d tried to bury, but it refused to stay dead.
It didn’t make sense.
The mark on Lila–the one that should have bound us completely–should’ve erased all traces of Siena from my senses. But it hadn’t. I could still feel her, a phantom presence under my skin, lingering like a memory I couldn’t escape.
Horace was restless, pacing beneath my surface, his unease bleeding into my thoughts.
“She’s not yours.“I reminded him. “Lila is”
But he wasn’t convinced.
Neither was 1.
During the leadership council meeting, that unease only grew. The room was filled with Alphas from neighboring packs, each with their own opinions about Windhowl’s performance.
Some had been impressed, but others–like Alpha Brenner–had been less generous
“Unconventional,” he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. “That’s a kind way of putting it. Siena’s “army of cripples should’ve been an embarrassment, but somehow, they pulled off a win. Luck, no doubt–or cheating”
My teeth clenched, as I forced my expression to remain neutral. But Horace growled, low and dangerous.
“The Luna’s approach was unconventional but effective,” I stated, my tone cold, cutting through the murmur of agreement around the table.
Silence fell
Zion’s gaze snapped to me, an eyebrow raised in surprise. His lips curled into a knowing smile, but he said nothing. Brenner blinked, clearly not expecting me to defend her
“Effective, Brenner repeated, almost mockingly. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”
“Results don’t lie,” I replied, my voice quieter now, but no less firm. “Windhowl proved their worth. Dismiss them at your own risk.”
I could feel the weight of Zion’s eyes on me. He was watching–always watching. But I ignored him.
Why did I speak up?
I shouldn’t have.
The words had come too easily, but Brenner wouldn’t be silenced.
“Your Majsyesty-
1/4
Chapter 42
“Enough! Brenner, We’ve discussed this long enough.” I growled. If you can do better against Sienna, then by all means. It is not my concern! The feast awaits in the dining hall. Go, eat, gather your strength. You will need all of it.”
His eyes lingered on me briefly before he turned away.
expression
Now I stand at the edge of the dining hall, watching Siena. She sits with her warriors, deep in conversation, her animated as she speaks. Jared leans in, his weathered face cracking into a rare smile. Marla nods along, her eyes alight with respect. Even Alec, ever stoic, listens intently
They weren’t just following her.
They believed in her.
A pang I couldn’t name twisted in my chest.
Had she always been this capable?
Memories surfaced unbidden–
