#Chapter 108: The Confession
(Raiden POV)
The rain falls in relentless sheets across pack territory, transforming the afternoon into premature twilight, which perfectly suits my mood.
From my position in the eastern watchtower, I can observe the settlement without being immediately visible.
It’s a tactical advantage in this ongoing conflict that has evolved beyond disagreement into territory far more personal than I publicly acknowledge.
Water streams down the ancient stone, creating rivulets that mirror the cold sensation tracking down my spine as I watch Zion’s unmistakable figure approach the charity headquarters where Siena has retreated following our council confrontation.
I hate him.
No, it’s far worse than that.
I loathe him.
Lightning fractures the gray sky, illuminating the landscape in stark white brilliance that burns the scene into my vision- Zion pausing at the entrance, his silver hair darkened to pewter by the downpour, his shoulders set with determination visible even at this distance.
My wolf surges forward with territorial instinct that requires discipline to contain, claws extending involuntarily to scrape against the stone windowsill as I force myself to remain motionless.
It’s against my nature.
What I want, what I really want, is to respond to the primal urge demanding confrontation with the male openly approaching my mate.
The rain carries scents washed clean from the territory–pine and loam, the subtle musk of recently refreshed boundary markers, and beneath it all, the distinctive signature of pack land shaped by generations of sacrifice.
Through windows left partly open despite the downpour, I catch fragments of movement within the charity headquarters.
Siena’s copper hair is briefly visible as she admits Zion into the building’s shelter.
I know my words were harsh. I know, even though she didn’t show it, that I hurt her. Maybe it was worse in that moment than it ever had been.
But didn’t I deserve to defend what was mine?
“Is that what you’re calling it?” Horace mocks me. “You are destroying all she had left, Raiden, and then you ask her for her love?”
“She defies me openly, us. She chooses a lesser wolf in my place; she does this in my face, a cruel jokester! What am I supposed to do?”
“Ah, but is she not simply playing the game by the rules you made?”
Movement in the headquarters‘ eastern section draws my attention–figures visible through windows partially obscured by rainfall, yet distinct enough to confirm Siena and Zion have relocated to her private office.
Rather than remaining in common areas where settlement residents or council observers might overhear conversation, she maintains an intimacy with him.
Does she love him?
Zion is full of lies, of ego. He wants only what makes his life the better. I know she thinks he supports her…
“And is he not cut from the same cloth as you, Oh great Alpha?”
“Shut up!”
A decision is made despite potential vulnerability or the fact that I know I am the outsider, the unwelcome guest in my own land.
Quickly, I run toward her, trying to save her from him and stop him from breaching the boundary with her more than he already has.
Is it too late?
Has he all but poisoned whatever was left for u.
Is our future truly dead?
Successfully unlocked!
The stone steps descend in spiral formation from the watchtower to ground level, where rainfall immediately saturates clothing not designed for extended exposure to elements.
1/3
#Chapter 108. The Confession
The charity headquarters rises before me–a modest structure transformed from an abandoned storage facility to an operational center through Siena’s vision. I remember when she built this.
It was years ago, before Lila, before this mess had upset the connection we shared.
The eyes are everywhere. The refugees know who I am; they shudder quietly and whisper among themselves. The rumours are true. I do want them relocated, but I wonder if they know.
It’s Siena. I am doing this because of Siena.
The truth is bitter, and it burns, but it makes no matter, as long as I am the only on who knows it.
The sacrifices are a necessary evil.
Voices emerge from the eastern corridor leading toward the private office typically reserved for sensitive discussions.
Rain still beating violently against windows, I’m given the grace of natural cover.
“-cannot continue indefinitely.”
Zion’s voice emerges clear despite the rainfall, “Siena, you need to make a decision. He’s halted the severance, too. This is all a game.”
Their positioning becomes visible through narrow opening where door remains partially ajar–Siena seated behind simple desk.
Zion standing near the window.
“Zion, maybe that’s not a bad thing and you know,” she sighs, “it’s probably the council. They are not inncent in this. They do his bidding yes, but to be fair, our relationship susch as it is, will create waves of conflict here in Silvefgan, windhowl and rippel outwards.”
“So you’re going to let him hold you hpstahe then? Sienn, come on, please. I need you to step back, think!”
Siena is quiet.
Please, please see through this charade, Luna.
I plead silently, and I don’t know why.
Do I hate her? So I love her?
“Those wolves out there, they are the true victims, Zion. This is bigger than me, or you, or even Raidne.”
“Until you establish your dominance, this will never end. You know that, right? You can run all the way around the world; he will never let go. You will need to cut him off with intention.”
“And at what cost? He told me there’s only one way…”
“He told you wrong. You know there is more than one way, Siena.”
The smoothness in his voice makes my blood boil. I want his throat in my claws.
He doesn’t love you, Siena. Not the way…not the way I do.
Movement shifts their relative positions–Zion approaches the desk deliberately. “I love that you can see past him, but…”
“But?”
“I don’t know. You’re rare. You’re special. It bothers me, Siena, that you are allowing this.”
“Perhaps perspective requires adjustment beyond immediate conflict, Zion.”
Siena’s posture changes subtly–alertness replacing fatigue.
She can smell me, I know she can. Why am I here, stalking like a child? I am the Alpha King…
“How’s that been working out for you so far?”
“Shut up, Horace, not now!”
But, there’s nothing but truth in his dissent. My status has gotten me nothing.
“What fundamental questions remain unaddressed?”
“How can you get Raiden to see reason?” Zion scoffed. “I wouldn’t hold your breath, darling.”
Darling?
He is out of bounds. Does he take me for a joke?
Does she?
“Sienna,” I see him move closer to her. He’s on his knees. “I know I overstep, I know it’s okay?” He has her hands in his.
My stomach is so sick with fury, I could be sick.
2/3
#Chapter 108 The Confession
Don’t do it, Zion. Don’t you dare.
“I can’t pretend that I have all the answers, but I can help you put up a fight. I want to be by your side. Whatever happens, to whatever end. My heart aches for you, Siena. I…I need you to know that.”
“Zion, I-”
“I’m not asking you to run away with me. I’m just asking you to give me a chance, a real one, Siena. I am not who everyone says of thinks I am. I have a core and it has a principle. You helped me realize that.”
“Zion, we’ve talked about this,” she responds, so quietly, so sweetly that I pray to the moon goddess to take me now. To extinguish this hellish life I am living.
What cruelty is this that I should witness this exchange?
He loves her, Zion, loves her!
Does she love him back?
Subscribed
