#Chapter 118 A Twist of Fate
#Chapter 118: A Twist of Fate
(Raiden’s POV)
The metallic scent of blood and antiseptic fills my lungs, mingling into a nauseating cocktail that twists my stomach into knots, but I refuse to leave Siena’s side even for a moment.
Around us, chaos slowly yields to order. Security forces carefully secure Lila and Mia, their wrists bound tightly, faces twisted into bitter scowls as they’re escorted away.
Warriors and medics rush past, voices low and urgent, their movements purposeful and coordinated.
Yet my focus remains solely on Siena, observing as the medical team treats the shallow cuts across her arm, each crimson streak a painful reminder of how dangerously close I came to losing her.
My own wounds ache fiercely, the deep gash across my shoulder pulsing with sharp, insistent pain, but I barely register it through the haze of adrenaline and protective instinct.
I stand close, muscles tense, every nerve alert, hyperaware of Siena’s presence beside me. My wolf prowls restlessly beneath my skin, hackles raised protectively, refusing to allow even the slightest distance between us.
“Alpha,” a warrior interrupts cautiously, eyes respectfully lowered. “Mia is secured. She requested to speak with you- privately.”
I exhale sharply, anger flaring hot beneath my ribs, but I nod curtly.
“Stay here,” I murmur to Siena, my voice softer and gentler. I am unwilling to add worry to the exhaustion already etched deeply into her amber eyes.
She nods quietly, her gaze steady and calm despite the lingering shadows of danger. Steeling myself, I walk stiffly toward the guarded side chamber where Mia waits, my fists clenching involuntarily with each step
As I step through the threshold, Mia lifts her chin defiantly, eyes glittering with bitter resentment. Her once–elegant hair is disheveled, her noble composure shattered, replaced with desperation and unveiled hatred.
“Raiden,” she sneers, voice quivering slightly despite her bravado. “Finally decided to grace me with your presence?”
I hold myself rigidly still, my voice carefully controlled, icy calm masking the white–hot fury simmering beneath the surface.” You betrayed Windhowl. Betrayed every value we hold sacred. Why?”
Mia laughs bitterly, a harsh, hollow sound echoing sharply in the confined space. “Because you refused to see what was right in front of you. Siena blinded you–made you weak. I did what was necessary.”
I study her carefully, heart pounding fiercely against my ribs, understanding dawning with sickening clarity. “You believed eliminating Siena would somehow allow you to step into her place,” I say softly, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. To claim the position of Luna.”
Her eyes flash with obsessive intensity, lips curling into a twisted smile. “I was always better suited for it. If you’d just opened your eyes, you’d have seen that she was never worthy of you.”
Anger surges sharply, muscles tightening painfully beneath my skin, but I hold it tightly in check, my voice dropping dangerously quiet. “She was never replaceable, Mia. Not by you–not by anyone.”
Mia recoils visibly at my words, realization flickering painfully across her face. “You truly love her,” she whispers bitterly, voice breaking slightly beneath the weight of her delusions shattering.
“I always have,” I reply quietly, coldly, stating the truth without hesitation or shame.
Turning sharply, I signal the guards to remove her, watching silently as they escort Mia away. Her bitter protests fade slowly down the corridor, leaving behind only a heavy silence.
Eventually, exhausted yet restless, I return swiftly to where Siena waits quietly in the medical center. She’s seated on the edge of the examination bed, amber eyes distant and thoughtful beneath the harsh fluorescent lighting.
My heart stumbles at the sight of her quiet vulnerability, the gentle slope of her shoulders, the careful way she holds herself as though braced against unseen pain.
“Raiden,” she murmurs as I step closer, her voice hesitant yet firm. “Did you mean what you said? About loving me from the beginning?”
My breath catches sharply, and my heart races erratically beneath my ribs.
Her question strikes deeply into places I’ve kept hidden even from myself. I hesitate, struggling to articulate emotions I’ve denied fiercely for years, my usual confidence unraveling into vulnerable uncertainty.
“Yes,” I finally admit quietly, voice rough with emotion. “I meant every word. Even when I refused to acknowledge it, even when I pushed you away–I loved you.”
Siena’s amber gaze searches mine carefully, emotions swirling beneath her quiet composure. “Then why push me away so
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#Chapter 118 A Twist of Fate strongly? Why deny it?”
My chest aches fiercely, old wounds reopening sharply beneath her gentle nuiry
“I built walls against vulnerability after watching my parents toxic relationship I admit ansely thane as we thickening my voice. “I saw love as weakness, as pain. And then I blarhed you for not being able to the finough for walls I’d built.”
Her eyes soften subtly, understanding flickering quietly through their amber depts My Honesty surprises over the Be rawness of my confession leaving me exposed, vulnerable, yet strangely lighter –
I exhale slowly, gathering quiet courage, speaking the truth I’ve finally accepted
“Siena, I don’t expect forgiveness or reconciliation. My belated recognition of these feelings then slipat yra s reciprocate after everything I’ve done. I just needed you to know the truth–whatever you dete
She watches me silently, expression unreadable, emotions flickering quietly behind her careful composure
My heart pounds fiercely, anxiety tightening sharply around my chest, yet beneath fear les quiereme autonomy, willingness to accept whatever boundary she sets
I’ve changed, Siena,” I murmur, voice trembling slightly beneath the weight of my sincerity The exet ta ove or control or dominance. It’s respect, partnership, honesty i’ll accept your decision, whatever it is
Her gaze softens subtly, the barest flicker of warmth touching her amber eyes. Yet the remains silent
my words carefully, emotions swirling intensely beneath her quiet exterior
Eventually, she exhales softly, meeting my gaze directly, her voice gentle yet firm. 1 need time, Fader”
My chest tightens briefly, disappointment flickering instinctively yet swiftly replaced by quiet acceptance and genume understanding. “Take all the time you need,” I reply softly, sincerity clear and unwavering 7 be here?
Her eyes hold mine quietly, gratitude and cautious hope mingling gently beneath her careful expression. The quier mace of the moment settles gently between us, a fragile, tentative understanding taking root softly in the aftermath of crois and raw honesty.
Eventually, exhaustion claims her. Her eyes drift closed softly, and her breathing deepens gently as the slowly res sleep. Carefully, silently, I take a seat nearby, ignoring the ache of my own wounds, quietly watching over her as the Minutes blend softly into hours, the quiet of the medical center offering space for reflection
Tonight has shifted something fundamental within me, breaking down barriers I’ve clung stubbornly to for far too long. I’ve finally learned humility, vulnerability, respect–true foundations of love, partnership, genuine strength Glancing gently toward Siena’s sleeping form, quiet warmth floods softly through my chest.
Whether she ultimately forgives, reconciles, or chooses differently, I’ll honor her decision fully without manipulation or expectation. That choice belongs solely to her.
For now, sitting quietly beside her beneath the gentle hum of medical equipment, I find peace in simply beng present silently protecting her rest.
Whatever tomorrow holds, tonight I’ve finally learned what truly matters–honesty, respect, genuine partnership buit upon trust rather than entitlement.
And that wisdom is enough for now.
E
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