Chapter 37
(Siena’s POV)
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The banquet hall once again hums with excitement, the gentle clink of crystal glasses intertwining with melodic laughter and happy murmurs of celebration.
Warm golden candlelight bathes everything in a soft glow, reflecting brightly against polished silverware and delicately arranged centerpieces. The scents of roasted meats, spices, and fresh bread linger warmly in the air, comforting and inviting.
Yet, despite the joyful atmosphere, my heart aches quietly in my chest.
Sitting here, among my warriors instead of in my rightful place beside Raiden at the head table, is a profound reminder of my rejected status.
My fingers tremble slightly as I refill elderly Marcus‘ water glass, forcing a gentle smile as he murmurs his thanks. Around me, my packmates radiate pride and satisfaction, their weary faces shining with the day’s hard–won victory.
“You should sit down and eat something, Luna,” Rairity whispers softly, placing a gentle hand on my arm. Concern shadows her gentle eyes, and I offer her a reassuring smile.
“I’m fine,” I lie softly, my voice quiet but steady. “I’ll eat soon.”
But even as I speak, a familiar burn settles behind my eyes, the ache of Raiden’s presence pressing heavily against my back.
My traitorous heart quickens, recognizing our mate even across a crowded room. The sorrowful years of rejection haven’t dulled that painful recognition, that stubborn longing that refuses to fade.
When will this get easier? I cannot help but wonder–am 1 doomed to this fate for all the rest of my days, however many they may be?
“The Alpha King can’t keep his eyes off you, Rairity murmurs knowingly, squeezing my hand beneath the table.
“He’s probably just making sure I don’t embarrass Silverfang Pack,” I reply softly, my voice strained even to my own ears.
Before Rairity can respond, a shadow falls across our table.
Zion stands there, a confident smile curving his lips, dark eyes warm and inviting. He bows gallantly, drawing amused. attention from nearby tables.
“May I join the victors of today’s competition?” he asks smoothly, though his gaze locks firmly on mine.
I nod politely, silently indicating the empty chair beside us. Zion settles comfortably, his presence is undeniably charming and impressive, yet my wolf remains silent–indifferent.
No matter how handsome or charismatic Zion is, my heart feels nothing beyond polite friendliness.
“He is not our mate,” she snarls
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incredible today, Siena, Zion murmurs warmly, handing me a glass of red wine. “Your warriors respect you deeply. It’s clear why.”
Heat rises gently to my cheeks at his praise, yet guilt and discomfort stir within me. My gaze flickers involuntarily to the head table, where Raiden sits stiff and unreadable.
Something painful twists sharply in my chest.
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Chapter 37
Is this just another form of betrayal?
“Thank you, Zion.” I reply softly, carefully neutral. “But my warriors deserve all the credit”
Zion leans in slightly, voice dropping gently. “Don’t underestimate yourself. You inspire loyalty like few I’ve seen”
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My heart squeezes painfully, confusion churning uneasily within me. Zion’s admiration is flattering, yet it awakens nothing
in my wolf. She only recognizes one mate, one bond, even if that mate has rejected us repeatedly.
His voice turns serious, careful yet pointed. “You deserve someone who truly values you, Siena. Someone who sees your worth”
Before I can respond, movement catches my attention at the head table.
Raiden stands abruptly, his expression fierce, eyes burning with something I can’t quite decipher. My stomach knots with an instinctive worry flaring within me when I notice the blood dripping slowly from his clenched fist
“Be careful, Siena,” Zion murmurs sofily, rising gracefully. “Raiden’s jealousy remains, even if nothing else does”
He moves away slowly, leaving me staring after him, heart pounding unevenly. I glance back toward Raiden, whose gaze remains fixed intensely upon me, unreadable yet burning.
My breath hitches sharply, confusion and longing tangling painfully inside me.
My wolf howls mournfully, aching for him even now.
What do you want from me?
(Raiden’s POV)
The victory dinner buzzes loudly with celebration, yet I sit rigidly at the head table, feeling utterly disconnected from the joyful chaos around me
My eyes drift reluctantly toward Siena, who sits quietly among her warriors rather than at my side, the empty silent accusation against me.
It gnaws at me, uncomfortable and bitter.
Luna chair a
I watch as she cares carefully for her warriors, her slender fingers gentle as they check bandages, adjust slings, and pour water, She smiles softly at each injured fighter, her quiet strength and compassion obvious.
This Siena contradicts everything I’ve convinced myself about her character–that she was weak, manipulative, politically
“She’s changed,” Zion’s voice murmurs beside me suddenly, startling me from my thoughts. He holds two glasses of aged whiskey, offering me one with a knowing look. “Or perhaps we never really knew her.
I grunt noncommittally, accepting the drink but unwilling to voice my turmoil. “One good strategy doesn’t erase years of manipulation,” I say flatly, though the words feel hollow even to myself.
Zion’s eyes narrow dangerously, anger flickering briefly. “Is that what you tell yourself to justify your treatment of her?” There’s unexpected steel in his voice, an edge I’ve never heard from my closest friend. “Tm thinking of pursuing her after your divorce is finalized. She deserves someone who recognizes her worth”
The whiskey glass cracks abruptly in my grip, pain flaring sharply as the glass cuts my palm. A drop of blood trickles down my fist, but I barely notice it. My wolf surges furiously beneath my skin, snarling possessively
“She’s still my Luna” I growl harshly, the ferocity of my reaction shocking even me.
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Chapter 37
Zion’s lips curl knowingly, satisfaction glittering darkly in his eyes. He nods slowly, stepping away. “Then perhaps you should act like it,” he mutters quietly, leaving me seething in sudden, irrational jealousy.
My gaze snaps back to Siena, my pulse racing fiercely as Zion approaches her table, clearly intent. Anger and possessiveness twist sharply in my chest, mingling painfully with confusion. Why do I feel this way now, after years of pushing her away?
Horace snarls bitterly, accusingly- “she’s ours. Always has been. Do something!”
I watch helplessly as Zion leans in close, murmuring something that makes Siena blush softly.
My jaw clenches painfully, jealousy burning like acid through my veins.
I ache to storm across the room, to rip Zion away from her, to stake my claim openly.
When Zion finally moves away, Siena glances toward me unexpectedly, worry flashing briefly across her lovely face as her eyes catch the blood on my palm. Her concern warms my heart even as guilt stabs sharply.
Despite everything I’ve done, she still cares.
She rises abruptly, slipping quietly from the banquet hall.
Before I can think clearly, instinct propels me to my feet, following her silently onto the shadowed balcony outside. She stands alone under the stars, her slender frame bathed softly in the moonlight, shoulders tense.
“Siena,” 1 murmur hoarsely, stepping cautiously closer.
She stiffens slightly, turning slowly toward me. Her amber eyes glisten with unshed tears, and vulnerability is etched deeply across her features, “Raiden,” she whispers softly, heartache thick in her voice.
My chest aches fiercely, regret and longing choking me. “You were incredible today. I admit quietly, my voice raw with honesty. “Your warriors respect you deeply”
She watches me uncertainly, eyes wary yet hopeful I swallow painfully, pride crumbling beneath the weight of truth. “I misjudged you,” I confess hesitantly, the words foreign yet necessary. “I see that clearly now.”
Her breath catches sharply, tears slipping freely down her cheeks. “I don’t know if it’s enough, she whispers brokenly, pain radiating from every word. “I don’t know if anything can ever be enough”
Her honest words pierce deeply, but I nod slowly, accepting her quiet truth. “I understand,” I murmur hoarsely, heart aching with remorse. “But I needed you to know. I see you now, Siena”
I turn quickly, retreating into darkness, leaving her standing alone beneath the stars. My heart shatters again beneath the weight of my own mistakes,
Too little, too late.
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