(Raiden’s POV)
8.52%
I stand rigidly at the starting line, the morning air crisp against my skin as sunlight filters gently through the trees.
Around us, murmurs of anticipation ripple softly through the gathered crowd, warriors and spectators alike waiting eagerly to see our performance.
My heart thuds unevenly in my chest, a strange nervousness tightening my muscles, leaving me oddly unsteady
I glance sideways, my gaze ummediately drawn to Siena as she steps toward me, a dark silk blindfold held delicately in her slender fingers
My wolf practically parts at her closeness, anticipation surging beneath my skin as she raises the blindfold toward my eyes.
I was the one who insisted we work together for this challenge, yet now the prospect of surrendering control to her seems daunting, my stomach twisting with apprehension. Still, stubborn pride keeps me silent, holding perfectly still as she reaches up to tie the fabric around my head:
Was this a mistake!
Her fingertips tremble slightly as they brush against my temples, her touch feather–light yet enough to send a sharp jolt of electricity racing through my veins
My breath catches unexpectedly, pulse quickening at the simple contact
I swallow hard, grateful that the blindfold hides at least some of my reaction from her watchful gaze.
“I won’t let you fall,” she promises softly, her voice gentle yet utterly sincere. The quiet strength in her tone catches me off guard, piercing sharply through my carefully built walls.
But you already have
Despite everything we’ve endured, despite years of mistrust and bitterness, I find myself believing her implicitly. My wolf rumbles approvingly, trusting her without question, even if my human side remains wary.
“I trust you,” I murmur quietly, my voice rougher than intended, betraying emotions I refuse to acknowledge fully
But do 11
She inhales softly, clearly startled by my admission, yet she says nothing more. Her hand briefly touches my arm, steadying me, grounding me, sending warmth spreading gently through my chest.
For a brief moment, I allow myself to savor the contact, memories of happier times flooding painfully yet sweetly through my mind.
Then, the starter’s whistle pierces sharply through the tense silence, signaling the beginning of our trial.
Instantly, Siena’s clear, calm voice guides me forward.
“Take three careful steps forward,” she instructs firmly, her voice confident and steady. I obey immediately, muscles tense yet trusting her directions completely. “Now duck–low obstacle ahead”
1 duck swiftly, feeling the breeze of the swinging obstacle narrowly miss my head. Relief and admiration surge powerfully
through me
Siena’s guidance is flawless, and her calm authority keeps panic completely at bay.
Chapter 11
We move slowly at first but quickly fund a chytlun, each instruction precise, each movement fluid, as though the years of separation between us never existed..
“Sharp right, two steps, Siena calls. “Now jun
I launch myself upward instantly, trusting her judgment completely. My feet laud solidly on the high platform, relief and exhilaration mingling sharply inside me.
With each obstacle we navigate together, something long dormant inside me begins stirring, awakening Bercely. Horace thrums delightedly within me, savoring the closeness, the harmony between us.
It won’t last, Horace–it can’t last.
“Perfect, she murmurs breathlessly, pride clear in her voice, making my heart swell unexpectedly. “Now drop down carefully, straight ahead.
Her voice never wavers, never falters, guiding me flawlessly through increasingly complex obstacles designed specifically to trip and disorient even the strongest wolves.
I feel no fear, no hesitation–only complete trust in Siena’s steady directions.
The final obstacle approaches swiftly, my heart pounding with adrenaline and something deeper, something emotional I refuse to name. “Sprint forward six strides, then leap high, she directs urgently. “I’ll be right behind you”
Without hesitation. I obey, sprinting blindly forward and then launching sharply upward. My fingers grip the high bar perfectly, and my muscles strain as I swing effortlessly across the final gap.
Landing solidly on the other side, I rip off the blindfold, exhilaration, and triumph bursting fiercely inside me.
Turning swiftly, my gaze seeks Siena instinctively
She stands breathlessly nearby, amber eyes wide and unguarded, filled with genuine pride and something far deeper- something that makes my heart stutter violently
For one utterly unguarded moment, the walls between us vanish entirely, years of pain and misunderstanding evaporating instantly beneath the power of that shared gaze.
Just for a second, nothing else mattered.
Without conscious thought, I reach for her hand, something important suddenly hovering urgently on the tip of my tongue. “Siena, 1
“Raiden! You were amazing!” Lila’s shrill voice shatters the fragile connection between us, slicing harshly through the tender
moment.
She rushes toward me eagerly, throwing herself possessively into my arms, wedgeing herslef between me and Siena Shock and irritation flare sharply, muscles stiffening involuntarily beneath her enthusiastic embrace.
Why are you like this?
Over Lila’s shoulder, my gaze locks helplessly onto Siena again, and my chest tightens as I see the raw hurt flash briefly across her delicate features before she quickly masks it behind practiced composure.
Her warm eyes shut instantly, walls slamming firmly back into place, leaving nothing but cold politeness behind.
Why am I this way!
She steps quietly back, expression carefully neutral now, yet I see clearly the fragile hope now shattered painfully within her
52%
Ibiz3 Mon, 21 Apr
Chapter 41
Guilt kuashes in my chest, Horace snarling furiously, howling mournfully at the loss of that precious moment between us, “You did this. Raiden! All of this is by your own hand!”
My fingers twitch involuntarily, desperate to reach for her, to recapture that fragile glimpse of reconciliation, yet pride and confusion hold me frozen in place.
“Siena–1 begin quietly, tone strained, desperate to explain. Yet she quickly turns away, stepping gracefully toward her waiting packmates, shoulders straight and proud despite the subtle tremble in her hands:
Lila pulls back slightly, oblivious or uncaring toward my obvious discomfort. Her lovely face glows triumphantly. “You broke the course record!” she exclaims delightedly, her eyes sparkling possessively up at me.
I nod curtly. “We.” I correct tersely, firmly pulling away from her grasp. “Siena guided me perfectly.”
Lila’s smile tightens slightly, eyes narrowing briefly at the mention of Siena, but she quickly smooths her expression back into practiced sweetness. “Of course, she murmurs softly, though her displeasure remains clear.
Ignoring her, I glance again toward Siena, heart twisting painfully as she accepts quiet congratulations from her warriors, her graceful composure firmly back in place. Yet I see clearly the subtle stiffness in her posture, the careful blankness now shadowing her beautiful eyes.
Did you feel it too?
My wolf growls furiously, raging at my own foolishness, my inability–or unwillingness–to finally choose clearly between pride and the possibility of reconciliation.
1 clench my fists tightly, frustration and longing tangling painfully inside me.
“Shut up, Horace–I cannot! We cannot!” I growl inside, hoping to end this farce sooner rather than later.
“We should celebrate, Lila coos softly, her slender fingers brushing possessively against my arm again, instantly reigniting irritation. “Everyone saw how incredible you were.
–
I shake my head sharply, my temper flaring dangerously. “This wasn’t about me,” I snap harshly, startling her into silence. It was about trust and teamwork–qualities Siena clearly excels at
Lila recoils visibly, hurt and anger flickering briefly across her lovely features before being swiftly masked. She nods stiffly. stepping back slightly, clearly displeased yet unwilling to contradict me openly.
Without another word, I stride quickly away from her, needing space, needing solitude.
Frustration churns relentlessly inside me–at Lila, at myself, at the tangled mess I’ve created, I am no fool. I know there is no turning back.
Horace is right. He is right to mourn her loss and my sheer stupidity and arrogance.
But still, the whines, the howls, the incessant pacing, they mean nothing.
This cannot be undone. This farce must be seen through to the end. The mask must stay securely fastened, and I must learn to accept the things I cannot change.
Pausing abruptly near the edge of the training grounds, chest heaving painfully, I close my eyes, struggling to regain control of my turbulent emotions. Yet all I see clearly is Siena–the vulnerability in her eyes, the tenderness of her touch, the quiet sincerity in her whispered promise I won’t let you fall.”
she meant that
My heart aches bercely, longing and regret mingling sharply inside me.
16:23 Mon, 21 Apr Nw
Chapter 41
Why must pride and fear always sabotage any fragile glimpse of reconciliation between us?
Why can’t I finally admit openly what my wolf has always known–that Siena is, and always has been, the mate my heart. truly desires?
I swallow hard, pride crumbling painfully beneath the weight of realization.
Horace growls insistently, “Raiden, you must do something to reverse this! You can’t let the luna go! Do something, you
coward!
“I am no coward! I am the alpha King! She is the one who has ruined us. She is the one who betrayed us.”
“You have been ignorant, full of ego–she held you up today, and still, you do not trust her?”
“I will never trust her as long as I live,” I snarl back, silencing the wolf–for now, anyway.
Yet doubts linger stubbornly, uncertainties still clouding my judgment.
But standing here alone, haunted by Siena’s wounded gaze, I finally understand–until I choose definitively, I’ll forever remain trapped between pride and longing, unable to truly claim the happiness my heart aches desperately to have.
Trapped between two worlds.
But haven’t you already made the choice?
Yes, I silently admit the bitter truth–I’ve no one but myself to blame.
Raiden, Great Alpha King-
Destroyer of all things good.
୦
AD
Comment
