Chapter 65
Chapter 65
(Siena’s POV)
The competition grounds buzz with excitement after the third round.
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The news that Windhowl and Silverfang tied for first spread like wildfire, igniting whispers of an unprecedented outcome- a shared victory–a possibility that no one had considered–not even me.
But I know better than to let hope take root too deeply.
Raiden is still the Alpha King. His influence over the council is considerable, and I’ve learned the hard way that politics are rarely fair.
Even if Windhowl has proven itself, securing a rightful place at the top, the final decision will rest in the hands of council members who have long favored Silverfang.
Still, I allow myself a moment to breathe, to absorb the quiet pride emanating from my pack.
Windhowl’s warriors move through the grounds with heads held high, their backs straighter, their confidence palpable. They nod respectfully when they pass, their eyes reflecting admiration and trust–trust I’ve earned, not because of my bond with Raiden, but because of my own strength.
For the first time, I truly see it.
I didn’t just survive after Raiden cast me aside.
I thrived.
Windhowl was crumbling when I took over–fractured, demoralized, hanging by a thread after my father’s death. And yet, I rebuilt it. I turned weakness into resilience, despair into determination.
I transformed a struggling pack into contenders worthy of respect.
I did it alone.
The realization is bittersweet.
Because now that I finally stand on my own, my divorce from Raiden looms ever closer. The bond between us–faint and fraying–is almost gone. And soon, there will be nothing left.
Maybe that’s for the best.
I tell myself that, but the ache in my chest suggests otherwise.
The afternoon sun filters softly through the foliage as I sit in the cen al garden, reviewing final documentation for Windhowl’s next phase of development.
Rairity’s reports are thorough, highlighting promising opportunities for trade and resource expansion. Every decision I make now cements Windhowl’s future–our future–without Raiden.
“Siena.”
Zion’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. I glance up to see him approaching, his usual cocky swagger tempered by something softer, more sincere. His hazel eyes hold an uncharacteristic seriousness, and for once, he isn’t wearing that insufferable grin.
“May I speak with you privately?”
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There’s a hesitation in his tone that piques my curiosity.
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I nod, setting aside the documents as I rise to follow him toward a secluded alcove tucked beneath the shade of flowering,
trees.
The scent of jasmine hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the distant sounds of pack life carrying on beyond our small
sanctuary.
Zion turns to face me, his expression uncharacteristically vulnerable. His usual bravado is gone, replaced by something…
raw.
“These past months…” He trails off, running a hand through his dark hair, his confidence faltering for the first time since I’ve known him. “They’ve shown me who you truly are.”
My pulse quickens, a flicker of unease stirring in my chest.
“You’re not the woman I thought you were when we first met,” he continues, his voice steady now, conviction replacing uncertainty. “You’re stronger. Smarter. Fierce in a way that commands respect.” His eyes soften, warmth seeping into his gaze. “And I admire that, Siena. I admire you.”
My throat tightens.
“When your divorce is finalized…” His voice drops, a quiet, earnest plea. “I’d like the opportunity to court you properly–as you deserve.”
The words hang in the air, heavy with meaning.
Respect. Admiration.
Genuine desire.
Everything I once dreamed of hearing from Raiden.
But my wolf…
She remains still.
There’s no spark, no pull toward Zion, despite his heartfelt confession.
I feel gratitude, affection even, but nothing deeper. Nothing that stirs the primal part of me that still aches for a bond that’s nearly broken.
I open my mouth, searching for the right words to let him down gently, to spare him the pain of rejection…
And then I feel it.
A shadow falls over us, and before I even turn, I know.
Raiden.
His presence crashes into me, the remnants of our bond flaring weakly–painfully–like an ember fighting against the dying of its flame.
I turn slowly, my pulse pounding in my ears as my eyes meet his.
Midnight.
He’s angry; I feel the storm beneath the surface. His posture stiff, and yet it’s his eyes that betray him.
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Possessiveness.
Jealousy.
For a fleeting moment, the mask slips, and I see the raw emotion he’s trying to bury. But then, just as quickly, it’s gone.
“The council requires your presence.”
His voice is flat, devoid of emotion, but I know him too well to miss the tension beneath his cool exterior.
He doesn’t acknowledge Zion. Doesn’t ask why we’re standing so close. But the air around us crackles with unspoken tension, thick enough to suffocate.
Zion steps back, giving me space, but I feel his watchful gaze on Raiden, his stance subtly protective.
“I’ll speak with you later,” Zion murmurs softly, his tone respectful but laced with concern.
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I nod, though I can barely tear my gaze away from Raiden’s retreating figure as he turns on his heel and strides toward the council chambers.
I follow, my mind spinning, heart pounding.
Why?
Why did he look at me like that?
Why did Zion’s confession provoke such evident displeasure if Raiden doesn’t care?
He doesn’t care.
He’s made that clear time and time again.
And yet…
The memory of the flash of emotion in his eyes burns in my mind, refusing to fade.
As we walk in silence, the space between us feels heavier than ever. The bond that once connected us is barely a whisper now, but even in its weakened state, it thrums with something I can’t quite name.
“Raiden…”
I don’t know why I speak his name. Maybe I’m hoping for answers. Maybe I’m just tired of the silence.
He doesn’t respond.
I try again.
“Why did you send Lila away?”
His steps falter, barely perceptible, but I catch it.
For a moment, I think he might ignore me. But then, his jaw tightens, and he speaks without looking at me.
“She was… becoming a distraction.”
A distraction?
My brow furrows, confusion mixing with frustration. “That’s not an answer.”
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He stops abruptly, turning to face me with eyes that pierce straight through me.
“Does it matter, Siena?” His tone is cold, but there’s an edge to it—a desperation he’s trying to suppress. “Our arrangement ends soon. You’ll be free, And L…” His gaze darkening “I’ll be nothing to you”
The words hit harder than they should.
Because they’re true.
And yet…
“If that’s what you want,” I murmur softly, hating how weak my voice sounds,
Raiden’s expression hardens, but something flickers in his eyes–a shadow of doubt, maybe, Or regret,
“It doesn’t matter what I want.”
His words are a quiet, bitter confession.
I want to ask him what he means, I want to demand answers, to finally confront the ache that’s been festering between us for years. But before I can speak, he turns away again, his walls firmly back in place.
“The council is waiting.”
And just like that…
The moment is gone.
I follow him in silence, my heart a storm of conflicting emotions.
I should be focusing on Windhowl’s standing, on securing our rightful place at the top. But all I can think about is the man walking beside me–the man I once loved with every fiber of my being.
The man who chose another.
The man who’s about to let me go.
And the worst part?
I don’t know if I’m ready to let him.
As we step into the council chambers, I push the turmoil aside, donning the mask of the Luna I’ve become. Strong. Composed. Unshakable.
But inside…
Inside, I’m breaking.
Because no matter how much I tell myself otherwise…
Some part of me still belongs to him.
And when this is over…
When the bond is finally severed…
I don’t know if I’ll ever be whole again.
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