Chapter 131
Unease coils through me, a flush rising to my cheeks. I never wanted praise for doing what was right. I simply wanted my pack to thrive.
Rairity continues softly, admiration clear in her tone. “Marcus announced it openly today. Raiden was there.” Her eyes glint with satisfaction. “He looked stunned, Siena. Truly shaken by the realization of how deeply he underestimated you.”
My heart twists painfully at her words. Raiden’s stunned realization comes far too late. What does it matter now, after all that’s happened?
Before I can respond, a sudden crackle interrupts our conversation. The virtual meeting screen splits abruptly, startling me as two more faces appear–Raiden’s, tense and guarded, and another Alpha I recognize from a neighboring pack, his eyes narrowed aggressively.
“This is unacceptable,” the Alpha growls, cutting straight to the point. “Windhowl’s lack of a stable Alpha presence is a vulnerability. Your pack is fractured, Raiden. Neighboring packs sense blood in the water.”
Raiden’s jaw tightens visibly, his gaze flickering briefly to me. A flicker of desperation crosses his expression, quickly masked by stubborn pride. My chest tightens painfully as his eyes linger just a heartbeat too long, searching my face as if seeking something he lost.
Elder Marcus steps into view, his calm authority commanding attention. “Alpha Raiden, Alpha Torren,” he addresses firmly, “the issue is clear. Windhowl’s instability stems from our blindness. We have failed to recognize true leadership until it was gone.”
He pauses, drawing a slow breath before continuing resolutely, voice resonant with conviction. “Siena wasn’t merely a Luna who learned to lead. She has always been a true alpha female–strong, wise, capable. We failed her, and now we suffer the consequences.”
His declaration reverberates powerfully, lingering heavily in the silence that follows. My heart pounds painfully, emotions rising uncontrollably within me.
Raiden visibly flinches, eyes darkening with a mix of shock and guilt. His gaze locks briefly with mine, raw vulnerability flickering behind his guarded expression. For once, I see genuine remorse–painful, humbling regret etched clearly in his features.
But even now, even seeing his vulnerability, I steel myself against hope. I know him well enough to suspect the purpose of this sudden interruption. It’s a calculated move, a desperate attempt to draw me back, to manipulate my emotions and force my return.
I straighten slightly, my voice steady, firm, unyielding. “If your intention is to persuade me home, you’re wasting your breath.”
Raiden’s eyes narrow slightly, a subtle flicker of frustration crossing his expression. “Siena, the pack is suffering. We need you.”
My heart twists painfully at the raw sincerity in his voice. But I refuse to yield–not after everything. Windhowl has made its choices. You made yours clearly.”
แ
His jaw clenches tightly, shadows of pain darkening his eyes. “I made mistakes,” he admits quietly, voice strained, barely audible. “I recognize them now.”
Chapter 131
+25 BONUS
“Too late,” I whisper, my voice trembling despite my determination. “You don’t get to rewrite history.”
Raiden’s eyes widen slightly, desperation slipping through his guarded facade. “Siena, please-”
But I shake my head firmly, cutting him off. “You don’t get to do this now, Raiden. You don’t get to pull me back when it’s convenient for you.
Silence settles heavily, tension crackling nearly audibly between us. Raiden’s eyes search mine desperately, as if hoping to find remnants of the woman who once loved him unconditionally. But the woman he seeks no longer exists. She was shattered that night he betrayed her trust.
“Siena,” Elder Marcus interrupts gently, voice calm yet firm, “Windhowl has finally recognized your true worth. Your absence has revealed what we refused to see.”
My chest tightens painfully, but I remain resolute. “Recognition now changes nothing. I will not return.”
Raiden’s shoulders slump slightly, defeat flickering briefly in his eyes. The sight pierces me more deeply than I anticipated. But I hold firm, knowing my value, refusing to be drawn back into their games.
The screen goes dark again, leaving me alone with Rairity, whose expression is equal parts sorrow and respect. “I’m proud of you,” she whispers softly. “But remember, Siena, you can’t avoid him forever.”
I meet her eyes steadily, heart heavy yet resolute. “I’m not avoiding Raiden. I’m choosing myself, my dignity, my worth. They failed to recognize my value when I was there. Now they live with the consequences.”
After we end the call, I sit quietly, the ache in my chest slowly giving way to something new–strength, clarity, conviction. I’ve spent too long living in the shadows of others‘ expectations, others‘ games. I no longer belong to Windhowl, nor to Raiden’s fractured ideas of partnership.
I belong to myself.
And there is no going back.
(Eighteen months later)
Chapter 132
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
