Alpha's Regret After She Kneels

(Siena's POV)

This game he plays-it is treacherous.

The sudden interest in discussing our marriage leaves me wary, my instincts screaming that this is another maneuver—another calculated effort to unsettle me. I know better than to trust his intentions, especially now, with everything hanging in the balance.

The timing is too convenient.

Days before our divorce is finalized, he suddenly wants to talk about us?

No.

I've endured too much, sacrificed too much, to let hope creep back into my heart.

Yet, despite my determination to remain detached, I find myself agreeing to meet him privately. My mind tells me it's strategic-to maintain civility for the sake of Windhowl's standing-but my heart...

My heart is a traitor.

Just like him.

I keep my composure as we sit across from each other, a polished mahogany table between us that feels far wider than it is. His expression is guarded, but his midnight eyes are watchful, assessing me in a way that unsettles my carefully maintained defenses.

"I've been thinking about... our marriage,"

The words send a chill down my spine, but I mask my reaction with the diplomacy I've learned to wield as effectively as any weapon.

He doesn't miss the pointed remark. His jaw tightens, but to my surprise, he doesn't lash out.

"I should have had this conversation with you long ago."

A bitter smile tugs at my lips before I can stop it. Yes, you should have.

"And yet... here we are," I say softly, unable to mask the edge in my voice. "By the way, wherever is your precious Lila?"

Silence stretches between us, taut and heavy. The words are pettey, they drip with resentment that is becoming harder by teh minute to hide.

"That is not what I want to talk about! Why are you so insufferable Sienna? Can you not let me in, for once! Let me be your Alpha!"

"Silverfang's victory is necessary to maintain stability," I explain, my tone pragmatic, clinical. "The Alpha King's pack must host the SOA to ensure continuity. Windhowl is honored to have come this far, but we understand our position."noveldrama

My words are polished, practiced. I've spent countless nights preparing for this moment-preparing to relinquish everything I've built for the greater good. His response tell em all I need to know.

He has not changed-he cannot.

He watches me closely, waiting for a fowl snap of rage. But there is nothing.

Nothing.

"You've become quite the politician," he murmurs, his voice laced with something I can't quite decipher.

The rare compliment warms me before I can push the feeling away.

"I've always understood politics," I reply quietly, meeting his gaze head-on. "You simply never asked my opinion."

The truth hangs between us, a heavy reminder of the countless missed opportunities that could have bridged the chasm between us.

For a moment, something flickers in his expression-regret? Recognition? But just as quickly, the mask returns, and whatever he was about to say is swallowed by silence.

"Thank you for your time," I say, rising to my feet with careful poise. "Siena "

I pause, waiting.

But he says nothing.

Of course, he doesn't.

With a nod, I turn and leave, ignoring the ache that pulses through my chest with every step away from him.

This is how it ends.

***

Standing on the balcony outside my quarters, the cool night air brushes against my skin.

Windhowl's warriors celebrate below, their pride palpable even in the subdued atmosphere.

We've come further than anyone expected-further than Raiden ever believed possible.

I should be elated, filled with satisfaction.

But all I feel is..... exhaustion. I am plagued with a broken heart that no matter what

i do, I cannot mend.

As much as Raiden's were, in their

way, needed, I cannot go back now. I

Pel!

cannot be the submissive, the

fa verison of myself I've

fought so hard to extinguish.

No idea of love is worth that.

Not anymore.

"Thinking too much again?"

Rairity voice pulls me from my thoughts. She steps beside me, her sharp eyes

scanning the grounds below before turning to study me.

"Always," I murmur, offering her a faint smile.

"Windhowl's standing is solid," she says softly, her tone reassuring. "Even if we don't win, Siena... never

underestimate us aga

"