Alpha's Regret After She Kneels

(Raiden's POV)

The final day of the competition arrives with an air of anticipation so thick it feels like a living thing.

The great hall is packed, the tension in the air palpable as the council prepares to announce the final standings. Both Silverfang and Windhowl have fought fiercely, their performance so evenly matched that rumors of a tie have been swirling for days.

But no one expected this.

"The Council has determined," Elder Darius announces, his authoritative voice carrying across the hall, "that for the first time in history, the Summit of Alphas will be hosted jointly by Silverfang and Windhowl."

A stunned silence falls over the room.

My own breath catches.

Joint hosting.

Unprecedented.

Unacceptable!

Beside me, the council members exchange looks of surprise and uncertainty, but my gaze locks on Siena. She stands across the hall, her posture poised, her expression neutral. But I see it—the flicker of surprise in her eyes, quickly masked by her diplomatic composure.

She's done it.

Despite everything I've thrown at her, despite the distance I placed between us, she's brought Windhowl to this moment.

My mate.

My fists clench in reluctant want as I take her in.

Dressed in the formal Luna attire, she looks every inch the leader she's become.

The emerald fabric of her gown highlights the golden undertones of her skin, and her hair, swept back in an elegant twist, reveals the graceful line of her neck. Horace stirs, preening with pride.

She's magnificent.

A fierce wave of emotion crashes through me-admiration, regret, longing. I can't stop looking at her. My heart pounds, my pulse roaring in my ears as a decision solidifies in my mind.

I can't let her go.

The ceremonial rings, forged from ancient Silverfang silver, sit heavily in my pocket. I had them made days ago, a silent admission of what I've known deep down. I'm not ready to let Siena walk away.

I want to renew our vows-not for the sake of politics or duty-but because she's the one.noveldrama

She's always been the one.

Today.

Today, I'll make it right.

As the closing speeches begin, I barely hear a word. My mind is too consumed

with what I'm about to do.

Just a little longer.

Horace paces, his presence a rippling tension beneath my skin

"She's watching you. Waiting. And here you stand, hesitating like prey."

"I'm thinking, not hesitating. There's a difference."

"Thinking is for humans. Feeling is for wolves. And you feel what I feel the pull toward her."

I clench my jaw, trying to push his voice back

"I feel many things. Not all of them warrant action."

"The pack doesn't survive on restraint! When will you understand?"

I steal glances at Siena, watching the grace in her movements, the quiet power she exudes. She's focused, listening intently to the final declarations, but there's a distance in her expression that makes my chest ache.

She's preparing to walk away.

Not this time.

The speeches conclude, and Elder Darius gestures toward me.

My turn.

I step forward, heart pounding, eyes finding Siena once more.

I'm ready. Ready to lay my heart bare. Ready to fight for her.

But fate is cruel.

A commotion erupts from the center of the hall.

The murmurs swell as the crowd parts.

And there she is.

Lila.

She stands dramatically illuminated by the crystal chandelier, her face

With tears. Her posture

calculated, her hands

is

cely cradling her stomach.

A chill creeps down my spine.

No.

"I can't remain silent any longer," she declares, her voice trembling as she

projects vulnerability.

The room falls into hushed silence.

"I carry the Alpha King's child."

The air leaves my lungs.

What?

A stunned gasp ripples through the hall.

No.

"His true

quiverin," Lila adds, her voice

with practiced

"conceived through our

bond."

A deafening silence follows.

I can't breathe.

This isn't happening.

Lila's tear-filled eyes lock onto mine, her expression one of sorrow and innocence.

But I know better.

My mind races, trying to process her words.