(Raiden's POV)
We're gathered in the airy central chamber of Windhowl's main hall.
The moment Siena smiles openly during the council meeting, my heart stutters in my chest—a quiet, profound reminder of everything I once lost, and everything I'm determined never to lose again.
Afternoon sunlight streams through the high windows, illuminating the carved wooden table where elders and representatives from Windhowl and Silverfang sit attentively.
Siena stands confidently at the center, her amber eyes warm but focused. She passionately presents details of an educational exchange program she first proposed years ago.
A program I dismissed out of hand, simply because it was hers.
Shame twists in my gut, bitter and familiar. But today, I refuse to let pride guide my actions. Even now, as
