The first time I saw Sienna, my eyes locked on her and never let go. I knew—without doubt—she was the one I wanted as my mate. It wasn't only because she was beautiful or different. Something inside me pulled toward her, deep and undeniable. My instincts didn't whisper; they roared that I had found the one meant for me.
So I marked her.
I thought it was right. I thought it would be enough. I believed no one would dare challenge that bond. But fate is cruel. The mark I gave her meant nothing—nothing strong enough to keep her with me, nothing powerful enough to drive others away.
From the moment I learned who she truly was, to the day I found her in Velaris, the truth I kept avoiding finally crushed me.
She was out of my reach.
Each time I learned something new about her, my confidence faded. Each king who stood beside her, who vowed loyalty to her, tore at me piece by piece. I love her so much I would give up my throne, my name, my pride—everything—if it meant she would be safe in my arms. But watching others share what I wanted alone… it broke something in me.
I am an Alpha. My blood is pride, dominance, and strength. Creatures kneel when I walk past. Fear follows my name. I am meant to be the only one she needs.
But with Sienna, none of that mattered.
She made me smaller. Softer. Willing to accept whatever scraps she offered, just to stay near her. But what about me? What about what I wanted? If she could not choose me, then how long was I supposed to let her trample my pride—even if I loved her more than my own life?
When I left Velaris, I decided it was over.
I told myself I would stop wanting her.
Back in Juno, I tried. Gods, I tried. But every night, I kept the blanket she wove, pressing my face into it just to breathe her in. Her scent haunted me more than her absence.
The moment she stepped back into my land, I felt her.
I tried to ignore it. I failed.
I cleared her path without her knowing. I sent Theo to meet her, because if I had seen her first, I would've lost control and taken her into my arms without thought. That was how badly I wanted her.
When I finally faced her, my body betrayed me. I held her hand before I could stop myself. Letting her go would've been easier—but I couldn't. I needed her close, even if it destroyed me.
When she asked to see the trees, I was proud to show her. When she tripped, I caught her—and every part of me screamed to pull her close and never let go. I had to leave before I shattered.
She turned me into a coward. I hid from her because I was afraid I would break my own promise to let her go. I kept watching her from afar, stepping away just before she could notice me.
Why was she so different?
Why did fate demand I share her?
Why couldn't she just choose me?
I am all she needs—but she always wants more.
Avoiding her was the only way I could survive. For a moment, I thought I was winning.
Then she asked to speak to me.
I agreed. Maybe this was my chance to finally tell her the truth.
When I entered my dwelling, she stood there like a vision—radiant, dangerous to my heart. When she moved closer, my sanity cracked. I felt myself slipping. If I didn't stop this, I would destroy myself for her.
So I shut everything down—my heart, my longing, my weakness—and let pride speak.
When she begged, when she held me, I nearly broke. But I said what I had to say. I wanted all of her, and if I couldn't have that, then I would have nothing. I left before I changed my mind.
The moment I stepped outside, my body shook. My heart felt like it was being ripped out of me. I had never known pain like that—not from battle, not from loss. This was worse.
I turned back.
What had I done? How could I hurt her like that? How could I forget she held my heart in her hands?
When I reached my dwelling, she was gone.
I called her name. Nothing answered.
I climbed the sequoias and howled, "Sienna!" until my throat burned and all of Juno turned toward me. Theo and Roman ran to my side.
"What happened?" they asked.
"Have you seen Sienna?" I demanded.
Theo stared at me. "Isn't she with you?"
Nori ran forward, panic in her eyes. "She was at your dwelling—she was excited to speak to you!"
Theo shoved me. "What did you say to her?! How could you lose her again?!" Roman held him back as he howled her name into the forest.
I dropped to my knees.
Had I just driven away the only woman I would ever love?
We searched all of Juno. There was no trace of her.
Then an urgent howl rose from the gates.
My heart leapt—until I saw who stood there.
Rocco.
Aron.
Talon.
And no Sienna.