Fate has an ironic sense of timing, thrusting us together again tonight. But why am I surprised? It’s one of the most important networking events of the year for our people.

I can see the surprise in Hunter's eyes.

His gaze lingers, heavy with a storm of unspoken words, and meanwhile I’m hit with a mixture of anger and sadness.

I break eye contact first, unable to withstand the intensity of the moment.

"Hello, Hunter," I say evenly, keeping my inner turmoil at bay.

He nods curtly. "Raven," he replies, voice laden with unspoken meaning.

Tension permeates the space around us, a silent standoff amidst the lively gathering. My pounding heart reminds me of our now severed bond.

Thankfully, the tension is broken when Alpha Harvey approaches with a companion in tow—Alpha Dylan Archer.

Dylan's eyes gleam knowingly upon seeing me. "Raven, it's been too long," he says with obvious flirtation.

Hunter's expression hardens slightly at Dylan's familiar tone. I feel a ripple of satisfaction at the interruption.

Oblivious, Harvey beams. "You two know each other? Excellent! Dylan's in need of some of your expertise. I was hoping you could exchange ideas."

Turning respectfully to Hunter, he adds "Of course, my apologies Alpha Blackthorne. I hope you're finding the event enjoyable so far?"

As Alpha of the Shadowpines, Dylan has a notorious playboy reputation. Though we've only met in passing before, I know trouble tends to follow him.

Before Dylan can continue, Hunter interjects "What brings you by, Dylan?" His friendly tone doesn't match his scrutinizing eyes.

"I was actually hoping for a quick word with Raven," Dylan clarifies.

At this, Hunter bristles, all pretense gone. He steps closer to Dylan intimidatingly. "What possible business could you have with her?" he demands.

Alpha Harvey, ever the peacemaker, interjects with a smile. "Actually, Hunter, Dylan could use some of your law expertise. We've heard about your accomplishments in law."

Hunter, interjects again. “She's here to enjoy the evening, aren't you, Raven?" His voice carries a note of possessiveness that doesn't sit right with me.

I meet Hunter's eyes, and my heart clenches. "Actually, Hunter, considering you've decided we're not to be together anymore, it shouldn't matter to you why I'm here."

Dylan watches our exchange with interest, and Hunter's jaw tightens. "I'm just looking out for you," he says tersely.

Alpha Harvey quickly steps in, sensing the tension. "It's a great opportunity, Raven. Dylan's influence in the Shadowpines could be beneficial for you... in your current situation."

Hunter's eyes flash with something I can't quite place before he turns and walks away. His departure, abrupt and final, leaves me with a whirlwind of emotions that I force down.

Hunter

The way she laughs at something Dylan says—it slices through me, stirs a storm of regret.

Did I make the right choice? The papers I signed, the distance I put between us, it's supposed to keep her safe. But now, seeing her here, vibrant and unattainable, I'm not so sure.

I'm supposed to be here with Lisha, focusing on the alliances and appearances that my role demands.

But all that fades into the background as Raven’s voice carries across the room. She’s free from me now, and the space she occupies feels painfully vast.

It cuts me deep.

Witnessing firsthand the independence I supposedly wanted for her.

I try turning away, making the rounds like I should. But my eyes cling to her, like she's the last light left in the darkness.

Harvey suggests she advise Dylan's Shadowpines. Does he not get the risk? Maybe he thinks it’s a good opportunity for her, but I know what Dylan's really after.

I tense up watching her follow Dylan to a private lounge. He shuts the door, sealing her in.

Shutting me out.

The primal urge to claim her, to pull her away from Dylan’s orbit—it's irrational, possessive, and I hate myself for it.

I have no claim nor right to her affairs now.

But I watch that door for shadows, clues. What might happen behind closed doors eats away at me…