Alpha's Regret After She Kneels novel Chapter 74

#Chapter 74: End of an Era

(Siena’s POV)

the exact moment my world collapsed.

months had passed, but the memory remained razor–sharp, preserved in perfect detail. I could still taste the champagne on

my tongue when I thought of that night–the last celebration I would attend as Luna of Windhowl.

I had been holding my crystal flute, victory sweet on my lips, when Lila’s voice sliced through the ballroom.

7’m carrying Alpha Raiden’s child.”

In my darkest moments, I still felt the phantom sensation of that glass slipping from my fingers. I never heard it shatter. The roaring in my ears had drowned everything but her voice, which had remained crisp and clear as she methodically destroyed me

“I never wanted to bring this forward publicly.”

Her voice had trembled with practiced emotion as she gestured to an aide who distributed manila folders to the council members. “But after enduring months of abuse at the hands of the Luna, I can no longer remain silent.”

I had stood paralyzed as photographs spilled across polished mahogany.

The late afternoon sun filters through the gauzy curtains, casting long shadows across my desk. My fingers drum restlessly against the polished wood, a nervous rhythm that betrays the calm mask I’ve struggled to maintain for months. I glance at the glowing screen before me, the communication from Windhowl flashing insistently, begging for my attention. The very sight of my former pack’s insignia stirs painful memories–memories I’ve fought desperately to bury.

But memories have their own cruel way of resurfacing, unbidden and unstoppable.

1 shut my eyes, and the past floods over me like a wave, dragging me beneath its relentless current. I see it clearly again- Lila’s triumphant expression, her voice ringing dramatically through that crowded hall, every word a dagger piercing my heart. Her revelation had shattered my happiness like fragile glass, scattering shards of humiliation across the floor, slicing deeper with each gasp, each whispered accusation.

I remember how the photographs she’d unveiled had seared my eyes, the medical reports confirming her pregnancy like some twisted, irrefutable truth. Worst were the testimonies of servants I’d trusted, their words like poison, painting a devastating portrait of Raiden’s betrayal. My heart aches anew, the familiar pain sharp and bitter, refusing to fade even after so many months.

A chime pulls me violently back to reality. I inhale sharply, forcing the memories aside, and steel myself before opening the transmission from Windhowl. Rairity’s face appears, her expression grave, heavy with unspoken tension.

“Siena” she begins hesitantly, eyes darting away briefly before meeting mine again, “there was a council meeting today.”

I nod slowly, waiting. The silence stretches painfully between us until she finally sighs, her voice strained. “It got heated. Very heated.”

I lean forward slightly, curiosity overcoming my dread. “Tell me.”

She hesitates, biting her lower lip anxiously. “Faction lines are being drawn clearly now. The elders and politicians who initially backed Lila- She pauses, clearly uncomfortable. “They’re still trying to justify their support. They say Lila’s diplomatic finesse makes her better suited as Luna. They argue you were too direct, too uncompromising.”

A bitter laugh escapes me, short and harsh. Too direct–how many times had my honesty, my straightforward leadership saved them from disaster? Yet now, they wield it against me like a weapon.

Rainity hurriedly continues, sensing my tension rising. “But you’d be proud, Siena. The warriors, healers, common pack members–they stood up for you passionately. They cited your programs that are failing now: the training regimen, the healing centers, the education initiatives. They’re collapsing without your guidance.”

Unexpected warmth blooms in my chest, tempered by the painful ache of separation. I close my eyes briefly, picturing those faces I left behind. Faces that trusted me, relied on me, people who’d become family. My throat tightens painfully.

“Maybe it’s time to go home,” Rairity whispers gently, her voice careful yet hopeful.

“No.” My voice is firm, unwavering, surprising even myself. I look at her, holding her gaze steadily. “Windhowl has you now, Rarity. You’re doing an admirable job. You don’t need me to return.”

She sighs softly, frustration flickering in her ey Successfully unlocked! de from Raiden? Eventually, you’ll have to face

him

My stomach clenches sharply, my mouth turning dry. The mere mention of his name still stings. I shake my head slowly. “It isn’t hiding It’s choosing myself.”

Rarity’s expression softens, sympathy evident. “Siena, there’s something else you should know.” She hesitates, eyes gentle

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#Chapter 74: End of an Era

yet serious. “I met privately with Elder Marcus today. He revealed something–something you never shared with anyone”

I stiffen, catching my breath sharply “What?”

“Marcus told me about three major conflicts you quietly mediated, preventing them from escalating. He said without your intervention, the pack would’ve fractured long before now. You never sought recognition, never shared your achievements.”

Unease coils through me, a flush rising to my cheeks. I never wanted praise for doing what was right. I simply wanted my pack to thrive.

Rairity continues softly, admiration clear in her tone. “Marcus announced it openly today. Raiden was there.” Her eyes glint with satisfaction. “He looked stunned, Siena. Truly shaken by the realization of how deeply he underestimated you.”

My heart twists painfully at her words. Raiden’s stunned realization comes far too late. What does it matter now, after all that’s happened?

Before I can respond, a sudden crackle interrupts our conversation. The virtual meeting screen splits abruptly, starting me as two more faces appear–Raiden’s, tense and guarded, and another Alpha I recognize from a neighboring pack, his eyes narrowed aggressively.

“This is unacceptable,” the Alpha growls, cutting straight to the point. “Windhowl’s lack of a stable Alpha presence is a vulnerability. Your pack is fractured, Raiden. Neighboring packs sense blood in the water.”

Raiden’s jaw tightens visibly, his gaze flickering briefly to me. A flicker of desperation crosses his expression, quickly masked by stubborn pride. My chest tightens painfully as his eyes linger just a heartbeat too long, searching my face as if seeking something he lost.

Elder Marcus steps into view, his calm authority commanding attention. “Alpha Raiden, Alpha Torren,” he addresses firmly, the issue is clear. Windhowl’s instability stems from our blindness. We have failed to recognize true leadership until it was

gone.”

He pauses, drawing a slow breath before continuing resolutely, voice resonant with conviction. “Siena wasn’t merely a Luna who learned to lead. She has always been a true alpha female–strong, wise, capable. We failed her, and now we suffer the consequences.”

His declaration reverberates powerfully, lingering heavily in the silence that follows. My heart pounds painfully, emotions rising uncontrollably within me.

Raiden visibly flinches, eyes darkening with a mix of shock and guilt. His gaze locks briefly with mine, raw vulnerability flickering behind his guarded expression. For once, I see genuine remorse–painful, humbling regret etched clearly in his features.

But even now, even seeing his vulnerability, I steel myself against hope. I know him well enough to suspect the purpose of this sudden interruption. It’s a calculated move, a desperate attempt to draw me back, to manipulate my emotions and force my return.

I straighten slightly, my voice steady, firm, unyielding. “If your intention is to persuade me home, you’re wasting your breath.”

Raiden’s eyes narrow slightly, a subtle flicker of frustration crossing his expression. “Siena, the pack is suffering. We need you.”

My heart twists painfully at the raw sincerity in his voice. But I refuse to yield–not after everything. “Windhow! has made its choices. You made yours clearly.”

His jaw clenches tightly, shadows of pain darkening his eyes. “I made mistakes,” he admits quietly, voice strained, barely audible. “I recognize them now.”