Bound By The Moon: The Eternal Bond - Chapter 20: Chapter 20

The northern kingdom’s warriors had finally left, taking their smug Alpha King with them, but his presence lingered like a foul scent in the air.
The evening breeze cooled my skin as I strolled through the garden with Jessy. The moon cast silver light over the neatly trimmed hedges, illuminating the path beneath our feet. The scent of night-blooming jasmine filled the air, but even that couldn’t soothe the tension still coiled in my chest.
Jessy, walking beside me, kicked at a stray stone, her face twisted in annoyance. “I hate him,” she muttered.
I smirked. “You and me both.”
“No, you don’t get it, Julia. That man—Damon—is a snake. He acts all high and mighty, but he’s nothing more than a manipulative tyrant.” She folded her arms, her expression fierce. “He thinks he owns everything just because he sits on a throne. I swear, if he weren’t the Alpha King, I’d—”
“You’d what?” A voice cut through the night, startling us both.
I turned just in time to see Aiden stepping out from behind a tree, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement.
“Gossiping about me?” he asked, his lips curling into a smirk.
Jessy scoffed. “Oh, please. Not everything is about you, prince charming.”
Aiden gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “Jessy, that hurts. Truly. I thought we had something special.”
Jessy rolled her eyes. “The only thing special about you is how much trouble you cause.”
Aiden smirked, stepping closer. “And yet, you always seem to be around me. Admit it, you can’t resist me.”
Jessy let out a sharp laugh. “Oh, you’re right. I can’t resist punching you in the face.”
Aiden grinned. “Ah, love. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Jessy snapped a twig from a nearby bush and flung it at him. “You’re an idiot.”
Aiden dodged effortlessly. “And you, my dear mate, are obsessed with me.”
Jessy’s eyes narrowed. “I am not!”
He chuckled, stepping back with that infuriatingly handsome smirk. “Then why do you always chase me?”
“I do not—”
“Like right now,” he interrupted, winking before turning on his heel and sprinting down the path. “Catch me if you can, warrior princess!”
Jessy let out an exasperated groan. “Oh, you’re dead!” And with that, she tore after him, her footsteps pounding against the stone path.
I laughed, watching them disappear around a bend. Their constant bickering was ridiculous, yet oddly comforting.
A presence behind me made me turn, and I found Ryker, Valen’s Beta, standing there with his usual stoic expression.
“Luna,” he said with a respectful nod. “The Alpha requests your presence.”
I inhaled deeply, steadying myself. “Lead the way.”
Valen’s Study
I pushed open the heavy oak doors and stepped inside, head held high. Valen stood near the window, his broad back to me, his hands clasped behind him as he gazed out at the darkened land beyond.
“You sent for me, Alpha,” I said smoothly.
He turned, his golden eyes flickering in the candlelight. “No need for formalities, Julia. But you’ll come around sooner or later.”
I arched a brow. “Is that so?”
His lips twitched. “I like to think so.” He gestured toward the chairs. “Sit. We need to discuss the upcoming gathering.”
I moved to sit across from him, my hands resting on my lap as I listened.
“We’ll be leaving for the northern kingdom in three days,” he said. “The Alpha King wants us there early for the so-called ‘unity talks.’”
I scoffed. “Unity? Please. This is just another one of his games.”
Valen nodded. “I know. But we don’t have a choice. He’s testing me—and by extension, you.”
I exhaled sharply. “I figured as much.”
“Jessy mentioned she wants to accompany you as your protector,” Valen continued. “She and Aiden will be by your side at all times. I agree with her decision.”
I smiled slightly. “Good. I trust her.”
“Which is why I’m telling you this now—while you’re there, be careful. Damon will try to get under your skin, and he won’t be the only one. Some of the other Alphas don’t believe a human should be Luna.”
I leaned back, folding my arms. “Then I’ll just have to prove them wrong.”
A hint of pride flashed in his eyes, but he didn’t comment on it. Instead, he reached for a stack of papers on his desk. “One more thing.”
I frowned. “What is it?”
He hesitated for a moment before handing me a smaller file. “I had Ryker look into your cousin, Lily. But… we haven’t found her yet.”
Disappointment settled deep in my chest. “Nothing?”
Valen shook his head. “Not yet. But we’re still searching.”
I clenched my fists, trying to suppress the unease creeping in. Lily had disappeared weeks ago after I became Luna, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was very wrong. That she's upto something.
I met his gaze, determination hardening my voice. “Keep looking. It doesn't seem like a coincidence.”
Valen nodded. “I will. My love shall we...go to bed now?”
I furrowed my eyebrows "NO!"
For a moment, neither of us spoke. The light flickered, casting shifting shadows across the room.
Then Valen smirked. “One last thing.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What now?”
He leaned forward, eyes glinting. “Try not to embarrass me too much at the gathering.”
I laughed. “No promises, Alpha.”
Later That Night
I shifted in my sleep, warmth surrounding me. The scent of pine and something distinctly him wrapped around me, comforting and intoxicating.
Wait. My eyes snapped open. This wasn’t my room. I was in Valen’s bed.
A soft glow from the fireplace cast long shadows along the walls. The sheets beneath me were rich and smooth, the blankets thick and warm. And despite every logical part of me screaming to move, I didn’t.
I liked it here. So soft so cozy.
My heart beat faster as I heard the sound of running water. The bathroom door was slightly ajar, steam curling from within. Valen was still inside, bathing.
I swallowed, my lips curving into a small smile before I could stop myself. Damn it, Julia. Get a grip.
A few moments later, the door opened, and Valen stepped out, towel slung low on his hips. His damp hair fell over his forehead, His black eyes sharp as they landed on me.
I quickly schooled my expression into indifference.
Valen smirked, his wolf stirring beneath the surface. Making his eyes glow.
Who didn’t just want to get to bed with us yesterday? Our beautiful queen, just for us, his wolf purred in his mind.
Valen’s smirk deepened as he cut him off with a single, possessive word.
“MINE.”
Wait, what! I can hear his thoughts!?
🌕🌕🌕
Thank you guys for reading. See you later in the next chapter. Hope you enjoyed 💗