Bound By The Moon: The Eternal Bond - Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Julia's pov
The night air carried the crisp scent of pine, mingling with the lingering warmth of lanterns lining the courtyard. The pack-a mixture of werewolves and humans-had gathered for the send-off, their murmurs and well-wishes filling the quiet space. Horses stood ready, their breaths misting in the cool air, and the carriages gleamed under the moonlight, awaiting departure.
Jessy stood beside me, arms crossed, her lips twisting into a pout. "I still don't see why I can't go with you."
Aiden, a step away, exhaled. "Because you'd cause more trouble than you'd solve."
Jessy turned sharply. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," Aiden said, tone calm, indifferent.
Jessy gasped, shoving him lightly. "You jerk."
Aiden smirked, dodging her next playful slap. "You're proving my point."
Their bickering was nothing new, but tonight, it felt oddly comforting-like a tether to normalcy before we stepped into uncertain territory.
I smiled as Jessy turned to me, sighing dramatically. "You better come back in one piece, Julia."
"I will. It's not like we're going to die."
She pulled me into a tight hug before stepping back. Then, her gaze flickered toward Valen, who stood beside Ryker, silent and unreadable as ever.
Jessy smirked, lowering her voice. "How do you always keep up with Valen? You see... he'd better try not to be too scary. You might get tired of his brooding."
Valen's eyes flicked to her, as if he had heard every word. Jessy quickly looked away, embarrassed. I chuckled.
After another hug-and a quick, exaggerated bow to Valen-our goodbyes were done.
Valen, Ryker, and I stood near the horses as the rest of the pack dispersed.
"We'll arrive at the gathering in two days," Valen said evenly. "Damon will be watching us, but we give him nothing to suspect."
Ryker adjusted the strap of his cloak. "And if he tests us?"
"We let him," Valen replied. "For now."
I listened carefully as Valen laid out our strategy. Move with caution. Observe without drawing attention. Avoid unnecessary conversation. This mission was dangerous, not just for us, but for the entire pack. Alpha Damon was ruthless. We suspected him of far worse than anyone could prove, but without solid evidence, we had little power to act.
Valen's gaze flickered to me. "Stay close to me at all times, my love."
I nodded. "I wasn't planning on wandering off."
I adjusted the folds of my gown, smoothing the deep sapphire fabric embroidered with silver along the sleeves. The rich blue was a stark contrast to the dark colors Valen and Ryker wore. Around my neck sat a moonstone pendant on a fine silver chain.
A gift from Valen, given without much explanation. At the time, I hadn't questioned it. But as my fingers brushed over the cool stone now, I couldn't shake the feeling there was more to it than he let on.
Valen turned to Ryker. "We move at dawn."
With that, we climbed into the carriages.
Inside, the lantern's soft glow flickered against the rich velvet interior, casting shifting shadows. The rhythmic sound of wheels rolling over dirt filled the space.
I leaned back, adjusting my skirts. Across from me, Valen sat with his usual impassive expression, arms crossed.
After a moment, his gaze flickered toward me. "The dress suits you."
I glanced up. "Are you complimenting me?"
His expression remained unreadable, but there was a slight tilt to his head. "Merely stating a fact."
I smirked. "A fact, huh? Should I be flattered?"
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes catching the dim light. "That depends. Do you want to be?"
I rolled my eyes but couldn't hide the warmth creeping up my neck. "You're impossible."
"And yet, you're still here," he murmured.
His voice-deep, calm, unwavering-had an effect on me I wasn't sure I was ready to admit. I shifted, trying to focus on something else, but his gaze remained steady.
Then, just as I was about to change the subject, Valen reached forward, his fingers grazing the moonstone pendant at my throat. His touch was light. Almost hesitant.
"You still wear it," he said quietly.
I swallowed. "Of course. It was a gift."
He didn't reply right away, his thumb brushing briefly against the stone before he pulled back.
"I didn't think you'd keep it," he admitted.
I frowned. "Why wouldn't I?"
Valen exhaled, leaning back. "Most things I give people tend to be returned."
Something in the way he said it-so flat, so indifferent-made my chest tighten.
My gaze lowered to the necklace, tracing the smooth surface of the moonstone. I had never asked why he gave it to me. He wasn't the type to offer things without reason. But something in his tone now made me wonder if it meant more than I realized.
A thought crept into my mind, piecing together small details-the way his gaze lingered on the necklace, the hesitance in his touch.
He mentioned it was his mother's. But he never told me about his mother, if she's still alive or not.
The realization settled like a weight in my chest. If it was, why had he given it to me? Was it just a token? Or did it mean something more?
I wanted to ask. But when I glanced up, Valen's eyes were closed, his breathing steady.
He looked peaceful like this, free from the sharp edges that usually defined him.
Whatever answer lay behind the necklace, I knew now wasn't the time to seek it.
So, I let it go.
The night stretched on, the steady rhythm of hooves against the dirt road filling the silence. Eventually, I rested my head against the cushioned seat, letting the gentle motion of the carriage lull me into a relaxed state.
And just before sleep fully claimed me, I felt a warm hand brush against mine-a fleeting touch, gone as quickly as it came.
I leaned into Valen's shoulder. He didn't move away he never will. Instead, his arm wrapped around me, securing me in a quiet, protective embrace.
For once, I felt truly at peace.