Bound By The Moon: The Eternal Bond - Chapter 54: Chapter 54

The cell stank of damp stone and blood. Julia’s wrists throbbed where the iron had bitten, her once-crimson gown now dried stiff and black. From the other cells came cruel laughter, whispers too low for mortals to hear yet sharp enough that Julia knew the words were poison.
“Wolf’s mate,” one voice hissed.
“Traitor,” spat another.
“Meat,” a third chuckled, hunger curling through the dark.
Julia pressed her back against the wall, lifting her chin, refusing to let them see the tremor in her breath. But inside, her heart burned with shame, with rage.
The door creaked open. Torchlight spilled into the corridor, followed by the silken rustle of a gown. Julia froze.
Lysaria glided into view, silver silk trailing, her face a mask of ice-sharp beauty. She stopped before Julia’s cell, fingers curling around the bars.
“Well,” Lysaria purred, voice sweet as venom, “so this is where Kaelith’s butterfly has fluttered to die.”
Julia’s jaw clenched. She said nothing.
Lysaria tilted her head, smile widening. “Did you truly believe a pitiful little human could wear the crown? That he would ever choose you over me? Oh, darling, your foolishness amuses me.” Her gaze roamed over Julia’s disheveled form with scorn. “Perhaps I’ll persuade Kaelith to let me finish this farce. Imagine—your blood on my lips, your screams echoing here until nothing remains of you.”
Julia forced herself to meet her gaze. “You’ll never have him,” she whispered. “I cannot be the queen of the vampires . And so do someone like you."
The insult cut deep. Lysaria’s eyes flared, but before she could answer, a low, dangerous growl split the air.
Samantha stepped from the shadows, her eyes glowing faint gold, her wolf barely contained. “Leave,” Samantha hissed, voice edged with menace. “Now.”
For a heartbeat, the dungeon seemed to hold its breath. Lysaria’s lips curled, but she lifted her chin and swept away, heels clicking like daggers, not wanting to get into trouble with Samantha. To her, Samantha was mysterious and she didn't want to cross her path-yet.
The moment she was gone, Samantha hurried to Julia’s bars, her voice low and urgent. “You must escape.”
Julia’s pulse leapt. “Escape? Kaelith—”
“There’s no time.” Samantha’s eyes burned with intensity. “Selene spoke to me. She told me where the Golden Bloom is. It grows only once, under the full moon—three nights from now. And it lies in the heart of Damon’s palace, I'll give you the map."
Julia’s breath caught. Damon. The name was ash on her tongue. The only person who made Valen be at his state right now.
Samantha’s hand pressed against the iron. “I’ll stay. I’ll guard Selene and Valen. But you—only you can go. Selene said the Bloom will answer to Valen’s true mate alone. That’s you, Julia.”
Tears pricked her eyes, but Julia’s voice hardened. “Then I’ll go. Whatever it takes.”
Samantha leaned close, whispering directions—how to slip past the guards, which tunnels led out of the vampire lands. Every word pressed into Julia like fire, searing her path forward.
When Samantha left, Julia sat in silence, her body weak but her heart burning fierce. For Valen. For their bond. She would not fail.
The scene shifted from the gloomy dark dungeon to a bright day, the midday sun almost scorching the earth.
Jessy walked through the werewolf gates without hesitation, her steps bold, her chin lifted high. The guards spotted her instantly, snarls rippling as weapons gleamed in their hands.
“Intruder!” one barked.
Jessy rolled her eyes, bored at their sight itself “Take me to your king,” she ordered.
Chains bit into her wrists as they dragged her through stone corridors, she had never came to the north, now where Damon's palace was. He now ruled a large piece of the werewolves land including the three packs. Everyone was busy keeping the palace clean and standard. At last, they threw her to her knees before the throne.
Damon sat waiting. The Alpha King. His presence filled the chamber like shadow, tall and cruelly beautiful, eyes gleaming with wicked delight.
“What brings a stray little wolf to my den?” His voice was silk stretched over a blade."You must be one of those who escaped back then. Now , how should I punish you."
Jessy raised her chin. “I know where the Luna of the South is.”
Damon leaned forward. “Julia?. Mmm. You know I've been looking for that woman for so long.”
“She’s no Luna,” Jessy said quickly, venom coating her tone. "she's at the vampire land. The vampire king kaelith set her captive .”
The king’s smile sharpened. “And why do you tell me this?”
Jessy’s lips curved. Slowly, she rose to her feet, chains clinking, her body moving with deliberate grace. She stepped closer, her voice low, husky. “Because I’m not her friend anymore. I have no loyalty to her. But I could have loyalty to you.”
Her fingers brushed his arm. Damon’s gaze darkened, amused, hungry. The court gasped softly as the Alpha King drew her against him, his lips grazing hers. Everyone immediately left the court, not wanting to loose a head. And in moments, desire burned to ruin—chains fell away, and Jessy surrendered to him.
Later the garden was silent, moonlight spilling across marble fountains. Jessy lingered there, her lips still swollen, her body marked by the Alpha King’s claim.
Guilt started biting on her. What was she even doing. She had plans to get captured by the alpha king and taken to the dungeons where she believed Aiden was but here she was walking freely. She had thought the alpha king would have ripped off her throat but surprisingly he had been calm. Thinking of their encounter at the court earlier, she couldn't help but blush.
“Whore.” The word cut the air like a blade, startling her.
Lily suddenly appeared and pushed her hard with an invisible force. Jessy was sent flying few meters away. Her beauty was wild, feral, her eyes burning with fury. She lunged, dark smoked arrows flying towards Jessy who barely dodged. Jessy quickly composed herself and stood to get feet her warrior instincts on.
"Lily, long time no see. But your magic is seemingly weaker these days. Is that all you can do? Come on, hit me. Miserable human."
Lily got ready for another attack, furious this time, lifting her hand and a black smoke forming. "I knew there was something wrong with you, Jessy."
“How dare you sleep with my mate."
Jessy snarled back, her wolf sparking beneath her skin. But before they could clash again, Damon himself stormed into the garden.
“Enough!” His hand cracked across Lily’s face, the sound shattering the silent atmosphere. Lily crumpled, gasping, betrayal breaking her eyes. Damon pulled Jessy close, his arm possessive.
“Beloved. You okay?” His voice was final, cruel. "And you, how many times have I told you to quit using magic? Want me to cut off your hands for real this time?.”
Tears streaked Lily’s cheeks as she stepped back and fled into the shadows, anger consuming her.
Later that night as the castle slept, Lily moved silently into the dungeon’s depths.
At a corner, sat a lone figure, wrapped up in chains. The chains clunged as he raised up his head, his eyes hollow.
“You,” he spat. “Why are you here again. Didn't I told you I don't want your offer?”
Lily pressed close to the bars, her voice trembling but urgent. “Because I heard them. Damon and Jessy. They’re planning to hunt Julia. She’s in danger.”
Aiden’s jaw clenched. “Jessy…” His voice cracked. "Think I'll believe you?"
“Try to mindlink her and see if she's near. Then you'll know. Jessy is really here,” Lily whispered.
“I can’t. They’ve coated the dungeon with wolfsbane powder. My strength is gone.”
Lily’s hands gripped the bars. For the first time, her hatred for Julia faltered, twisted into something else. “Then I’ll help you. I’ll get you out.”
His eyes met hers, raw and desperate. “Why?”
Lily’s lips trembled. “Because Jessy is lost. And Julia is the only one who can stop what’s coming.”