đź“– Episode 3- Bound by Fate
356 Words
“No,” Ariana said firmly, pushing the scroll back into Lucian’s chest.
Her hands trembled, but her voice was sharp. “I don’t care who you are or what you call yourself. I’m not signing anything. And I’m definitely not marrying you.”
Lucian’s jaw tightened, golden eyes blazing. For a moment, Ariana thought he might explode with rage. But instead, he gave a low, humorless laugh.
“You think you have a choice?” he asked quietly, leaning closer until his breath brushed her ear. “You don’t understand, do you? That thing that attacked you tonight… it will come back. And next time, it won’t be alone.”
Ariana lifted her chin, defiant. “Then I’ll fight. I don’t need you.”
In a blink, Lucian’s hand caught her wrist again and pressed it to his chest. His heartbeat thundered beneath her palm—steady, strong, unyielding.
“You already feel it, don’t you? The bond. That pull you can’t explain. It’s fate, Ariana. You can’t run from it.”
Ariana’s lips parted to protest, but then—
A sharp pain shot through her veins. She gasped, clutching her chest as her knees buckled. Her body trembled violently, her vision blurring.
Lucian caught her before she hit the ground, his arms wrapping around her as if he had been waiting for this moment.
“Your body is rejecting the separation,” he murmured, his voice strangely tender now. “The mate bond won’t let you deny it.”
Ariana’s eyes filled with panic. “Wh-what’s happening to me?”
Lucian’s gaze softened, though the steel never left his voice.
“You can either fight it… and die. Or accept me… and live.”
Her heartbeat hammered against his chest. Her breath came in shallow gasps. Deep down, Ariana knew he was right—the fire burning in her veins was only soothed by his touch.
Tears stung her eyes as she whispered, “This isn’t fair…”
Lucian’s lips curved into a dark, satisfied smile as he pulled her closer.
“Fate is never fair, little Luna. But it always wins.”
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- Writer
