The Moonbound Bride

Chapter 13

LYRA

"Are you fine, my lady?" Edith asked, noticing my sweaty and anxious state.

I looked at her and nodded. "When did you get here?"

"Just now. I opened the windows, so you should feel more comfortable," she said, offering a slight smile.

"Thanks to you." I returned a small, pressed smile.

"Is Blade up?" I asked, suddenly diverting my attention from the dream I just had to the realization that I had to attend his office again today.

But then a thought struck me. Last night, I overheard Elowen saying that the book wasn't in the house. So why are they letting me leave today? Could this be a trap? Maybe the book is still in the house, and Elowen and Vincent were just pretending otherwise-making sure I overheard them, tricking me into believing it was gone?

Very smart. But I have to be smarter than them all. It's twelve against me now. Even Blade-I can't trust him fully yet.

"Yes, actually..." Edith began to reply when, suddenly, my bedroom doors flung open.

Blade walked in without hesitation, his presence demanding attention. He barely glanced at Edith before dismissing her. "Go."

She bowed slightly and left without a word.

Blade stood there, hands tucked into his pockets, studying me with an unreadable expression. Before he could speak, I cut in first.

"The servants are so scared of you all. At least spare them."

"They should be scared," he replied coldly.

I frowned, confused.

Sighing, he added, "This isn't a normal household, Lyra. And most of them are nosy-clever. They know more than they should. The atmosphere of fear must be maintained."

I exhaled heavily, looking away.

"Anyway, I'm not here to explain myself," he said, stepping closer and planting both hands on the edge of my bed, leaning in. "I'm here to scold you."

His voice carried a sharp edge.

"Have you even looked at the clock?" he snapped.

I twisted my head to glance up.

Oh, f*ck.

It was already nine in the morning.

Not only had I skipped breakfast with the family again, but now we were half an hour late for Blade's office.

I shot up from the bed so quickly that my hair smacked against his face. He took a step back, rubbing his chin.

"Sorry," I muttered before bolting straight for the bathroom.

Blade's voice followed me from the other side of the door.

"I'm waiting outside. You have twenty minutes. Be ready-or just come as you are."

I ignored his words, already pulling off my clothes as I turned on the water.

★★★

I stepped out of the bathroom, only to freeze in place.

Blade wasn't outside the room like he had said-he was inside, standing near the bathroom door. And I was half-naked.

He stood still, his eyes dragging over me from head to toe. My freshly washed skin glowed under the light, my wet hair clinging to my shoulders. I knew exactly how I looked-sultry, wrapped in nothing but a strapless towel.

He gulped hard and quickly averted his gaze.

"Hey! You said you were waiting outside."

"Yes. And I thought you'd come out covered up. Not my fault." He glanced away again, his voice tight.

"What? My closet is outside the bathroom... well, uh, never mind. Now please go outside. I need to change." I whispered.

He smirked. "Change here. In front of me."

I let out a chuckle. "Are you f*cking crazy?"

He stepped in closer, his breath ghosting over my neck. My heart pounded so loudly, I was sure he could hear it.

"You've seen me naked. Why can't I see you? Wouldn't that make us even?" he murmured, his voice low and dangerous.

I pushed him aside. "That was an accident."

He shrugged. "And this is on purpose. C'mon, get dressed in front of me."

His hand suddenly reached for my towel, fingers tugging at the fabric.

Without thinking, I bit his hand-hard-and bolted back into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me.

"Blade, stop teasing me and just get out! Aren't you getting late?" I called from the other side.

Silence.

Then-"You bit a tiger?" His voice carried pure disbelief.

I pressed my forehead against the door. "Just go!"

"And what about getting dressed in front of me? You are my wife. I have every right to undress you."

My heart skipped a beat.

I banged my head lightly against the door. "But you said on the first day you weren't interested in all this."

"Doesn't mean I can't touch you." His voice was blunt, matter-of-fact.

Well, he was right. We were married, technically free to do anything.

No, not now.

What if he demands something? Could I even refuse? If I did, would he take my life?

A traitorous part of me whispered that I wanted his hands on my skin, that his heat was intoxicating. He was so damn hot, so sexy-but not like this. Not when it felt forced.

I needed to stay in control.

As if reading my thoughts, he sighed. "Chill. I'll wait outside. Just don't keep me waiting too long."

I stayed frozen in place until I heard the sound of retreating footsteps and the soft click of my bedroom door closing.

Exhaling in relief, I licked my dry lips, my nerves still rattling.

BLADE

As soon as Lyra got into the car, I noticed it—nervousness, shyness, or maybe even anxiety. Her expressions refused to meet my eyes, as if the color pink had taken over her entire being. Her cheeks were flushed, her posture stiff. She was avoiding me.

My gaze? It was glued to her. Statue-still.

I wasn’t about to let any opportunity slip to tease her. Not when she looked like this.

She wore a white mini dress today—halter neckline, sleek ponytail, everything about her crisp and refined. And yet, beneath that composure, she was fidgeting. Her fingers wouldn’t stop twisting against each other.

A smirk tugged at my lips. My magic had worked.

Did I really want to touch her in that moment?

Yes.

The answer came instantly, without hesitation.

She had looked so breathtaking standing there in nothing but that towel, her damp skin glowing. The image of her, half-bared and vulnerable, was imprinted in my mind. I wanted to reach beneath the delicate fabric she wore now, feel the warmth of her skin, and sink into the essence of her.

But then, reality crashed in.

We were husband and wife only for a reason.

I couldn’t let myself be attracted to her, even if every cell in my body wanted to be. It would be wrong—wrong to her. She was already enduring enough pain by being tied to me in this forced marriage. I refused to add to it.

So, I pulled myself back, retreating into silence.

And then, finally, she spoke.

“Why did you actually do that?” Her voice was quiet but steady. For the first time since getting in the car, she met my gaze.

I held it. “I really didn’t know, Lyra, that you’d come out that way. It… slipped my mind.” I confessed.

She narrowed her eyes, her brow lifting. “And what about the things you said after that?”

"That was just a joke!"

Lyra shook her head, exhaling sharply. "Well, your joke nearly took the breath out of me."

I smirked. "Why? Do you feel attracted to me?" My voice held pure confidence.

Her reaction was subtle but telling.

For a split second, something flickered in her eyes—hesitation, maybe even agreement. She had already begun to feel comfortable with me, and I could sense it. Instead of threatening or teasing her further, I only wanted to talk to her—as a companion.

But, of course, she shook her head and turned away.

I didn’t push.

Not this time.

"By the way, you'll be meeting your parents today." I turned toward her.

"Today? What?" A light of hope gleamed in her hazel eyes.

I nodded. "Hopefully, yes."

She seemed lost in thought, absorbing the weight of my words. But I broke her trance suddenly.

"Can't I joke with you too? Like you joked with me back at my office?" I stared at her, waiting for a reaction.

Her brows furrowed. "Why?"

I exhaled. "Because you never know what will happen to you in the Harlow Mansion. So… I wanted to give you that happiness."

But why?

She chuckled, turning toward me with narrowed eyes. "That means you really don’t like the idea of something happening to me?"

I met her gaze, unflinching. "Not at all. I just want to take a good look at you before it does."

Her smile faded. "What exactly is going to happen, Blade?"

I held steady. "Don’t worry. It’ll be fine."

"Fine? How?"

"You'll see. I know it won’t harm you much." My voice was accurate, deliberate.

She searched my face, hesitation flickering in her eyes. "Promise?"

I gave her the only answer I could. "Yes."

As we pulled up to the office gates, I spotted Lucas standing there, waiting.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

He smirked. “Am I not allowed to enter your office?” His tone was sharp.

I scoffed. “You never come here unless Grandma sends you.” I shoved my hands into my pockets, confronting him.

Lyra shifted uncomfortably beside me, clearly struggling to even look at Lucas. Not wanting her to stand there any longer, I gestured for her to go inside. She hesitated for a second before walking off.

The moment she was gone, Lucas spoke. “Her parents are with me.”

I stepped forward instantly. “What are you doing with them?”

He shrugged, completely unfazed. “Ask Grandma. She told me to handle it. They’re in the basement.”

My jaw tightened. “The basement? Why the hell are they in the basement?” Worry crept into my voice. I thought they were supposed to be brought here respectfully.

Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. “Again, ask Grandma, Blade. Now move aside—I came here for this, not for your so-called lavish office.” He bumped my shoulder as he walked past me, leaving me standing there, stuck in my thoughts.

What the hell do I tell Lyra now? And why is Grandma making these decisions? I knew better than to question her directly, but still… why?

Without wasting any more time, I headed inside, following Lyra to my office.

She looked so happy today.

As Lyra sat comfortably on the couch, I focused on my work. Throughout the day, she had asked me several times about her parents, but I still hadn’t managed to bring them to her.

Finally, when I finished my tasks and had a moment to spare, I stood up, ready to leave. “I’m going to bring your parents,” I told her.

Her eyes lit up with excitement. “Can I come with you?” she asked eagerly.

I sighed. “No, you can’t.”

Her face fell for a moment, disappointment flickering in her eyes, but the excitement of finally seeing her parents again quickly overpowered it. Even with that brief sadness, her happiness remained.

“Just wait,” I assured her before walking out.

LYRA

The feeling was overwhelming—I was finally going to meet my parents. Excitement bubbled inside me, and I twirled in joy around Blade's cabin. But in my exhilaration, I lost my footing, tripping and crashing shoulder-first into the wall.

Wait… what is this?

The wall felt oddly porous—light and hollow, as if it lacked the solidity of concrete. My curiosity spiked, and I tapped on it lightly. The sound confirmed my suspicion—it was empty inside.

A rush of intrigue took over me. What if something was hidden here? Something I’d been looking for all along?

Ignoring any fear of consequences, I decided to break through. The wall was so weak that it wouldn’t take much force. My eyes landed on Blade’s paperweight lying on his table. Without hesitation, I grabbed it and smashed it against the wall.

Revealing what was inside didn’t shock me much—it was the Primordial Book.

I knew it. It had to be here.

So, they really did move it out of the Harlow Mansion. But did Blade know about this? Whether he did or not, I wasn’t going to waste this opportunity. I’d take a quick glance, put it back, and act like nothing happened.

A plan formed in my mind—I’d tell Blade the wall broke when I was dancing, and I got scared, so I didn’t investigate further. I just had to sell it convincingly.

I hoped he’d believe my little story.

But he shouldn’t just barge in while I was looking at it.

Otherwise, everything would be ruined. He could stop me from seeing my parents.

I couldn’t let that happen.

I turned my focus back to the book and carefully flipped it open. The first page sent a shiver down my spine—eerie, unsettling. A strange fear crept over me, but I pushed past it and skimmed through the pages.

With each turn, my eyes widened in disbelief.

There was so much—so many supernatural elements, so many secrets woven into its words.

And then—I saw it.

My name.

A mention of me.

I froze, my heartbeat thudding in my ears.

And just below it—the Blood Moon Ritual.

What is it? Why is it here? Why does it feel so... important?

A strange unease settled in my chest, but I couldn't stop myself from reading further.

I traced the lines written in silver and red.

Blood.

Someone’s blood was smeared on the page.

The moment my fingers touched it, a jolt of electricity shot through my hand. I flinched.

I read further.

The Blood Moon Ritual—a sacred rite performed under the Blood Moon, which appears once in a thousand years.

And then—my breath hitched.

"While the Tiger King has lost his powers, Lyra shall be sacrificed in her other birth for the Tiger King. By killing her and offering her blood to the celestial and supernatural deities, the ritual shall be complete."

I froze.

My chest tightened, and an unbearable weight pressed on my lungs.

I was brought here... for a sacrifice?

I was the offering?

The Blood Moon... my death?

No.

My blood froze inside me. A gasp left my lips, sharp and breathless.

No, no, no.

Blade said it wouldn’t hurt me.

Then why was I the sacrifice?

To bring back his powers? Just so he can shapeshift again?

A shiver ran down my spine. Cold sweat dripped down my temple.

My legs moved on their own, pacing frantically. I felt like a trapped animal.

No—I won’t be sacrificed.

I stormed out, my feet slamming against the floor, racing toward the reception.

“Where is Blade?” I demanded.

The receptionist blinked at my panicked state. “He’s... in the basement.”

The basement.

Why?

Why was he in the basement when he went to bring my parents?

A sinking feeling settled in my stomach.

No more waiting.

I needed answers. Now.

As I reached the basement, my heart pounded against my ribs. The dim lighting cast eerie shadows, and the air was thick with something unspoken.

I scanned the room, searching—until my eyes landed on him.

Blade.

He stood with his back to me, unmoving, as if deep in thought.

I swallowed hard and called out, “Blade.”

At the sound of my voice, he slowly turned to face me.

And that’s when my world collapsed.

My breath hitched, my limbs went numb.

No.

The Primordial Book slipped from my trembling hands, hitting the floor with a hollow thud.

Behind him—

My parents.

Tied. Chained. Shackled.

Unconscious.