The Moonbound Bride

Chapter 11

BLADE

It was clear that something was happening. The moon had always had a connection with me, but why was it rumbling now? Lyra and I pulled apart, and suddenly, the rumbling stopped.

"Did you see that?"

"Of course," I said.

"Then... did you cause it to happen?" she asked in a serious tone.

"Are you insane? I'm a shifter, but that doesn't mean I can shake the moon. The moon is divine—a deity itself," I explained, answering her dumb question.

"Then how did it...?" She frowned, perplexed.

"I don't know. Would you stop inspecting now? It's stopped already," I said firmly.

She adjusted her beautiful face, composing herself. I closed the windows of my cabin so we couldn't see whatever calamity was still unfolding outside.

"But Blade, why did it stop when we stepped apart?" she asked again, folding her arms.

I turned toward her. "Oh, shut up, Lyra. For fu*k's sake, just stop it now." I yelled, stepping closer, and she backed away quickly.

She looked a little scared at my sudden outburst.

I ran my fingers through my hair. "Look, I'm too tired to think about this right now. I worked all day, okay?"

"Then let's go home," she replied.

"Can't go now. It's too late. There will be wild animals on the way."

She cackled. "Wild animals? Are you serious? You're a carnivore yourself, and yet you're afraid? That's surprisingly awkward."

"I am, but I can't shapeshift right now. I don't have those powers anymore." The words slipped out before I could stop them.

"What do you mean?" She narrowed her eyes, intrigued.

I quickly changed the topic. "Nothing. I think we need to sleep here tonight."

"No way! I'm not sleeping with you." She backed away again.

"Who's asking you to? You sleep there, I'll sleep here," I said, pointing at the two separate couches in my cabin.

"But still, we're in one room," she muttered, glancing around.

"Then sleep wherever you want."

"I mean, you're dangerous. Who's going to save me from you?"

"If you want to sleep, just sleep. Otherwise, go away," I said, dismissing her.

"I see... you're purposely trying to keep me away from your mansion," she remarked, eyeing me suspiciously.

"That's right. And now, I'm ready to sleep—please, get away," I said, pulling a soft duvet around me.

She just stared at me for a moment before walking over to the other couch, inspecting it carefully. I watched with one eye open.

"Hey, Blade!"

"Now what?"

"The couch has splinters on the open ends. They'll hurt me," she said, pouting.

I sighed and got up to check. Sure enough, there were splinters.

"You can sleep on the floor," I said coldly.

"NEVER!" she exclaimed. "It's f*cking cold."

She hesitated for a moment, then muttered, "I'd rather sleep with you."

I sighed. I was exhausted and just wanted to settle this once and for all. "Fine."

"Wait... but what if the moon reacts again?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Are you trying this?"

She quickly shook her head.

"The couch extends, so no worries. You can sleep on the other end."

"But if the moon reacts, you have to sleep on the floor," I told her firmly.

She seemed like she wanted to argue, but in the end, she just nodded in agreement.

As we both plopped onto the brown velvet couch, I felt the tension of the day drain from my body. Exhaustion weighed on me like a ton of bricks. Work had once been easy, but with my powers gone, I had to relearn how to survive in this world. After years of relentless effort, I had built myself into a billionaire, securing my place in the business industry.

"Good night," Lyra murmured, pulling me from my thoughts.

I ignored her and turned to face the other side.

"Such a meanie," she hissed.

"You know I married you to hurt you, right? So why do you even bother?" I asked.

"Yes, you did. But you clearly want something from me in return. And if I refuse to give it to you... well, then you can't hurt me," she said, her voice dripping with confidence.

I turned toward her. Her hazel eyes gleamed, fearless. Beautiful, even. My gaze locked onto hers, and I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice.

"And what if I've already gotten what I wanted from you?" I said slowly. "Then I could easily kill you."

I kept my expression cold and unreadable, letting the weight of my words settle between us.

"You know what? I'm really not afraid anymore. After everything I've seen, I just want to live my life happily—no matter how many days I have left."

"But you should hate me."

"Who said I don't?"

"Then why talk to me?" I asked, caught off guard.

She smirked. "Because I need to bother you. I want to watch you suffer as much as I can before I die. That's why I trouble you."

I let out a quiet chuckle. "That's fair. I like the confidence."

"Unlike me. Wish I had some of yours," I admitted, a hint of sadness slipping into my voice.

"Blade..." she called my name softly.

I felt her eyes on me.

"Is your family forcing you to do all this?"

I frowned, snapping back to my senses. Without answering, I turned away again.

"No," I whispered. "I'm doing it of my own will."

She fell silent. Maybe she was upset.

Maybe that wasn't the answer she expected. But it was the truth.

Has she fallen for me? How could she? No—I'm overthinking. But maybe... just maybe...

The air between us grew still. The only sound was the soft buzzing of fireflies outside. Even the moon had stopped reacting.

One thing was clear: the moon didn't want Lyra and me to get closer.

But why?

Only it knew the answer.

Without another word, I let sleep take over—never once checking if Lyra had fallen asleep, too.

★★★

LYRA

When I opened my eyes the next morning, still half-asleep and thinking I was in Harlow Mansion, I was startled to find a pair of eyes staring straight into mine.

I flinched and sat up. "You scared me," I muttered to Tina.

"Didn't mean to," she said with a light cough—one that sounded suspiciously smug. "But the office isn't exactly a place to sleep."

I narrowed my eyes. Who is she to taunt me?

"Excuse me?" I shot back.

Ignoring me, Tina turned to Blade, who was snoring softly beside me. She reached out and began shaking him. "Blade, wake up. Wake up, Blade."

I watched her with as much disgust as I could muster, making my expression as obvious as possible. She deliberately avoided my gaze and kept trying to rouse him.

After a few more failed attempts, I sighed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. This is ridiculous.

I tapped her shoulder lightly with my index finger. "I'll handle it," I said.

"But if he's tired, then I always—"

I cut her off mid-sentence. "I'm his wife. I can do this." My voice was laced with bitterness.

She stiffened, clearly taken aback by my words.

What did this woman think she was doing? Trying to pry, woo and flirt with a married man? Sure, maybe she liked him—but what if he and I were actually in love?

Tina needed to get herself together.

I gathered my courage, deciding to be playful this morning. It was my first time seeing Blade asleep—so still, so human.

Leaning in close, I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and whispered, "Wakey-wakey, Mr. Tiger."

In an instant, he jolted awake and pounced on me. His hands curled into claw-like shapes instead of fists, his eyes wild—like he was trapped in some primal nightmare, back in the jungle, cornered by an unseen predator. Or worse, as if his prey had lured him in.

I froze beneath him, holding my breath.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tina watching. Her expression darkened, fury flashing across her face before she turned on her heel and stormed off.

She must have thought something happened between Blade and me last night.

Let her think what she wants.

I glanced down at his shirt, my eyes trailing slowly over it. Why are his buttons open?

I blinked twice.

"That's not important right now," Blade growled. "What is important is that you're reckless. Do you even realize what you just did? Never wake me up like that again! I could have torn the flesh from your body in an instant." His voice dropped lower, more dangerous. "And Tina... she would have seen all of it. Do you have any idea what that risk could have cost you, Lyra?"

As he spoke, his eyes shifted—glowing gold.

"Answer me," he demanded, his grip tightening around my wrists.

"I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to," I stammered, my voice small, trembling.

His sharp teeth emerged suddenly, glinting under the morning light.

"Do you really not care about your life, Lyra?" His words came out as a threat, low and menacing.

"I said I'm sorry! Just let me go," I gritted out, wincing from the pain in my wrists.

His grip didn't loosen. His breathing was heavy, his instincts taking over. Then, in a swift motion, he tilted his head—as if about to sink his fangs into me.

"Come back to your senses!" I shouted.

And just like that, he jerked away. His teeth retracted, his golden eyes fading back to normal.

His chest heaved, rising and falling rapidly.

I scrambled backward into the nearest corner, my body weak, shaking. Tears stung my eyes, my breath coming in sharp gasps.

Blade's gaze softened when he saw me cowering. He moved toward me quickly.

I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself, the fear overwhelming me—he's going to kill me, he's going to—

But...

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "Did I hurt you? Are you okay?"

My eyes flew open in shock, teary and wide.

Before I could even process it, he pulled me into a hug.

My cheek pressed against his shoulder, his warmth grounding me. His fingers ran gently through my hair, soothing me.

"I'm sorry," he murmured again.

"I'm fine, but..." My voice barely came out.

"I just saw death up close," I whispered, my voice unsteady.

Blade's expression darkened with guilt. "I never meant to hurt you. I hope you know that," he said softly.

I lowered my gaze, my body still trembling, and sank to the floor, curling into myself. The fear still clung to me, heavy and suffocating.

Without hesitation, Blade knelt in front of me. He reached for my hand, his touch surprisingly gentle. His warmth slowly seeped into my skin, grounding me, calming me.

But then it hit me.

"Did you notice something?" I asked, my voice laced with urgency.

Blade frowned. "What?"

"The sun doesn't react to us being close... only the moon does."

He turned his head toward the window, watching the golden sunlight filter into the cabin. It spilled across the floor, warm and unwavering—utterly indifferent to us.

A chill ran down my spine.

"Didn't you once call me moonlight?" My voice was barely above a whisper. "That day... when I fell into your arms while running away? Why did you call me that?"

Tension coiled in my chest as I waited for his answer, a strange mix of fear and curiosity gripping me.

Blade exhaled slowly, his gaze returning to mine. "I don't know why the moon reacts to us, Lyra. I don't understand any of it." He paused. "But that day... I called you moonlight because that's what you reminded me of. You gleamed—shining in your own light."

His voice was steady, but there was something raw in the way he looked at me.

He thinks of me as moonlight? My heart stumbled. That beautiful?

I studied his expression, searching for something—anything—that might tell me if he truly meant it.

His eyes held mine.

And for a moment, it felt like time had stopped.

★★★

Tina barged in suddenly, shattering the moment of peace—what I might have even called comfort.

"Ahem. Ahem." She cleared her throat dramatically, her gaze flicking between Blade and me, still sitting on the floor.

"If you two are done," she said, adjusting her glasses with a huff, "Blade, we have an important guest arriving today. You should tidy up and wear a suit for the meeting."

Blade and I stood up, still holding hands. The moment Tina noticed, her expression tightened with envy.

"Ugh. I'll send your suits here. You can choose whichever you prefer. Your coffee will be on your table." She turned on her heel and left, slamming the door behind her.

Blade headed outside, and like a lost puppy, I followed.

"Wait, Tina," he called.

She stopped, glancing back with a hopeful smile—one that vanished the moment he spoke.

"Bring some clothes for Lyra, too."

Tina's face hardened as she gave a stiff nod before marching off, her fury barely concealed.

Back inside the cabin, I turned to Blade. "Why me?"

"You'll be there when I meet the guest. It's important they see you. As my wife, you'll attend with me."

I frowned. "But if I don't go, it's not like they'll notice. They don't even know I'm here."

Blade's tone sharpened. "Just do as I say. You're coming with me."

His insistence made my stomach twist. Why does it matter so much that I'm there? Was he keeping me close because he didn't trust me alone? Or was there another reason—one buried in the secrets he refused to share?

He disappeared behind the door to change, his voice carrying through as he continued, "The world knows you're my wife now, and I don't intend to waste a single opportunity to showcase that."

I stood outside, changing into the clothes Tina would undoubtedly bring with resentment.

"I still can't figure out your plan," I said loud enough for him to hear, "but I know there's one."

I couldn't push him too far. Not after what happened moments ago.

I wouldn't risk waking the beast inside him again.

I had put on a soft chiffon gown, delicate danglers swaying from my ears, and tied my hair into a loose bun. The fabric felt light against my skin, but the weight of the moment still lingered.

When Blade stepped out, my eyes instinctively traced over him. He wore a slate-grey formal suit, but underneath—an orange shirt.

I raised an eyebrow. "Why all the orange? At least tell me that."

His lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Because I'm a tiger. Tigers are orange and yellow," he said simply, adjusting his cufflinks. "And more than that—it represents the Harlow family. It's been our color since my grandmother's time."

"That's it?"

"That's it."

Before I could question further, he smoothly linked his arm with mine, his grip firm yet effortless. "Smile," he reminded me.

With that, we stepped out of his cabin, the cool air greeting us as the sun hung high in the sky.

All eyes turned to us.

Not with shock—everyone here already knew I was his wife—but there was something else in their stares. Intrigue. Curiosity. Perhaps even admiration.

I knew exactly why.

We looked too damn good to ignore.

On the other side of the workplace, I noticed a man entering with two or three subordinates. His presence was commanding—tall, sharp features, and a disciplined air about him. Is he the guest? I wondered. Or was I judging too quickly?

He walked straight toward us, his stride confident, almost calculated.

We halted near the elevator just as Tina stepped forward to introduce him.

"This is—"

"So you're the special guest, Viktor! I see." Blade cut her off, his tone shifting.

The air thickened with tension.

Viktor chuckled, a slow, taunting sound. "Hey, Blade. Long time, no see."

The way they faced each other—it wasn't a simple business meeting. It felt like a silent battle of dominance. Business rivals?

"Yes. And why are you here?" Blade's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.

"Just to remind you," Viktor smirked, "that this year's Businessman of the Year award is mine, no matter how hard you try."

Blade's smile widened. "Your jokes have always been terrible."

Viktor's smirk deepened. "We'll see who's laughing in the end. I've won it three years in a row. And you? You've just stood there, watching."

Three years? I turned to Blade, hissing under my breath, "Seriously?"

Viktor's gaze flickered to me. His expression shifted—his usual arrogance faltering for a split second.

And then, he stared.

I felt his eyes scanning me, lingering far too long.

"What are you looking at?" Blade's voice was sharp.

"Nothing," Viktor muttered, though his gaze barely moved. "Is she your wife?" He scoffed, then added, "She's beautiful."

His tone made my skin crawl.

I instinctively tightened my grip on Blade's arm. He noticed.

Viktor didn't take his eyes off me for the rest of the conversation. It was unsettling, like he was analyzing me, searching for something.

After what felt like forever, he finally left.

Blade turned to me. "Why were you so tense?"

I exhaled. "I didn't get a good vibe from him."

Blade let out a scoff. "He's nobody. A filthy man who loves to provoke me. Don't waste your energy worrying about him."

He returned to his work, dismissing the interaction altogether.

But I couldn't.

I sank onto the couch, my thoughts spiraling. Viktor is not what he seems.

There's more to him.

And something told me—this wasn't the last time I'd feel his eyes on me.