Chapter 4 : I Won't Let Go
1194 Words
The Dunne family mansion was enveloped in grandeur at night.
Majestic crystal chandeliers hung from the main hall's ceiling.
The tables were elegantly set with fine wines and food prepared by renowned chefs.
Classical music played softly in the background, delighting the ears of the distinguished guests who arrived one by one.
This party was no ordinary affair. It was a celebration of two great successes: money and freedom.
Thirty million dollars and the disappearance of a woman named Moira MacEvoy.
Evelyn, the head of the Dunne family since her husband's death, stood in the middle of the room in a flowing, dark blue dress. She smiled haughtily as she spoke to the guests.
"Thirty million dollars for just one 'Moonstone' pendant. How lucky we are," she said, raising her glass.
"And, of course," she continued, glancing at Tristyn, who was standing next to Olivian, "my son has found a suitable partner. A classy woman from a respectable family."
"You're too generous," Tristyn replied with a sweet laugh.
"It's not generosity, dear. It's a fact. A far cry from the previous one," Evelyn replied condescendingly without mentioning any names.
Soft laughter echoed from several Dunne relatives standing nearby.
"So, when are you announcing the engagement?" Evelyn pressed, looking at Olivian.
"Soon, Mom. We're just waiting for the right moment," Olivian replied, glancing at Tristyn with a fake smile.
"The right moment? This is the most appropriate moment. The world must know who the woman by your side is, not some unknown figure," Evelyn whispered, her tone implying determination.
Tristyn grabbed Olivian's arm and turned to Evelyn.
"Trust me. Tonight, everything will change."
"Ah, my dear, Moira is just dust from the past. Without evidence or witnesses, and we kept the marriage a secret. She never legally existed. She will never return," said Evelyn, sipping her wine with satisfaction.
"Are you sure she's really gone, Auntie?" one of Olivian's cousins asked half-jokingly.
"Trust me," Evelyn replied firmly. "If someone wants to disappear, the Dunne family knows how."
Everyone laughed.
"To freedom, money, and a new beginning!" Evelyn shouted.
"To Tristyn and Olivian!" the others replied, raising their glasses.
Olivian only smiled slightly, but her eyes narrowed as she stared out the window.
***
The Quinn family mansion.
Adrian took Moira to the private treatment room.
Candles lit the room with dim light, and the air was filled with the scent of healing herbs.
As soon as the door closed, Moira's body swayed slightly, and Aidrian caught her immediately, as if it were an instinct ingrained in him for centuries.
"Sit down," he commanded softly but firmly.
Moira shook her head. "I can still stand—"
"Moira."
His tone dropped to a low growl—a subtle but unquestionable alpha command. "Sit."
Moira finally obeyed, her breathing short.
The wounds on her back, arms, and waist had not yet healed; some were still blackened by the Dark Pack's ritual marks.
Aidrian held back his anger when he saw her.
He knelt in front of her.
Moira looked down, feeling unworthy. "You don't have to—"
"I need to do this," Aidrian interrupted. "I can't help myself when I see you like this."
He raised his hand, revealing a silver light that slowly glowed in his palm:
Lunar Vitae.
The healing power of the ancestors possessed only by the strongest Alpha of the First Moon lineage.
The energy pulsed warmly, like the living light of the moon.
Aidrian brought his palm close to Moira's arm, and the light seeped into her skin.
Moira was surprised when the pain slowly disappeared, replaced by a warmth that spread to her heart.
"What is this?" she whispered, her body trembling slightly.
"Calm down. It won't hurt you," he said. His voice was low and sounded like a soothing whisper. "Lunar Vitae only reacts more strongly when it touches its mate."
Mate.
That word took Moira's breath away.
Aidrian continued to heal the wound on her waist, then reached for the torn side of her shirt.
"I think we should—"
Moira pulled the fabric tightly. "No, I can do it myself."
Aidrian stared at her for a long time. Deeply. His hazel eyes glowed softly.
"Did they make you afraid of being touched?" he asked softly.
Moira was silent. Her fingers trembled on her shirt.
Adrian moved closer but didn't touch her. He lowered his voice, which sounded soft and touched Moira's heart.
"Moira, I won't hurt you. Never."
Moira's hand slowly weakened and the fabric parted slightly, revealing a deep bruise.
Aidrian closed his eyes for a moment. His eyes, usually cold and calculating, were red, not because he was about to explode with anger, but because he was in pain from their bond.
"I swear..." he muttered, his voice hoarse with restrained emotion. "I will destroy anyone who hurts you like this."
Moira looked at him. She appeared weak, yet she also showed a glimmer of new courage.
"Don't take on my pain," she whispered. "I'm used to being needed like this. But this time, what he did was beyond the pale." Moira's eyes burned red with anger.
"I would bear your pain even if it were as big as a mountain." He moved closer until their faces were only a few centimeters apart. "You are the reason I live, Moira."
Their bond vibrated intensely.
He directed the light of Lunar Vitae onto Moira's body again. This time, Moira almost leaned against him, her body seeking warmth for the first time.
Each time the light touched her skin, she flinched slightly, not from pain but from the intense, unbearable warmth of their connection.
"Aidrian..." Moira's breath trembled. "Why does it feel like my heart is being pulled closer to you?"
Aidrian pressed his forehead against hers. His touch was gentle yet possessive.
"Because that's what's happening. Lunar Vitae has opened our bond completely."
Moira swallowed. "Does that mean I can't go far from you?"
"No," Adrian replied softly. Then his voice changed, becoming deeper and darker. "It means I won't let you go alone anymore."
Moira lifted her face slightly and looked him straight in the eye.
"Even if I have to go back to Dunne's house?"
Aidrian lifted Moira's chin, his touch gentle yet firm. "I'll be by your side. Whatever you choose."
He lowered his voice to a whisper that struck her right in the heart.
"Starting tonight, Moira, you are mine to protect, not to hurt."
Moira closed her eyes, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
For the first time since she had been killed and brought back to life, she felt safe.
Her beautiful eyelids opened quickly, and she looked at Adrian with determination.
"I'm going back to the Dunne family mansion tonight," she said emphatically.
Adrian frowned, scanning Moira's beautiful, moonlike face.
"You're still not fully recovered. Get some rest. I'll take you there tomorrow morning," Aidrian said.
"No! I'm fine. I have to return to the Dunne mansion immediately." Moira shook her head vigorously.
Without Adrian's consent, she turned around and quickly left the room.
Aidrian stared at Moira's slender back as she began to disappear from his sight.
- Writer
