MARKED BY THREE

Chapter Three: The Bond Awakens

Chapter Three: The Bond Awakens (Full Version)

The forest had changed. The shadows clung closer, twisting unnaturally in the silver glow of the moon, and Aria’s senses were sharper than they had ever been. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a branch, made her jump—but she was no longer running. Not from them. Not from fate.

Lucian, Draven, and Kaelen circled her like predators, each moving differently but all drawn to her in a way that made the air feel electric. She could feel the pull of each of them, tugging at her heart, her body, her very soul. It terrified her—and thrilled her in equal measure.

Lucian stepped forward first, his silver eyes flashing with intensity. “Aria,” he murmured, voice low and raw, “you feel it, don’t you? The bond?”

Aria’s throat went dry. “I… I don’t know,” she admitted, even though she could feel the thrum of power within her, radiating from her chest, spreading like wildfire. It wasn’t just attraction. It was connection—deep, primal, and unstoppable.

Draven’s smooth, predatory smile curved across his face as he circled her, each movement deliberate, teasing. “You do know,” he said softly, crimson eyes glinting in the moonlight. “Every nerve in your body screams it. You’re ours. All of ours. And the bond… it’s not polite. It won’t wait for permission.”

Kaelen growled softly, pacing behind her like a wolf stalking its prey. His gold eyes glowed in the darkness, fierce and possessive. “And don’t think I’ll share,” he said, voice low and guttural. “I won’t let anyone take what’s mine. Not completely.”

Aria felt her pulse spike, her knees threatening to buckle. Their words, their presence, even their mere proximity was overwhelming, yet she didn’t step back. How could she? She wanted this—the danger, the tension, the pull of three forces she couldn’t name or fight.

Lucian reached for her, hand brushing hers lightly. Electricity coursed through her veins at his touch, hot and raw. “Do you feel it?” he murmured, stepping closer. “This is the bond. It’s alive, Aria. And it’s demanding.”

Draven leaned in from the side, lips grazing her neck in a whisper. “It’s already inside you,” he said, teasing, dangerous. “Every glance, every heartbeat—it craves us. You can’t fight it.”

Kaelen’s hands hovered over her shoulders, not touching, but radiating wild, untamed heat. “Try to resist,” he growled, his fangs just visible as he bared them slightly. “I dare you. You won’t last.”

Aria trembled. Fear, desire, excitement—it all collided, making her head spin. Her body responded before her mind could catch up, heart pounding wildly as her chest burned with the energy of the bond. She realized then that it wasn’t just her mates’ power she could feel—it was her own. The Moonborn energy pulsing inside her, wild and raw, awakening.

Lucian pressed a hand against her back, firm and commanding, pulling her slightly toward him. “It’s time,” he said, voice low and dangerous. “Time to accept what you are… and what we are to you.”

Draven moved closer, brushing his fingers along her arm, cold and smooth yet leaving sparks in their wake. “This isn’t just about desire,” he murmured. “It’s about fate, power… and survival. We are bound to you, Aria. And you to us.”

Kaelen’s growl deepened as he closed the circle, golden eyes glowing brighter, fur bristling. “And I won’t let you forget me,” he said. “I’ll claim you as much as I have to.”

Aria closed her eyes, letting herself feel it—the pull, the hunger, the dangerous, delicious energy. Her fear mixed with excitement, and she realized she no longer wanted to run. She wanted them all. She needed them all. And the moment she admitted it, a pulse of energy erupted from her chest like liquid fire, spilling outward.

Lucian’s grip on her hand tightened; Draven pressed his lips briefly to her shoulder; Kaelen leaned close, letting his wild energy mingle with hers. The bond surged, marking her, claiming her, awakening something ancient and powerful within her.

“You’re ours,” Lucian growled, silver eyes dark and commanding.

“You’re ours,” Draven said, voice velvety and dangerous.

“You’re ours,” Kaelen growled, feral and possessive.

Aria’s body trembled as the energy swirled around her, pulling her deeper into them. It was terrifying—and intoxicating. She realized with a rush of heat and fear that nothing would ever be the same. She was theirs, fully and irrevocably.

And somewhere, deep in the shadows, the forest seemed to lean closer, aware of the awakening, aware of the girl who had stepped into destiny… and the three forces she had claimed.

The night had only just begun.