Page 30 of Bonded By Moons

“I think it’s time I return home now” I whisper and let my eyes fall to the ground.

He hummed his response as he continued twirling my hair with his fingers and leans in to run his nose along my jawline and neck. Everytime his touch glides over my skin, it sends a sensation through my body like an exploding star.

“You smell devine, like the sweetest honey to ever exist. I can barely resist you.”

I can see why I could quickly become addicted to him, like my own personal drug.

Looking as if it physically hurt him to stop touching me, he finally surrendered to my request and backed away several steps. He ran a hand through his hair and exhaled through his nose. I felt him grounding his emotions back to patience, sympathy, and adoration from lust and possession. “As you wish, my flame.”

Within the hour I was dressed in my black bodysuit, packed and ready to travel back home. Willow decided to give me space to process the acquancy ritual, so he stayed behind but trusted his personal guard to escort me home. After saying goodbyes, Willow seemed further on edge due to me mentioning the murders before. I hope I didn’t shock him too much.

I head down the front steps of the castle where a deep blue carriage awaits me. Artie stands holding the door for me, and I quickly climb in. I’m antsy to have privacy and get back to sort through the chaos of my thoughts.

Settled into my seat within the carriage, I’m finally able to process what just happened in there.

Ugh. This was not supposed to happen. None of this was supposed to happen. I just wanted to live a life of peace and solidarity, guiding the Ascension down a path of prosperity for the lands. Now, I have to decide if my fondness of the prince outweighs my fear for the consequences of bonding.

I just really don’t want to end up like my parents.

Artie taps on the roof of the carriage, disrupting my spiral of thoughts and we begin our journey home.

FIFTEEN

Ember

Artie’s been whistling the entire trip and I think I might murder him today. I hope Willow won't miss him too much.

Please refrain from harming my best friend. That will cause quite a mess for me to clean up.

Ugh! Get out of my head Willow.

He laughed down the bond and it warmed my heart.

I hate to admit that I’ve grown quite fond of the Prince after our aquancy rituals. He has a heart of gold and cares so much about the people of Estrallume. He makes me feel cherished, wanted, appreciated. I can understand why people enjoy mate bonds, but I’m terrified of what’s going to happen.

Will we repeat history and be destined for early graves like my parents? Why are the moons and stars pushing us to join so quickly? Most mated fae have months to get to know one another before making the decision on their bond at the next eclipse. We were given 15 days initially and now we have 5 days left before I have to make up my mind. Do I want to be his mate forever? Or do I want to continue with my original life plans?

I decided to distract myself and zone out Artie’s tunes. I flick open my communication orb, “Hey Amara! I’m on my way back to the shop. Meet me there soon please.”

I’m greeted with static and silence. Strange. It’s a bit concerning that no one is on the line even for emergency calls. “Hello?”

Silence.

Okay, well I’m almost home so I’ll figure out what’s going on. After a short while, we pulled up to the courtyard of my shop and home. I quickly exit the carriage and say my goodbyes and thank Artie for his escort. We’ll be seeing eachother soon at the ball anyways. “Remember princess, dress to impress. This is a momentous opportunity for the royal family to bring their children into society for the first time.”

“Yeah, I’m well aware. Also, I am always here to impress. Thank you.” And with that, I turn and head to my own personal safe space. There’s nothing better than being home. Strolling through my courtyard gardens, I can feel my flowers sing with joy that I’ve returned. My magic reaches out and kisses each blossom like a lover. I adore my plants, and they adore me.

I head around the building and find my private staircase that leads to the apartment above. It’s a gorgeous stone staircase enclosed in a canopy of jasmine vines. It’s a smell I plan on bathing in as soon as I get inside.

I turn the golden handle and step inside my home. I throw my keys on the entry table and begin stripping out of my body suit immediately. I’m fully naked by the time I make it upstairs, and I beeline for the shower. Before I can make it there, I stop dead in my tracks as I find a sleeping Amara on my bed surrounded by tissues.

Tissues? Does she have some sort of sickness?

Deciding it’s best to check on her, I grab my bath robe from the bathroom door and tie it around my waist. I gather up her tissues and toss them in the waste bin in the bathroom. Man there’s a lot of tissues. I hope she’s okay, my sweet sparkle.

“Amara, I’m home,” I whisper as I crawl into bed next to her. Running my hand through her hair, she finally starts to rise from her deep slumber.

With a hoarse voice and raw throat, Amara barely lifts her head as she calls out my name. “Em?”

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