Chapter 2 The Cursed Bond

Kael's body ached, but it wasn't the wounds that hurt-it was the pull. Toward her. Elira.

He lay on the temple floor, weak but restless. Her scent-jasmine and moonlight-wrapped around him. Her touch still lingered on his skin, where she'd healed his injuries with whisper-soft fingers. Magic flowed from her in waves, brushing his senses like silk.

"You shouldn't be here," she said, arms crossed, voice trembling.

"I didn't come by choice." He winced as he sat up. "The curse... it draws me to you."

Elira's lips parted. "You said my name last night."

"I've seen you," he admitted, gaze darkening. "In dreams. Visions. Every blood moon, I shift into something monstrous unless I find the one fated to hold me together."

Elira took a slow breath. She should walk away. But the room was thick with heat, their bond humming like a living thing.

"And you think that's me?" she asked, stepping closer.

Kael's eyes locked with hers. "I know it is."

Silence. Then her hand slid up his chest, fingertips barely touching-but he gasped, like she'd branded him.

The runes flared. Her magic surged.

So did something far more dangerous.

She didn't pull away.

Neither did he.

His fingers brushed her thigh, trembling. She let him.

This wasn't safety.

This was surrender.