Chapter 5 Bloodbound

The final blood moon rose like a wound in the sky.

They stood in the heart of the ruined temple-naked, marked by magic, surrounded by ancient stone and wild energy. The air crackled. Everything had led to this.

Elira's skin glowed faintly, her power awakened fully now. Kael stood before her, chest bare, the markings of his curse flickering beneath the surface like a second heartbeat.

"This is the ritual," she said softly, tracing a line down his chest. "No more hiding. No more fear."

Kael's eyes burned with want and reverence. "If I lose control-"

"You won't," she promised, stepping into him.

Their mouths collided, fast, desperate. She wrapped herself around him as he lifted her easily, laying her onto the stone altar. Their bodies came together in a rhythm older than language, one carved into the bones of their ancestors.

Magic bloomed.

With every thrust, every cry, the curse unraveled. Elira's back arched as his hands gripped her hips, grounding him to her, to now. Their bond blazed, wild and holy.

Light burst from them both-raw and blinding.

Kael cried out her name as his body shook with release. The curse snapped, broken. His beast dissolved in her arms.

They collapsed, tangled in sweat and starlight.

Alive.

Whole.

Bound forever.