Chapter 4: No Turning Back

Alexander's POV

The fake smile vanished from my face like a mask I had grown weary of wearing after escorting Princess Mira to her chambers. My jaw clenched, and I turned sharply on my heel and bounded down the hallway. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't get rid of the tension that accompanied every step.

My thoughts were racing. I didn't want or ask for the mate bond, and it burned under my skin. The idea made my blood boil.

I was on the verge of making a hole in the wall when I finally pushed open the door to my own chambers. My gaze instead fell on my two closest advisors, who were waiting as though they could sense the storm building inside of me.

James stood by the window, the soft moonlight glinting off his dark skin and sharp grin. His arms were casually crossed over his chest, that mischievous spark in his green eyes daring me to do something dramatic.

Liora, in contrast, looked like trouble wrapped in silk. She leaned against the table, violet eyes calm and calculating, watching me with that quiet intensity that was always dangerous. Her dark hair spilled over her shoulders like a river of ink, her pale skin glowing under the lantern light. The gown she wore hugged every curve, she was looking dangerously irresistible.

I didn’t even acknowledge them before crossing the room in two long strides. My hand shot out, and I grabbed Liora by the throat.

Her sharp gasp filled the silence.

“How dare you,” I hissed through clenched teeth. “How dare you put a spell on me? I’m not even sure if the princess is the one we’re looking for—and you already bonded me to that tiny thing?”

Her violet eyes flashed with irritation, even as she struggled to pull air through my grip. “I don’t practice dark magic,” she said, her voice rasping. “I can’t create a mate bond.”

A bitter laugh escaped me as I released her, stepping back. I didn’t know if I was relieved or furious. Probably both.

“You’re telling me this is real?” I asked, voice low, almost disbelieving.

Liora adjusted her gown with a flick of her fingers and let out a slow breath. “Fortunately… or unfortunately, yes. The bond is real.” Her gaze sharpened. “If Mira is the one from the prophecy, this makes things easier. But if it’s Marina… things become complicated. Both sisters have amber eyes, but neither radiates the aura I expected. They feel… ordinary. No sign of power. You’ll have to get closer to both and see which one shows abilities.”

Her words landed heavy. I clenched my fists. This wasn’t what I wanted. I hadn’t come here to find a mate—especially not a fated one. My purpose had been clear: find the amber-eyed princess, charm her, and secure what I needed for the mission.

Now everything was tangled. The bond made it harder to think, harder to breathe.

Time was slipping through my fingers.

“I’ll keep an eye on both sisters,” James said, breaking the silence. He unfolded his arms, a sly grin spreading on his face. “See which one starts glowing or throwing fireballs or whatever this ‘power’ is supposed to be. Though I’ll admit, I won’t mind watching Princess Marina. She’s a goddess. Shame she’s not your mate—though I might just have a shot.”

I snorted, shaking my head. “Good luck with that. I hear the commander barely leaves her side. He’s supposed to be engaged to Mira, but rumor has it he’s far more taken with Marina.”

James smirked. “I don’t blame him.”

Liora rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed with our banter. Her gaze returned to me, sharp and unyielding. “What about Mira? Will you accept her?”

“I don’t know,” I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. “I’ll do whatever’s necessary for the mission.”

James stretched lazily, like nothing could possibly trouble him. “It’s been an eventful day,” he said with a wink. “I’m going to rest.”

He left the room, his usual swagger in every step.

Liora turned to follow James, but before she could take a step, I caught her wrist in a swift, unyielding motion and pulled her back, hard enough that her body collided with my chest.

“You’re not going anywhere,” I murmured, my voice low, rough, carrying the kind of intent that made her violet eyes darken. “Not until I show you just how sorry I am for what I said.”

Her lips curved in that dangerous, knowing way. “Oh?” she breathed, tilting her head just slightly, her gaze glimmering with mischief. “And just how sorry are you, Alexander?”

I didn’t let her finish teasing me. My mouth crushed against hers, a kiss that was anything but apologetic—hungry, claiming, fueled by frustration and raw lust. My hand tightened on her hip, fingers digging in until I felt her breath hitch. She melted against me instantly, soft curves pressing into the hard planes of my chest, a quiet surrender hidden beneath that usual fire in her eyes.

I trailed my lips from her mouth to her jaw, then lower, dragging my teeth along the curve of her neck slowly, enjoying her soft moans.

Liora’s breath trembled as I grazed her pulse point with my teeth. Her entire body shivered against me. My hand slipped under the edge of her blouse, palm flattening against the smooth curve of her waist before sliding upward. My fingers found the swell of her breast, thumb circling with a teasing pressure that had her knees buckling.

“You’ll feel it,” I whispered, my voice husky against her skin. “Every moment. Every breath.”

Her cheeks flushed, lips parted as she turned her head just enough to look at me over her shoulder. With a single whispered word, the air shimmered—magic sealing the room, the doors locking with a soft click, and silence thickening until not even a scream could escape.

Her eyes smoldered, violet burning with challenge.

“Then stop talking,” she said, voice husky. “And make me feel it.”

I didn’t hesitate.

My mouth claimed hers again, harder this time, each kiss a mixture of fire and frustration. My hands moved with urgent precision, pilling her gown and undergarments  piece by piece, my lips following every inch of revealed skin. Her fingers tore at my shirt in desperation, nails scraping lightly across my chest as if she wanted to leave marks.

I lifted her effortlessly, pressing her back against the wall, her legs wrapping tight around my waist. The heat between us spiked as I thrust into her without pause, deep and demanding, increasing pace.

“Faster… harder,” she gasped into my ear, her voice a broken plea.

I gave her exactly that. No hesitation. No gentleness. Just raw, relentless need, the kind that burned everything else from my mind.

We moved together in a wild rhythm, each wave of release hitting fast and hard, but never enough to sate the hunger between us. I took her again. And again. Long into the night.

By the time the first rays of dawn brushed the windows, Liora was asleep, curled against me like a satisfied cat.

But I didn’t close my eyes.

No matter how hard I tried, all I could see were those other eyes—amber eyes. Hers.

Mira.

The mate bond was already affecting me. I hated it. I couldn’t afford this weakness, not now. Not when everything was at stake.

I had to stay strong. I had to finish what I came here to do.

There was no turning back.