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Chapter 7

Penulis: tanyanortje09
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-04-13 05:08:48
Aiden's Point of View

I start to stir awake, but something feels off. My bed, usually warm and familiar, feels cold. Empty.

That sensation spreads from my skin inward, sinking into my chest like a hollow weight. I shake my head, trying to push the feeling away, but it lingers. A deep, unsettling emptiness.

With a sigh, I throw off the blankets and get out of bed, heading straight for the bathroom. I twist the taps, letting the water run hot, steam curling up around me as I step into the shower. The heat scalds my skin, but it does nothing to chase away the chill that’s settled inside me.

I scrub harder, as if I can force the feeling away, but it clings to me.

When I close my eyes, expecting to be haunted by the memory of Hazel, the rejection, the finality of it, I’m instead met with a different face. Crimson eyes. Pale skin. Dark hair like ink.

The woman from the bar.

Something about her lingers in my mind in a way that doesn’t feel natural. I don’t even remember her name
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  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 8

    Hazel's Point of View The morning sunlight filters through the light curtains, casting a soft golden hue across the bedroom. I blink a few times, stretching slowly beneath the sheets before a wide grin spreads across my face. Today’s the day, my first lecture as an occult studies professor. Despite the restless dreams that tugged at me all night, Aiden’s face, his voice, the weight of his rejection, I feel a surge of excitement bubbling in my chest. I throw off the covers and swing my legs over the side of the bed, grabbing my phone from the nightstand and putting on one of my favorite upbeat playlists. The familiar rhythm instantly breathes energy into me. Humming along, I head into the kitchen. The apartment still feels new, but it's cozy, lived-in already. I start a pot of coffee, the comforting scent filling the air as I open the fridge and pull out the ingredients I bought yesterday, eggs, cheese, mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes. Just what I need for the perfect omele

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-13
  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chaper 9

    Aiden's Point of View I square off with Brock in the center of the training arena, the late morning sun beating down on us as we circle each other. The air smells like dust, sweat, and pine from the surrounding forest. Brock is one of our biggest and best warriors, solid as a mountain, fast for his size, and always a challenge I welcome. We trade blows, our sparring session starting like any other. Sometimes I strike first, testing his defense. Other times, I let him come at me, focusing on my footwork, blocking and redirecting his force. It’s clean, controlled... until it isn’t. Somewhere between the fifth and sixth round, something inside me cracks wide open. He lunges with another punch, and this time, I don’t just block it, I react. Instinct takes over. I grab his arm mid swing, twisting it behind his back with unnatural speed and precision. There’s a sharp crack that echoes through the arena, followed by Brock’s grunt of pain as he cradles his now broken arm to his chest.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-13
  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 10

    Hazel's Point of View I stand at the front of the lecture hall, fingers wrapped lightly around the edge of the desk as students shuffle into their seats, the buzz of low chatter filling the space like a soft hum. My heart hammers in my chest, not from fear, but from a wild mix of nerves and excitement. The kind that coils in your belly and keeps you standing just a little taller. Sunlight spills in through the tall windows to my left, casting golden slashes across the rows of seats, and I take a breath that fills my lungs with the scent of coffee, paper, and a faint trace of chalk dust. My notes are arranged neatly on the desk, lesson plan, student list, a few references, everything perfectly in place, even if I don’t quite feel the same. The last of the students settle in, and the noise fades into an expectant silence. Dozens of eyes look up at me, some curious, some bored, a few skeptical, and for a split second, I question everything. What am I doing here? But then I remember,

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14
  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 11

    Aiden's Point of View The first thing I register as I start to stir is the unfamiliar ceiling above me. A dull ache settles behind my eyes, the remnants of last night’s drinks, and for a second, I don’t remember where I am. Then I feel movement beside me. I turn my head and see her, the redhead from the bar, curled up beside me, her breathing soft and steady, her arm draped lazily over my chest. That’s when it all floods back in. The drinks, the flirting, the apartment. The distraction. Quietly, carefully, I ease her arm off me and sit up on the edge of the bed. The air is cool against my skin, and I keep still for a moment, staring at the floor like it might offer me a reason for last night, like it might help the guilt already starting to crawl its way in. I gather my clothes in silence, not bothering to look back at her. No need. This wasn’t meant to be anything more than what it was. I slip into my jeans, pull on my shirt, and make my way out of the bedroom, closing the door

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14
  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 12

    Aiden's Point of View As I make my way towards the dining hall, the rich scent of roasted meat, herbs, and fresh bread hits me square in the gut, and my stomach growls loudly in response. I can’t even remember the last time I ate, everything after the fight with Brock is a blur of adrenaline, guilt, and exhaustion. It’s a strange relief to feel hunger again, like my body’s finally coming back online. When I step into the dining hall, I immediately notice the private table Abby has set off to the side. It’s decked out, more like a celebration than a casual lunch. The table’s dressed in soft white linen with a centerpiece of spring flowers, and a spread of food already set up buffet style nearby. Roasted chicken, buttery vegetables, fresh salads, and a tray of desserts sit neatly in their dishes. My curiosity spikes. I head straight for Abby, giving her a skeptical smirk. “Wow, you really went all out. So what’s the big news?” She beams up at me, clearly thrilled. “You’ll just ha

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-15
  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 13

    Hazel's Point of View Ugh… my back aches like I’ve been hit by a truck. I groan softly as I start to stir, feeling the telltale stiffness in my neck and shoulders. Lifting my head, it takes me a moment to realize where I am, slumped over my desk, surrounded by open grimoires and scattered notes. Perfect. Just perfect. Fell asleep mid research like some over caffeinated student, only I don’t even have the excuse of youth on my side anymore. I rub at my neck with a wince, blinking at the soft morning light filtering in through the window. My second lecture’s today, and here I am looking, and probably smelling, like a zombie. Great impression to make. Just what I needed. I glance at the grimoires and quickly flip a few pages to check. No drool, thank the stars. At least there's that. My eyes catch the wine glass still sitting beside the stack of books, a few sips of red still lingering in the bottom like a quiet reminder of last night’s desperation. I pick it up along with the empty

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-15
  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 14

    Hazel's Point of View I take the last bite of my muffin, chasing the lingering sweetness with the final sip of my cappuccino. The warm drink settles in my stomach like a comfort blanket, and I let out a quiet, content sigh before standing from my desk. A quick trip to the bathroom is in order, just to make sure I don’t walk into class with a smudge of chocolate somewhere on my face. That would be an incredibly "relatable professor" moment, but not exactly the impression I’m aiming for today. The hallway is quiet as I walk, the sound of my shoes echoing softly on the tile. Inside the bathroom, the fluorescent lights buzz faintly overhead as I step up to the mirror. I lean in, studying my reflection with a sharp eye. No chocolate smears, thank the Goddess. My concealer is still doing its job, hiding the circles under my eyes from last night’s desk nap, and my blouse still looks crisp. I wash my hands, letting the cool water rinse away the last of the muffin’s crumbs and sleepiness. I

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-18
  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 15

    Aiden's Point of View I blink against the faint grey of early dawn, my neck stiff and my back sore as I shift upright on the office couch. It takes a second before the full weight of where I am, and what happened, hits me like a punch to the gut. This isn’t my bed. This is my office. And I’m not alone. Or at least, I wasn’t. The couch is cold now, empty, but the memories flood in fast and sharp, the omega girl, soft spoken, wide eyed, and nameless. I don’t even know her damn name. I groan, dragging a hand down my face, the sting of regret settling deep in my chest. This was never supposed to happen, not here, not with one of my own pack. I always told myself I’d never cross that line. I curse under my breath. Everything inside me wants to bury the shame, to run until my thoughts burn out and the guilt dulls to something manageable. I push off the couch, standing with a low exhale, and glance towards the windows. It’s still dark. Perfect. Maybe if I leave now, slip into the woods

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-18

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  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 23

    Aiden's Point of View We’ve been at it all morning, Mark and I crawling around his living room like oversized toddlers, locking cupboards, anchoring furniture, tucking away sharp corners and stray wires. The place smells faintly of calming lavender and baby lotion. In the nursery, I know, Nicole is finishing her masterpiece, she’s been fussing over it for weeks. She walks out of the room now, a proud glow on her face and that unmistakable joy only soon to be mothers radiate. “Okay, we can go get them now. Everything’s ready, even my surprise in the nursery,” she announces, brushing a loose curl from her face. Mark and I share a quick glance, he’s nervous, I can see it in the way his jaw tightens. “Let’s go,” he says, and we head out together, the three of us descending the wide stairs of the pack house, sunlight catching on the banister as we go. Outside, the day is bright, spring warmth mixed with the crisp edge of leftover mountain air. As we make our way to the hospital, I gla

  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 22

    Hazel's Point of View Cole and I stroll side by side through the wide, sunlit halls of the university. The chatter of passing students and the faint tapping of footsteps on the polished floors surround us like a soft, familiar hum. He turns his head slightly towards me, his expression easy and bright. "Where would you like to go for lunch?" he asks, his voice casual, like we're old friends even though we've only just begun to get to know each other. I smile, feeling the warmth of the midday sun filtering in through the windows. Without needing to think too hard, I say, "There’s this great café on campus. It’s quiet and the food’s actually really good." Cole mirrors my smile with one of his own, a little spark of eagerness lighting up his face. "Lead the way," he says simply. We walk in comfortable silence after that, the kind that doesn't feel heavy or forced. It’s easy, natural. I steal a few glances at him along the way, how relaxed he seems, how he takes in everything around h

  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 21

    Hazel's Point of View The sun is already casting warm light through the curtains when I begin to stir, stretching beneath the soft sheets of my bed. A sense of calm sits in my chest, a rare feeling lately, and I decide to lean into it. I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, a bright smile tugging at the corners of my lips as I walk across the floor and into the bathroom. The water runs warm beneath my fingers as I pour in salts and a generous scoop of bubbles. A soft lavender scent begins to rise in the air, curling around me like a soothing blanket. I slip off my clothes and ease into the bath, letting the heat draw the tension from my body. The moment I sink beneath the water, my mind stills. My eyes fall shut, and I let my head rest back against the tub, letting myself enjoy the peace. But it doesn't last. The quiet is a trap. Unbidden, the images creep in, Aiden standing in my cottage, his face carved with something unreadable, and the words of rejection that followed. It p

  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 20

    Aiden's Point of View The glow from my laptop screen casts a dull light across my office as I sit hunched at my desk, fingers stiff from typing. I rub my temple with one hand while the other scrolls through the endless sea of emails. Three months of backlog, and it feels like the mountain only grows with every message I open. The first email I tackled was from the university in Cape Point, some form about alumni contributions and a request to guest lecture again for the history department. I like to help out at the university from time to time and guest lecture there. And you never know what unexpected girl you might meet there. I had flagged it over a month ago with the intent of giving it serious thought. I respond politely, vaguely, telling them I’ll consider it once things settle down on the 'work' front. Truth is, I miss my old life, but there's too much happening right now. The second email was from the supply unit, confirming a medicine shipment for the hospital and requesti

  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 19

    Hazel's Point of ViewValerie’s fingers wrap around my wrist with infectious energy as she pulls me through the crowd again, weaving between groups of partygoers. Her laughter rings out over the low thrum of music, and I can’t help but smile, caught somewhere between curiosity and anticipation. We’re heading towards someone else, another introduction, but this time, her pace slows just a little, as if she’s building suspense.That’s when I see him.From behind, all I can make out is his tall, broad frame and unruly pitch black hair that somehow manages to look both tousled and intentional. His posture is relaxed, one hand resting casually on the edge of the counter, the other probably holding a drink. He exudes quiet confidence, and before I can take another breath, we’re at a full stop.Valerie clears her throat gently, and the man turns around.My breath catches, just slightly.He’s rugged, there’s no better word for it. Strong jawline, a faint shadow of stubble, and eyes that are j

  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 18

    Aiden's Point of View Time blurs in Amelia’s hospital room. I lean back in the chair, one leg crossed over the other, arms folded, watching the steady rhythm of the heart monitor and the way Amelia’s breaths come in slow, controlled waves. I’ve completely lost track of how long we’ve been here, hours, maybe more, but the soft ticking of the wall clock and the dimmed lights do little to keep me grounded in time. Then suddenly, Amelia jolts upright with a gasp, one hand gripping the side rail of the bed, the other pressing to her belly. Her eyes go wide. “I think it’s happening,” she says, her voice tight but steady. Nicole is on her feet in an instant, her demeanor shifting smoothly from calm support to professional precision. She moves to check Amelia’s vitals and does a quick assessment before smiling, her face lighting up. “You’re right,” she says. “It’s showtime.” My eyes flick to Amelia, there’s a spark of excitement and a hint of nervousness behind her eyes, but she’s stron

  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 17

    Hazel's Point of View Steam still clings to my skin as I step out of the shower, wrapping one towel around my body and another around my hair. The quiet hum of the bathroom fan fades behind me as I walk barefoot into my bedroom, the soft cotton underfoot a comforting contrast to the cool air. I stand in front of my open closet, towel clutched tight as I scan the neatly hung rows of clothes. Valerie’s birthday get together is tonight, she said “small,” but also said to “dress nice.” I frown slightly. Vague instructions. Typical Valerie. My fingers trail along the hangers until they pause on a flowy forest green halterneck dress. It catches the light softly and gives off just the right balance of effortless and elegant. Perfect. I slip the dress off the hanger and lay it carefully across the bed. Then I bend down, digging out a pair of gold strappy sandals, the delicate kind that shimmer just enough to be noticed but won’t scream for attention. I place them beside the dress, admirin

  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 16

    Aiden's Point of View I step onto the main floor just in time to see Drake disappearing into his office. I pick up my pace, knocking lightly before I push the door open. He looks up and gestures to the chair across from him without a word, that same calm, steady energy he always carries. I take the seat and try to relax into it, but I can already feel the tension tightening in my shoulders. Drake studies me for a moment, like he’s searching for something in my expression. Maybe he sees the exhaustion, or maybe he’s just waiting to see which version of me walks in today. “You look better today,” he says finally. “How are you feeling?” I shrug, keeping my tone neutral. “I’m feeling more and more like myself each day. Maybe I was just out on the road too long. Got used to silence and gravel.” It’s not a lie. Those moments lately, sharing meals with the pack, hearing laughter again, they spark something familiar in me. A piece of the old me. But when the nights come and the silence c

  • Bound By Magic And Moonlight   Chapter 15

    Aiden's Point of View I blink against the faint grey of early dawn, my neck stiff and my back sore as I shift upright on the office couch. It takes a second before the full weight of where I am, and what happened, hits me like a punch to the gut. This isn’t my bed. This is my office. And I’m not alone. Or at least, I wasn’t. The couch is cold now, empty, but the memories flood in fast and sharp, the omega girl, soft spoken, wide eyed, and nameless. I don’t even know her damn name. I groan, dragging a hand down my face, the sting of regret settling deep in my chest. This was never supposed to happen, not here, not with one of my own pack. I always told myself I’d never cross that line. I curse under my breath. Everything inside me wants to bury the shame, to run until my thoughts burn out and the guilt dulls to something manageable. I push off the couch, standing with a low exhale, and glance towards the windows. It’s still dark. Perfect. Maybe if I leave now, slip into the woods

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