The Night Of The Bond

I heard that hateful word from Lucian and I can't let Lucian win by his hateful words on me and my bloodlines. This wasn’t what I ever wanted since I was little. Lucian was the man I had always dreamed of, but him rejecting me and making me a public shame in front of the Ravens Pack was something I, Sophia Harvey, couldn’t take.

The small room where I stood smelled like roses and fear. The sound of laughter and music came from the hall outside, but my heart was too heavy to feel joy. I stood still while Elara buttoned the back of my white gown. The gown felt heavy, like it was pulling me down, reminding me of the weight of what I was about to face.

“My lady,” Elara whispered suddenly, her voice low and shaky.

I didn’t turn around. “What is it, Elara?”

“This is from your mother,” she said quickly. I felt her hand move under my gown, and something cold touched my skin. “She said this will make sure the night ends the way it should.”

I froze. “How? What are you talking about?”

Elara stepped back, her face blank again. “You are ready, my Luna,” she said aloud, like nothing had happened.

My hand brushed against the hidden sachet under my gown. It was small, soft, and I could feel fine powder inside. I knew what it was before I even thought about it. My mother wanted to make sure Lucian wouldn’t fight the bond tonight. I saw how happy she was when Marina pronounced me the chosen mate.

I took a deep breath, fighting the tears that burned behind my eyes. I didn’t want it this way. I wanted him to want me, to see me, not to be forced. But he left me no choice. His rejection, his cruel words about my bloodline, had destroyed every soft part of me. If I couldn’t have his love, I would still have his bond.

It's just for one night.

The doors to the Grand Hall opened, and every eye turned toward me. The sound of whispers filled the air as I walked in. My heels clicked softly on the polished floor. My heart beat so hard that it hurt, but I lifted my chin. If they wanted a Luna, I would give them one.

The hall was bright and full of people, banners hanging high with the Ravens Pack’s symbol shining under the light.

I reached the dais and sat on the Luna Seat. My hands trembled slightly as I adjusted my gown. I looked toward the empty Alpha Seat beside mine and swallowed hard. He wasn’t here yet. Of course he wasn’t. He wanted me to feel small before he came in.

Then everything went quiet.

Lucian walked in.

The sight of him made my chest ache. He looked powerful and cold, every step measured, every movement was full of pride. His grey eyes didn’t look at me, not even for a second. He just walked straight to his seat and sat down like I was invisible.

My throat tightened. I wanted to scream at him, to ask why he hated me so much, but I couldn’t. The pack was watching.

A servant came behind me, his hands shaking as he held a silver tray with two goblets of red wine. “Luna Sophia, Alpha Lucian… for the bonding toast.”

“Thank you,” I said softly, taking the tray. My smile was small and fake, but steady.

Lucian didn’t even look at me. He just sat there, cold and proud.

I lifted my goblet first, then reached for his. My heart pounded as I felt the sachet under my gown. My fingers trembled slightly as I tore it open. The powder was white and fine, vanishing into his wine without leaving a trace.

My hands felt cold as I held his cup toward him. “Here is your drink, my Alpha,” I said, looking straight into his face. “I hope you are not going to reject what your mate is giving you.”

The word mate caught his attention. His head turned sharply, and those stormy eyes burned into mine. There was fury there, deep and wild, but also something else I couldn’t name.

For a moment, the hall felt like it stopped breathing. He stared at the cup, then at me. I could see the battle in his eyes. If he refused me now, everyone would see it. The Alpha who couldn’t even accept Luna's hand. He couldn’t allow that.

Slowly, a dark, mocking smile curved on his lips. “I would never reject a gift from my Luna,” he said coldly.

His voice was low, rough, almost a growl. The words hurt, but I hid it behind a calm smile.

He took the goblet from me, his fingers brushing mine, sending a sharp jolt through my skin. Without another word, he raised the cup and drank it all. Every drop. Then he set it down and turned away again, silent, proud, distant.

I watched him, my heart torn in two. I had done it. He would be mine tonight, whether he liked it or not. But the victory felt empty.

Minutes passed. Then I noticed the change. Lucian shifted in his seat, rubbing his forehead. His strong shoulders stiffened, and I saw the color fade from his face. He blinked hard, his jaw tight.

He was fighting it.

The Elders began to cheer, calling for the final blessing. “Alpha Lucian! Luna Sophia! Raise your cups and seal the bond!”

The crowd roared in excitement, clapping and laughing.

Lucian stood up suddenly, his chair scraping against the floor. He wavered for a moment, holding the back of it for balance. His eyes looked distant, his breathing uneven.

“Alpha?” one of the guards called softly.

Lucian didn’t answer at first, then he spoke in a strained voice. “Garth, take me to my chambers. Now.”

The pack fell silent for a moment, then laughter and cheers broke out again when Elder Edward chuckled loudly. “Ah, the Alpha can’t wait for his Luna! Let them go and complete the bond!”

Everyone laughed, clapping and shouting.

I stood slowly, my heart racing. The guards helped Lucian toward the private door leading to his chambers. He was trying to walk on his own, but his steps were unsteady.

When they disappeared into the hallway, I followed. My steps were slow, calm, but inside, I was shaking.

At the door to his chambers, two guards bowed their heads and opened it for me.

Inside, I saw him sitting at the edge of his bed. His shirt was half open, his breathing rough. His men were around him, trying to help him relax, the sound of running water filling the room from the bath.

He looked… lost.

“Leave the Alpha’s chambers immediately,” I said, my voice firm and clear.

The servants froze. They looked at each other, then bowed and hurried out. They knew what the night was for.

Lucian lifted his head slowly, his eyes locking on mine. He didn’t say a word, just stared at me with confusion and something fierce behind it.

I walked closer, my gown brushing the floor, my heart thudding so loud I could hear it in my ears.

“It’s time to complete the mate bond with Alpha Lucian.”