บททั้งหมดของ Bound By Magic And Moonlight: บทที่ 11 - บทที่ 20

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

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

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

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

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