All Chapters of LUNAR BONDS: WHEN FATE DEFIES HIERARCHY: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

DAISYWe drive in silence for about thirty minutes before pulling up to what can only be described as a palace.The massive structure gleams white in the moonlight with towering columns and expansive windows that spill golden light across manicured lawns.Fountains dance in the front courtyard, the water catching the light and creating rainbow patterns in the air.The sound of cascading water mingles with distant music, creating an almost magical atmosphere that makes me feel like I've stepped into a fairy tale.Luxury cars line the circular driveway, and each one is worth more than my grandparents' house.I spot a sleek Ferrari, several Mercedes, and what looks like a Lamborghini parked casually as if they're everyday vehicles rather than automotive works of art."Thank you for the ride," I say as we come to a stop.My voice sounds small in the face of such overwhelming luxury.The sheer scale of wealth on display makes me acutely aware of how out of place I am here."No thanks neede

DAISYI don't feel myself until I'm fully submerged in the pool.The shock of cold water hitting my skin jolts me back to reality as chlorine stings my eyes and fills my nose with its sharp, chemical burn.The blue dress Mia lent me billows around me like a jellyfish, but it becomes suddenly heavy and waterlogged, restricting my movements and dragging me down toward the bottom of the pool.The pulsing music from the party becomes a muffled thrum that's replaced by the rush of water in my ears and the frantic beating of my own heart echoing through my skull like a drum.I break the surface with a desperate gasp as my head emerges just long enough to catch a glimpse of faces peering down at me from the pool's edge.Some look concerned, though most wear expressions of amusement, like they're watching some kind of twisted entertainment.Their eyes glitter with cruel fascination as they witness my struggle.Melissa stands at the edge with her arms crossed over her chest, watching with undi

DAISYMy brain can't seem to form a coherent sentence as I struggle to understand what's happening.One minute he's saving me from drowning, and the next he's ignoring me completely.The whiplash of his changing behavior leaves me dizzy and disoriented, unable to find solid ground in our interaction.I just stare at him with my eyes moist from confusion and lingering fear.My hands clutch the edges of his jacket that's still draped around my shoulders like a lifeline.His scent surrounds me with a heady mix of pine, rain, and something distinctly male that makes my wolf stir restlessly within me.Aru pushes at the boundaries of my consciousness and becomes suddenly more present than she's been in days, her excitement practically vibrating through me.The car suddenly jerks to a stop, which pulls me from my scattered thoughts.I look around and discover that we're deep inside a large forest.Tall trees stretch toward the darkening sky on all sides, their branches swaying gently in the

DAISYI take the dress from him, my fingers brushing his briefly.Even that small contact sends a jolt through me. A current of awareness that makes my breath catch in my throat.I examine the garment closely.It's simple yet pretty soft cotton material in pale blue with delicate embroidery around the neckline that looks hand-stitched.The craftsmanship is beautiful, suggesting someone took real care in making it.Damian's scent fills the entire house, so I can't distinguish whose scent might be on the dress.My first thought is that it belongs to Melissa.The idea of wearing his girlfriend's clothing makes my stomach twist with discomfort."Is this Melissa's dress?" The question slips out before I can stop it, fueled by insecurity and curiosity.I immediately regret asking, not wanting to reveal how much the thought bothers me but it's too late to take back the words, so I wait anxiously for his response while studying his face for any reaction.He ignores my question completely, his

DAISYMy wolf's trying to get me killed, I conclude, though Aru reminds me that she's part of me and if I die, so does she.Still bringing up Melissa seems like the fastest way to anger Damian and destroy whatever fragile peace exists between us in this moment."Eat your food... Daisy." He replies.My eyes widen in shock at the sound of my name on his lips.It feels like my heart leaps in my chest and a visible shiver runs through my body.My name sounds different when he says it, more special somehow, as if he's tasting each letter before letting it go.The single syllable carries weight when spoken in his deep voice, transforming the simple name into something almost musical.I've heard my name thousands of times before yet never has it affected me like this.It's as if he's claiming something just by saying it aloud.A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth when he notices my reaction.It's barely there, just a slight upward tilt of his lips yet it transforms his face complete