Lahat ng Kabanata ng LUNAR BONDS: WHEN FATE DEFIES HIERARCHY: Kabanata 61 - Kabanata 70

CATRINWe're at the breakfast table but I'm the only one who has joined Father this morning.The dining room feels uncomfortably empty without Damian and Eric present, like something essential is missing from our family dynamic.The morning sunlight streams through the tall windows, illuminating the polished silverware and crystal glasses that our servants have meticulously arranged.Everything looks perfect on the surface but there's an underlying tension that makes the air feel thick and oppressive.Father sits at the head of the table with his posture rigid as always, occasionally glancing at his expensive watch.He looks at me every few minutes and I know exactly what those looks mean. The silent accusation in his eyes makes my stomach twist with anxiety. He confirms my suspicion when he finally speaks."Where are they?" His voice is calm but carries an undercurrent of irritation that makes me nervous.There's a dangerous edge to his tone that I've learned to fear over the years.

DAISYI open my eyes and immediately feel severe pain throughout my entire body.Every muscle aches as if I've been beaten with a baseball bat and my head throbs with a dull, persistent pain that makes it hard to focus on anything.I find myself in a bed. In a room that seems vaguely familiar.The events of the past few hours come rushing back in a flood of horrifying images and I violently jump up from the bed before turning around in complete panic.I calm down slightly when I recognize Damian's scent and realize I'm in the same room where I stayed before.The large windows let in streams of golden sunlight that illuminate the elegant furniture and the plush carpet underfoot.I notice I'm wearing his shirt again, with the soft fabric providing a small comfort to my traumatized skin.The sleeves hang past my hands and the hem reaches mid-thigh, making me look like a child playing dress-up."This isn't over, my dear Daisy." Melissa's cruel words replay in my mind like a broken record.

DAISY"Now you're a part of me," he murmurs in a voice that's deeper than usual.It's Dark speaking through him, and the dual nature of his voice is unmistakable."And any pain I feel, you'll be the first to feel it too." He adds.My heartbeat accelerates at his words, and warmth spreads through my body in waves that make my limbs feel heavy and my mind foggy with sensation.The feeling is unlike anything I've ever experienced before.It's a complex mix of fear, excitement and something deeper that I can't quite name or understand.I can barely process what has just happened to us.Damian has marked me and claimed me as his mate in the most primal way possible.The spot on my neck where his fangs penetrated my skin still tingles as a constant reminder of our new connection.The mark burns pleasantly, sending little pulses of warmth throughout my body with each beat of my heart.Damian studies my face for a long moment. His red eyes gradually returning to their normal hue as his wolf r

DAISYThere's an undercurrent of tension between them that I can't quite decipher.It's something that speaks of a long history and perhaps unresolved issues that run deeper than what's visible on the surface.The stranger nods respectfully, then turns to me with a slight bow and a warm smile that transforms his severe features completely.The smile reaches his eyes and crinkles the corners in a way that makes him appear much more approachable than his initial stern demeanor suggested."Miss Daisy," he acknowledges politely before departing through the front entrance.The front door closes with a soft click, leaving Damian and me alone in the suddenly too-quiet house.The silence feels heavy and oppressive, filled with unspoken words and unresolved tension.Damian turns his attention to me, his expression unreadable as usual.His eyes linger on the mark on my neck for a moment longer than necessary before meeting my gaze directly."How are you feeling? Are you alright?" His tone is su

DAISYThe thought makes my stomach twist uncomfortably with an intensity that surprises me completely.She tilts her face up expectantly to kiss him but Damian firmly pushes her away with his hands on her shoulders, creating obvious distance between them.The confusion and hurt on her face is clearly evident even from where I stand watching.Inside me, Aru jumps with pure joy. A sensation of absolute elation that bubbles up from deep within my soul.I can't help but smile inwardly at this small but significant victory.This is at least some progress in what has been an otherwise completely overwhelming day.My lingering fear that Damian might have marked me only to torture me further begins to fade gradually, replaced by a cautious optimism that perhaps he truly does intend to honor our sacred bond."What's wrong? Damian, my love, why won't you kiss me?" Melissa asks, confusion and genuine hurt clearly evident in her trembling voice.She reaches for him again desperately. Her manicure