The walk back to Bloodmoon Estate felt longer than any journey Sera had taken in her life. Lucien didn't let go of her hand for even a second—not when the forest crackled with lingering shadow energy, not when her knees threatened to give out, not even when she tried to insist she could walk on her own.
"You almost disappeared from my arms tonight," he said quietly without looking at her. "Forgive me for needing to feel you here."
Her heart squeezed.
She didn't argue again.
They stepped out of the forest into the open moonlight where Rowan, Mila, and a circle of warriors stood tense, ready to break formation at any sign of danger.
When the pack saw Lucien carrying Sera, the tension exploded into frantic movement.
"Alpha!" Rowan rushed over, eyes wide. "Are you—?"
"I'm fine." Lucien didn't slow down. "Get the healers ready."
Sera blinked. "Lucien, I'm not—"
"You're pale," he cut in. "Your energy is unstable. And your heart hasn't slowed since the clearing."
Well… he wasn't wrong.
Rowan bowed instantly and sprinted toward the estate.
Mila followed Sera's gaze and stepped closer. "Did he hurt you?" she asked softly.
Sera shook her head. "Not physically."
Her voice trembled anyway.
Lucien tightened his hold.
Mila's eyes softened with sympathy. "What matters is—you're back with us."
As Lucien carried Sera inside through the main hall, servants and pack members stopped mid-step. Some bowed. Some whispered. Some gasped at the faint glow that still clung to Sera's skin like moonlit dust.
Lucien shot them all a single warning look.
No one dared approach.
He didn't stop until they reached his private wing.
He nudged open his bedroom door with his shoulder and carried her in.
Sera stiffened.
"This is your—"
"Yes," he said simply.
He lowered her onto the massive bed with surprising gentleness, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek as he did.
Sera swallowed. "I can walk, you know."
"I know," he replied, voice low. "But after tonight… I need to hold you. Even if it's just for a few moments."
Her breath caught, but she didn't argue.
---
Lucien's Fury, Sera's Fear
He stepped back only when the healer arrived—an older woman named Thalia with moon-pale eyes and the strange ability to read spiritual disruptions.
Thalia approached cautiously.
"May I begin?"
Lucien nodded but didn't leave Sera's side. He hovered like a shadow, arms crossed, jaw clenched.
Thalia placed two fingers on Sera's wrist.
The reaction was immediate.
Her eyes widened. "Oh… oh, child…"
Lucien tensed. "What is it?"
Thalia exhaled shakily. "Her essence is split. Light and shadow are fighting inside her chest."
Sera stiffened.
Lucien growled. "Because of the shard?"
"Yes—and no," Thalia murmured thoughtfully. "The shard may have begun this… but her own magic is awakening too quickly. Her power is trying to protect her from the shadow influence—but it is not yet strong enough."
Sera closed her eyes, heart pounding.
Lucien's hand instantly covered hers.
"Sera. Look at me."
She opened her eyes. His gaze held fierce determination.
"We will fix this," he said. "I swear to you."
Thalia cleared her throat gently. "There is more."
Lucien didn't move. "Say it."
"Sera's magic was dormant for years. Something—or someone—has triggered it. It will only grow stronger now. But…"
"But what?" Sera whispered.
Thalia hesitated.
"If her shadow connection deepens before her power stabilizes…it could bind her to its source."
Lucien's face went cold.
"That source is Kieran."
Thalia bowed her head. "I'm afraid so."
Sera's breath hitched.
"Bind? What does that mean?"
"Not a mate bond," Thalia said quickly. "Nothing like that. But your power would respond to him. He could influence your magic. Pull you without touching you. Even weaken you from a distance."
Lucien's fist slammed into the wall hard enough to crack the wood.
Sera flinched.
He immediately turned back to her, guilt etched on his face.
"Sera—I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"
"It's okay," she whispered.
But the truth weighed on her chest like stone.
Thalia stepped back. "I will prepare herbs and protective wards to slow the shadow influence. But understand—they will only buy you time. Days, perhaps weeks. Nothing more."
The room fell silent.
Lucien's voice cut through the quiet, low and lethal.
"What do we need to do to stop it permanently?"
Thalia met Sera's eyes.
"She must choose her bond."
Sera froze.
Lucien stiffened.
Thalia continued. "Power follows intention. If she seals her bond—fully—it will strengthen the light within her and reject the shadow entirely."
Lucien's breath hitched. "You mean the mate bond."
Thalia nodded gravely.
"Yes."
Lucien looked at Sera instantly.
His eyes burned with emotions she wasn't ready to name.
"Sera… you don't have to decide tonight," he said, voice rough. "Or tomorrow. Or anytime until you're ready."
"Lucien—"
He took her hand gently, his thumb brushing her knuckles.
"I promised I'd wait. And I meant it."
Her chest tightened painfully.
Thalia cleared her throat again. "There is another option."
Both their heads snapped toward her.
Thalia sighed.
"She can let the shard's influence win."
"It will stabilize her. Temporarily. But she will be tied to Kieran's energy."
Lucien growled, so fiercely the room shook.
"Sera will never belong to that monster."
Thalia bowed. "Then the only path that frees her is the full mate bond."
The healer left quietly, closing the door behind her.
The silence she left behind was heavy. Awkward. Unavoidable.
Lucien didn't speak first.
Sera did.
"Lucien… I don't want to lose myself."
"You won't."
He moved closer, kneeling in front of her so they were eye-to-eye.
"You won't lose anything. You'll only gain protection."
She shook her head. "It's not that…"
He reached up, cupping her cheek.
"Sera. Look at me."
Her eyes met his.
"The mate bond isn't a cage," he said softly. "It's a promise. A connection. A home you choose."
Her throat tightened.
Tears stung her eyes.
She leaned into his palm slightly—just enough for him to feel her trust.
But also her fear.
He understood.
He swallowed, voice trembling.
"You're not ready. I won't push you. I won't even ask again. Just knowing you're alive in my arms tonight is enough."
"Lucien…" Her voice cracked. "I don't want to choose under pressure."
"You won't."
He rose and sat beside her on the bed.
"But we need to be careful. Kieran will come again."
Sera closed her eyes, remembering the shadows pulling at her like chains.
"I could feel him," she whispered. "Inside my chest. Inside my head. Like a voice that wasn't mine."
Lucien's entire body tensed.
She looked up at him, fear shimmering in her eyes.
"What if next time I can't fight it?"
"You will," he said firmly.
"How do you know?"
"Because I'll be there."
He brushed a tear from her cheek.
"And I will drag you back every time until you stop trying to leave me."
She let out a shaky laugh.
Lucien's eyes softened.
"Rest," he said gently. "I won't leave this room."
"You promise?"
He touched his forehead to hers.
"I swear on my wolf."
Sera lay back against the pillows, exhausted, heart aching, mind spinning.
Lucien sat beside the bed, hand still holding hers.
Only then did she feel safe enough to let sleep take her.
Her last thought before darkness claimed her was simple. Terrifying.
And true.
If the only way to break the shadow's pull was the mate bond…
Then how much longer could she resist choosing him?