Page 27 of Bonded By Moons

I’m familiar with this sensation since my father doses us regularly withlanellain order to keep control over his family members and court. It’s pretty fucked up, honestly. He’s just fucked up.

“Wow, that feels weird.” Ember said while sticking her tongue out and poking at it.

I chuckled. “Is this your first time using truth serum?”

Without hesitation, she began telling me her past, present and future. I would normally feel like I'm violating her in some way, but I also took the serum and we’re equally as vulnerable at this moment.

“Actually, yes it is. Even though I own my own crystal and elixir shop back home, I've never usedlanellaor been in a situation where it was necessary. It’s quite an awful thing, wouldn’t you agree?”

I felt the serum loosen my body as I responded, “Considering my father doses us withlanellaat every meal to keep us in line, yeah I’d have to agree.” Her eyes went wide and I winced, feeling guilty for exposing that so soon, so I tried to change the subject. “Wait– you own your own shop? Tell me more about what that’s like.”

Her face softened at my attempt to divert the conversation. She whispered, “Your father drugs you all?”

I closed my eyes and cursed this damn ritual. I know she’s my mate and she will keep me safe above all else, but that’s only if she chooses to complete the bond. Given her stubbornness, there’s still a chance she could run off with all of my secrets and truths.

“We don’t need to talk much about that, but he does it out of necessity to keep his throne and family safe. I think he believes that if we’re all honest, then nothing we can do will harm the family.”

She seemed to take that answer in slowly, processing my words and dissecting the meaning. My little dragon can be very calculated, it appears. She took a sip of wine and sprawled out along the pillows, creating her own little nook to snuggle into. She’s truly adorable.

“Hmm, moving on. Yes, I do own my own shop. I’ve always been very independent. I felt like no one was ever there for me, permanently at least, so I took care of myself. Don’t get my wrong, my adoptive parents were angels sent from above but they were taken from me when I was twelve. I honestly didn’t know what a real family felt like until I met Brooks and Amara, my two best friends. Now, they’re my family.”

I loved the way she looked in my direction to confirm I’m listening. “Please, continue.” I nodded at her reassuringly.

A soft blush overtook her features, but she turned her gaze to the ceiling and told me more about her upbringing. “Sorry, I think I got a little off track. This stuff really makes my head fuzzy.” She giggled and I think it was the best sound to ever fill my ears. “Back to my shop, It’s called Amara’s Sparkles. I named it after my bestfriend, and it’s become my pride and joy. I actually live in the loft just above my shop, but below has everything I could ever dream of. I have my own courtyard and gardens, which have yet to be touched by the DDecay. The interior is lined with glass cases displaying my collection of gems and crystals mined from all over Faerelle. In the back of my shop is my mixing lab, where I conjure and create all the serums and elixirs that supply my shop with inventory. I take pride in providing products for local and private guilds.”

“Wow, that’s really impressive, Ember. Congratulations, truly. It takes a lot to start your own business, let alone keep it afloat in these times.” I meant every word. I really am so impressed by her. She’s been strong her whole life, taking care of herself and others around her. Soon, I hope she lets me share some of those burdens. She deserves to feel loved, cherished, safe.

Her rosy cheeks returned as she absorbed my compliments. Her gaze fell back to mine as she asked, “What about you? What do you do? You’re kind of an anomaly to the lands since we never see or hear anything about the royal family.”

She’s clearly not afraid to get right to the point.

“My father prefers to keep his children out of the spotlight. He has raised us to believe training, studies, and loyalty to the crown come above all else. Honestly, the night our bond snapped into place, I had snuck out of the castle grounds and was just seeking a moment of peace away from the suffocation of these walls.”

“Why does he feel the need to keep you locked up?” She sat up and pulled the blankets back into her lap. “The fact the lands have barely seen the royal family only aid in us believing you don’t care about us. The DDecay is spreading faster than before, and I just found it in my village days ago. What are you even doing to stop that?”

This isn’t right. Yes, we’re here to share truths, but now I feel like I'm being interrogated. We should be getting to know each other on a more personal level, not talking politics. “I don’t wish to talk politics with you during our acquancy rituals, but I also can’t deny you the truth. I don’t know why my father keeps us locked up. Why don’t you explain to me why you were out in the city streets the other night?”

She looked horrified. She looked like she was ready to run out the door. A warm sensation blossomed in my chest.

Maybe I can make it to the door, or climb out his balcony?

I guess that answers whether the bond is growing. I just heard her first whisper through the bond. Bond whispers are a special link providing access to your mate’s thoughts and emotions. It’s like a private way to communicate with each other, no matter the distance.

Feeling the tether between us, I caressed the bond in my chest and spoke down the chords.I’d like to see you try. I love a good hunt, little dragon.

She gasped. “No, you can’t do that. I haven’t accepted the bond yet, why am I hearing your voice in my head?”

“I’m not sure why it’s happening so soon, little dragon. It seems that the moons have blessed our bond with more than just bright mate rings.”

Sighing, she nestles back down into the pillows and cushions. “What does all this mean?”

“I’m not too sure. I did a lot of research in the library the morning afterour incident, but didn’t find any information on special kinds of bonds. We need to just trust that the moons know what they’re doing, that they have the kingdom's best interests in mind.”

“Well, what else do you want to know?”

“Tell me more about your childhood. Did you enjoy living in Comet Cottages?”

She grabbed more grapes off our breakfast platter and held them above her, sucking them into her mouth one at a time.

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