Page 44 of Bonded By Moons

No ones moving, still. What the hell is going on?

I can think, I can breathe, but I can’t talk or move.

Willow struggles to raise his head as he focuses on the king, “They’re only children. We–”cough. “We don’t have enough orphanages as it is. I’m sorry but those children needed us. We are supposed to protect them, not leave them homeless and starving.”

Willow attempts to stand but is pushed to the ground by some invisible force. What powers does the king truly have? We’re all locked in invisible chains and he’s beating the shit out of his son, my mate, even while standing on the opposite side of the ballroom.

“Here’s a lesson for everyone tonight as I’ve opened up the Lunar Court for the high fae once again. If you disobey me, you will receive the same treatment as my son. No one is above my command.”

The king begins swirling flames above his head, creating rope and large hooks from thin air. The thick ropes dangling from the ceiling just above Willows bent over body. Will’s chest is heaving, he’s bleeding from his abdomen, and his fangs are out on full display.

He looks like a fallen angel in this state.

I desperately need to heal him. My blood is boiling to save my mate and I’m furious, growing with palpable rage as I can’t escape these invisible chains. I’m screaming but no one can hear me.

I’m stuck, what is this? How can I help you?I shout down the bond.

Again, there’s no response. I can’t even reach him through our connection. What is the king?

My skin is itching to rescue my mate.

Before I’m able to do anything, we’re forced to watch as the king of Estrallume snatches the large hooks out of the air and pierces his son’s velvet black wings. He tore straight through the membrane. His wings ooze blood that drips onto the marble floors. Willow screams and it cracks my heart in pieces.

I can feel tears pouring down my cheeks.

My empathy is like wildfire right now. There’s a flood of projected emotions throughout the room such as fear, anger, disgust, and terror. Everyone hates him. We all hate our king, and it seems like he hates us too.

TWENTY-ONE

Ember

All I remember is fury, rage, and despair as I watched Willow get lifted into the air by his wings. A display for all fae on what not to do.

I blacked out at this point from pure hatred and rage for the tormenter of my mate. Or, from the overwhelming magic the king was emitting in the room.

That’s all I can recall before waking in Prince Will’s bed. The morning sun is glaring through his large windows. The silk sheets are tangled around my limbs. There’s fresh coffee and pastries waiting on the coffee table. They’ve already hung a robe up for me and there’s a steaming bath drawn in the bathing room.

There’s a soft knock on the door.

“Come in!” I sit up quickly.

Last night didn’t go at all how I had hoped. I had planned to confront the king regarding Brooks, but right now the only thing I can focus on is my mate with this growing bond in my chest.

Artie enters and closes the door softly behind himself.

He paces around the foyer before entering the room,

“Good morning, Ember.” He says softly.

I rub my eyes and laugh. “Oh cut the bullshit, Artie. What the hell happened? Where is he? And how did I get in here?” I start hounding him.

“Whoa, whoa.” He holds up his hands in surrender. “Princess, I’m not entirely sure what happened last night. My men have never experienced the king in such a severe state before…” He trails off like he’s lost in some terrible memory. “My number one duty is to protect Prince Willow and some sort of invisible force kept me and everyone else from interfering last night. That’s never happened before.”

“Yeah, I was there. I know.” I cross my arms and roll my eyes. “Artie, where is he?”

He scratches the back of his neck. Looking more uncomfortable than normal. “He’s still up there.”

“What?! You left him up there!” I yell and flip the covers back. Running past Artie, I dash for the wardrobe and take out my leathers. I turn around and head to the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind me and quickly changing. I don’t even give Artie a second glance. I braid my hair and am ready to face this damn Lunar Court. I can only think about getting my prince back. Even if I have to drown the entire palace with my magic.

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