The Vampire's Luna
Chapter 60: Kodaline - All I Want

Chapter 60: Kodaline - All I Want

"That’s not what this is about," she spat, fists shaking at her sides. Her heart was pounding so loudly she thought everyone in the room might hear it. fr.eew eb novel..com

"Oh, isn’t it?" Damien shot back. "Then tell me...why the hell do you want to die so badly? Because that’s what this is. You haven’t even taken a damn shot at living...and already you’ve decided it’s over!"

Pain flickered across Luna’s face. He saw the heartbreak, the guilt, the weight of a thousand invisible burdens she carried. Her hands curled at her sides, nails digging into her palms.

"A-actually," Kyllian stepped in awkwardly, raising a hand. "We... we kind of sorted that out."

Damien turned. "What?"

"She’s going to give it a shot," Kyllian said quickly. "Anyway...she’s still planning to sever the bonds. She made that clear. She’s going to do what she needs to do, but no matter how this ends, she isn’t choosing either of us. Not me, not you."

Damien stared at Luna, his voice finally soft, almost pleading. "So even if we save you... even if we break whatever curse Morvakar laced into your blood... you’re still going to walk away?" free\we\bnov(e)(l).com

Luna didn’t answer right away. Her shoulders slumped slightly. "I have to," she whispered. "Because no matter what I choose, someone breaks. I lose either way."

"Okay, let’s all put our claws and fangs away," Queen Ravena said.

"I need a minute," Damien muttered, already turning for the door.

Without waiting for permission or parting words, he stormed out.

*****

Damien made his way to the garden, the cold night air kissing his skin like a reminder that yes, he was still alive, and yes, it still hurt. The castle’s moonlit pathways were quiet, paved with pale stone and lined with roses that didn’t quite bloom right this time of year.

He stopped at the fountain in the center of the garden, bracing both hands on its rim and leaning forward, breathing hard. The water shimmered with silver under the sky, perfectly still unlike the storm crashing around in his chest. He stared into his reflection, trying to see something that made sense. A vampire prince, born of centuries-old legacy, a true blood. And yet, none of it meant anything right now. None of it felt like it belonged to him. fre.ewebnov el.com

A vampire prince without his mate, sure, that was survivable. Painful, yes. Diminishing, absolutely.

But what gutted him wasn’t just the idea of losing Luna. It was the way she looked at him now. Like it didn’t break her. Like it didn’t even scratch her.

He’d give up his throne for her. In a heartbeat. Burn down his whole world and salt the earth behind him. And she...she couldn’t even look at him without armor in her eyes. As if caring about him was a liability she couldn’t afford.

He didn’t hear her approach, only the soft clearing of a throat behind him. that was how consumed he was in his pain.

He turned sharply, already ready to tell Kyllian to piss off. But it wasn’t Kyllian.

It was Queen Ravena.

His eyes widened just slightly, caught off guard, and he ran a hand through his hair, sheepish. "I’m sorry if I was rude back there. I wasn’t trying to stir things up. Just... emotions. Not my strongest suit."

Ravena raised one perfectly arched brow. "Oh, I gathered...Listen," Ravena said, stepping closer, "I’m not here because I like you. Let’s be very clear about that."

"Of course."

"And despite the truce between our kinds, we werewolves are still wary of your people. You’re ... suspicious...But I’ve been watching. And I can see...you love her. Not just because of the bond."

She went on. "She’s terrified, Damien. Of losing herself. Of becoming someone’s project. Of making the wrong choice and dooming everyone. She doesn’t see you standing there with your heart in your hands. She sees a consequence she can’t survive."

Damien looked down at the water again. "How do I make her see? That I’d walk away from it all. That I have no life if she’s not in it."

"Kyllian answers to the Alpha King. He has sworn allegiance to the throne," Ravena said. She moved closer to Damien, the rustle of her elegant gown the only sound for a heartbeat. "So, he would do whatever the throne asks of him... even if it means standing there and watching my daughter destroy herself."

Then, gently, she reached for his hands.

"From the heart of a mother," she whispered, her eyes beginning to shimmer with unshed tears, "I am begging you... please... whatever it takes. I cannot lose her."

Damien stared at her. She wasn’t speaking to him as a queen now, but as a mother. A terrified mother pleading for the life of her child.

He swallowed hard. "She’s made her decision."

"A decision that will most definitely kill her."

"Please... Prince Damien. I’ll give anything."

Damien looked into her eyes, and for a moment, he could see Luna in them. The fire. The fight. The ache. His jaw clenched as he gave a small nod. "You have my word."

*****

The moon had finally risen to its full glory, hanging above the castle. Its light spilled onto the courtyard where Veyron stood, surrounded by a quiet circle of anticipation and tension.

It was finally time.

Veyron cleared his throat. "Alright. Let’s begin."

Everyone leaned in slightly, expectant.

"I need Your Royal Highnesses to leave, please," Veyron said.

"Why?" King Magnus asked, arching a brow. "This involves my daughter."

"Yes, well," Veyron replied, "I need her to access her feelings. Real ones. Raw ones. She may not be free to do that if her parents are lurking in the background."

Magnus looked offended.

"She’ll be fine," Kyllian said quietly, stepping forward. "I’ll be right here."

Magnus studied him, then nodded. He reached out and clapped Kyllian on the back.

Ravena lingered, though. She didn’t move. Her eyes were locked on Damien. She said nothing, but she didn’t have to. Her gaze said it all: You promised.

Damien met her gaze with a small nod, his chest tight. I remember.

With that, the queen turned and followed her husband into the castle, leaving Luna standing under the moonlight, caught between two men, one sage, and a whole storm of emotions waiting to break loose.

Veyron tilted his head to the heavens, his eyes narrowing. "It’s time," he murmured.