Chapter 5 Bonded

"Get dressed. We are leaving." Luca declared without asking why Evelyn was up at that time of day. He went in and did like he noticed she was getting out of a horrifying dream. Evelyn checked the clock and noted it was 10:40 pm. She hadn't even slept for an hour.

Evelyn became extremely anxious. What has gotten her into? Could this be happening because she saw Luca transform into a wolf? What did he mean when he mentioned she was more than who she thought she was? "I need to see Dad right now?" She muttered. She hasn't been allowed to set her eyes on Vincent since the night of the incident.

Even though Luca told her he was unconscious in the hospital, she still wanted to see him, look him in the face, and ask why she was suddenly summoned into a marriage with a beast. Evelyn's body eased down a bit, and the earlier trembling of her body from the dream had subsided.

She removed the blankets and headed to the toilet. While brushing her teeth in the shower, she noticed her face looked pale and different. Added to her fears, something unusual shifts repeatedly in her body. She rushed to dress up and soon waited for Luca in the living room. Maybe wherever he was taking her would answer the questions she had in mind.

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Red like it had been soaked with blood, the moon showed in the sky. This moon type was revered in the werewolf community and wasn't merely for show. It's believed to be risky whenever it's out like this.

In the backseat of the black SUV, Evelyn seated patiently; her fingers were at the corner of her coat as if it were the only thing keeping her down. Since they had left the mansion, Luca had not talked to her. She was yet to know if he was offended because she screamed out of her sleep, annoyed, or only trying to act as though she didn't exist because his piercing jaw was clenched and his eyes were fixed on the road ahead.

"So," Evelyn broke the silence ", Where are we going exactly?" She completed.

Luca hesitated to reply. His fists gripped the steering wheel, turning his knuckles white. He stared at her in the rearview mirror after a while.

"To the temple," he stated bluntly.

"Temple?" Evelyn blinked

"For the Blood Moon Vow."

"Are you serious? That seemed like a legendary story to me. What vow? Are you being serious right now?" She scowled.

"It's not legendary," he replied. "And tonight... it comes to pass."

With her heart racing, Evelyn reclined in her chair. Earlier, he called her his mate. They were on the road to take a vow or act in some legendary movies. That's cool. He could do anything he liked since he had her life.

Evelyn's mind strayed off into thoughts. When she was a minor, she had read tales expressed in whispers at underground parties about the night of the Blood Moon. However, she thought they were simply fictions-scary bedtime tales of werewolves for kids who needed an excuse to act properly.

They navigated the winding mountain roads in silence. On either side, tall, black trees watched. When they finally reached, Evelyn was amazed to see that the "temple" wasn't a house with stained glass or pillars. It was an ancient stone circle that was moss-enclosed and weathered. Around it, bright lamps glowed, lighting up the grey rocks with a bright glow.

A few veiled figures, the elders, were standing by there. Evelyn released a long sigh.

Luca opened the door, prompting Evelyn to ask, 'What's going on?'

"We affirm. We steadfastly establish the connection." Luca spread his hands towards her.

She gazed at his palm with reluctance. "Is this some kind of a wedding?"

"No," he replied. "It's a mating ritual. You are my chosen mate. One I have been looking for for years now."

"Hold on. What?" She looked directly into his eyes.

"Yes. "We are about binding our souls," Luca stated in a clipped voice. It connects in multiple ways. Physically. On an emotional level. Spiritually. And in our situation-supernaturally."

Her tummy swirled. That's crazy. Are you saying that if we do this, we'll be what? Ever stuck together?"

She took his hand nonetheless, not knowing why she couldn't resist. This was a ritual they had to do immediately. Luca had been a cursed Alpha for decades. The curse was to be evoked by his destined mate. Even though Evelyn has yet to understand what is happening, they have to get the mating ritual done and then explain everything to her in detail after the ritual. It's a pity Evelyn hasn't noticed she's not human.

Together, they went in the circle where the elders were staying. One of them, a woman with long silver hair and lightly gold-glow eyes, moved forward.

Her voice reverberated in the open air as she began, "You come to us under the Blood Moon, willingly and with purpose." "Are you willing to be bound as fated souls, not just as man and woman?"

Evelyn was hesitant. She turned to face Luca. His face was unreadable. Her throat felt parched.

"Do I have an option?" Almost too loud for anyone to hear, she asked.

The elder's eyes squinted. "No one is given a choice by fate. But a willing heart is still necessary for the vow."

"I..." Evelyn stammered, "I'm not sure if my mind is prepared."

Another elder moved forward, an extremely tall man with a scar on his lip that featured a wolf. "So say the word, lady, and we'll end this. But know that the curse will destroy you both if you don't make this vow."

Evelyn stopped. A curse? Where's that coming from? She gazed at Luca. Seeing his expression, it doesn't seem like he was surprised to hear that. "Now this is becoming scarier than I thought." She murmured.

The way everyone, Luca included, stares at her shows she has no choice but to agree.

Let's proceed.

The silver-haired woman signaled for them to stand in the center of the circle. Deep and guttural, a small chant rose with the moonlight.

The air became dense. Then the blade appeared.

When the elder held it out, Evelyn's eyes grew wide. "Blood must be offered?" She asked.

"The vow is sealed with blood." The elder answered.

Luca took the blade and sliced his palm without flinching. He held out his hand as red oozed over his skin.

The elder looked over at Evelyn.

Her fingers shook as she gazed at the knife. Her entire being begged her not to, but there seems to be something in her that she cannot resist him. It was as if someone was at her back, pushing her to comply with whatever they wanted of her here. She faced Luca and glimpsed the anxiety behind his icy mask, revealing a burden he wished to share.

She used the knife to slice her palm too. She endured the pain without screaming. Her hand, bleeding, rested on his.

Their blood dripped into the stone grooves below. Light pulsed gently from the ground.

She suddenly felt excruciating pain, as if her body burned and transformed. A rope seemed to bind her soul.

She gasped and almost fainted, but Luca caught her. With his arms wrapped around her, he whispered, "Easy." "It will be over."

The chant rose once more, more quickly and significantly. The wind howled as it whipped around them. Overhead, the Blood Moon shone red, then, in a very short period, the ritual was done.

With her head swimming, Evelyn blinked. Her hand continued to ache.

"It is finished. At this point, you are bound. May you be guided by the moon. And may the curse not frighten you." The elder declared.

Luca was silent. He assisted Evelyn in leaving the circle.

She had a weird feeling as they returned to the car. Somehow, she felt lighter but more substantial as well. She sensed this massive force had closed in on her and wasn't going anywhere.

So, we're done here?

"That's it," he replied.

"Now what?"

He replied only after they got back in the car and resumed driving.

"Now, together, we figure out how to survive this."