Chapter 2: The Mark
Aria's POV
There was silence in the room. Too silent. Darius was sitting with his back to me on the edge of the bed. He had narrow shoulders. The air was heavy and dense.
"A mark?" he said in a quiet voice.
"Yes, Alpha. old. faded. However, there The voice of the second wolf sounded cautious.
Darius pivoted. He gave me a glance with his beautiful eyes. Not upset. Not quite yet. yet challenging. similar to stone.
His voice was flat as he responded, "Show me."
My hands were trembling as I pulled my top down. I wanted him not to see. I didn't want to recall.
His eyes remained on my shoulder as he took a step closer. Light-handed, he tapped the mark.
"Whose?" he inquired in a quiet but perilous tone.
I turned my head away. "I don't... I'm not sure.
A falsehood. I was aware. I just did not want to mention his name. Roman.
Darius gripped my shoulder more tightly. "Ariana, don't tell me lies."
I shut my eyes. "It was… a long time ago. Prior to my run.
He released his grip on my shoulder. He turned aside and got to his feet. He approached the window and looked at the shadowy woods beyond.
"You're mated," he said in a chilly tone.
The word struck me hard. partnered. Not my. Not voluntarily.
I said, "It wasn't real." "He made me do it."
Darius remained still. "It remains a bond."
Pulling the blanket about me, I sat up. "Is it breakable?"
His eyes were intense as he turned back to face me. "Not without difficulty. Just death.
My throat tightened each breath. "No. I... I can't."
He took a step toward me and looked into my eyes. "You're against his death?"
I gave a headshake. "I was wounded by him. However... I do not want to murder him.
Darius gave me a prolonged glance. Then he let out a sigh.
With a calmer tone, he said, "There's another way." "A custom. old. Prohibited.
"What sort of custom?" My voice was low as I asked.
The Severance of the Moon. It could sever the connection. However, there is a cost.
"How much is it?" With a hint of panic in my voice, I inquired.
His eyes blazed into me as he took a step closer. "One evening. One night of complete surrender. No walls. Not in shackles. Me and you alone in the heat.
My chest was thumping with my heart. Give up. To him? after our recent actions?
"What would you do?" My voice trembled as I asked.
He put his hand out and cupped my face. "Because, Aria, you are mine. Additionally, I won't tell you.
I got a chill from what he said. mine. The term kept repeating in my mind.
I stared into his eyes, trying to find out. Have faith? Perhaps.
"I don't know," I muttered.
His lips touched my forehead as he moved in closer. "Think about it. Until the next full moon, that is.
I was left alone in the dark as he turned and left the room.
I pulled the cover close and cuddled up on the bed. He was still causing my body to ache. My heart continued to beat.
I was his, he said. However, I had a partner. A guy who caused me pain.
I tried to ignore the recollections by closing my eyes. Nevertheless, they arrived. Roman touched me. His voice in my ear. The fear.
I opened my eyes and looked up at the shadowy ceiling. I had to go. I had to sprint once more.
However, something stopped me. Darius. His hand. His eyes. The way his eyes met mine.
I sat up, my feet feeling the chilly floor. Gazing out at the shadowy woods, I made my way to the window.
I could go. I could sprint. Where would I go, though? What about him?
I felt the fading mark on my shoulder. It was a chain. I didn't want a chain.
I raised my eyes to the heavens. It was a thin moon. tiny. feeble.
However, it would develop. My heat goes along with it. and my decision.
I returned to the bed and lay down. I tried to fall asleep by closing my eyes. But my thoughts were racing.
Darius. His remarks. His hand. The custom.
I had to make a choice. Run or stay. Make a bond or shatter it.
I fell asleep, seeing rough hands and brilliant eyes in my fantasies.
I heard a door opening the next morning. Darius held a tray as he stood at the doorway.
"Eat," he stated in a monotone voice.
After placing the tray on the bed, he turned to go.
"Wait," I said softly.
His eyes were inquisitive as he turned back to face me.
"What will take place following the ceremony?" I inquired.
He took a step toward me and looked into my eyes. "The relationship will be severed if it succeeds. You will be at liberty.
"Then?" I inquired, my voice barely a whisper.
He put his hand out and cupped my face. "You'll be mine then."
My throat tightened each breath. mine.
I was left alone with my thoughts as he turned and walked out of the room.
Nerves made my stomach turn as I ate the meal. How would I respond?
Slowly, the days went by. I remained waiting in the room. Reflecting.
Darius came to see me, brought me some food, and spoke with me. Not very much. But enough.
He described his knapsack to me. How he got to be Alpha. about his history.
He was not Roman. Not mean, but strong. Keep quiet. Not chilly, however.
His eyes were filled with despair. I could relate to that sorrow.
The moon became brighter and larger. With that, my heart expanded. My entire body hurt for him.
The full moon night finally arrived. My body trembled as I stood in the middle of the room. Not out of fear. but due to heat.
Darius's eyes glowed gold as he stood in front of me.
His voice was low as he questioned, "Are you ready?"
Unable to say, I nodded.
He moved toward my clothing as he took a step closer. His eyes never left mine as he carefully undressed me.
His touch caused my body to flame. I desired him. required him.
His lips brushed mine as he drew me in. It was a hungry, deep kiss.
He lifted me, taking me to the bed. He placed me down softly, his eyes brimming with longing.
He went between my knees, his eyes fixed on mine.
"Aria, look at me," he said.
I did, requiring shining in my eyes.
Slowly and deeply, he penetrated me. The pleasure was so great that I let out a cry.
He moved into me, his rhythm steady, growing.
Our groans and cries filled the room. Between us, the heat was intolerable.
Then something changed.
The room was illuminated. A light that is silver.
My whole body glowed and shimmered. My eyes were burning.
Darius's body became stiff as he gasped.
With awe and fear in his voice, he whispered, "What… what's happening?"
I had no idea. I had a different feeling. more powerful.
Then I heard a voice in my mind. A strong, ancient voice.
"Moon-Blessed."