Chapter 3 The Golden Ribbons

Ilinca-Viorica Drăghici

Lucian's thumb rested against my neck, and I could feel the heat of his skin spreading through me.

Golden ribbons of light circled our wrists, pulsing with every beat of our hearts. Whatever was happening between us, it wasn't ordinary magic.

Fated mates.

The words made my stomach twist.

For five years, I'd built my life around one rule: I belonged to no one. I'd buried the girl who once believed in love beneath years of hard work, careful planning, and political survival. Now, in front of the man who had destroyed my old life, fate was trying to tie me to someone again.

"Ilinca," Lucian whispered.

"Don't."

I caught his wrist, holding his hand in place without allowing him to pull me closer.

"Control your wolf, Lucian. Look around you."

His amber eyes flickered. Slowly, the wildness in them faded, and he withdrew his hand. His jaw remained tight, but he gave me the space I'd demanded.

Across the hall, Cyprian stared at us in disbelief.

"No," he muttered. "The Moon Goddess wouldn't pair the Sovereign bloodline with an Obsidian King. This has to be a trick!"

Lord Evander-Tiberiu Vale stepped out from behind a pillar.

"The Star-Iron Seal doesn't lie, Prince. Neither does a resonance this powerful."

Cyprian scrambled to his feet, his face twisting with anger.

"She was mine! She was betrothed to the Silver Spire. Her blood was meant to protect my crown!"

He drew his sword.

Before he could approach us, Radu pressed his broadsword against the prince's neck.

"Lower your weapon," the commander warned. "Unless you'd prefer to leave this hall without your head."

Cyprian froze, but his eyes remained fixed on me.

"Ilinca, please. You can't let him claim you. Lucian will use your power to control my kingdom. Come back with me. We can break this bond."

I almost laughed.

Five years ago, I'd believed every promise he'd made. I'd defended him, trusted him, and imagined a future beside him.

Now he looked like a man who had thrown away something precious and couldn't bear seeing someone else value it.

"There is nothing to break, Cyprian." My voice carried across the hall. "I belong to no one. Not you, not a crown, and certainly not a bond."

I turned away from him and faced Lucian.

The King watched me without interrupting. There was no anger in his expression, only a quiet respect I hadn't expected.

He turned to Radu.

"Disarm the delegation. Escort the prince and his knights to the West Wing. Four guards at every door. No one leaves until the summit begins tomorrow."

"You can't imprison me!" Cyprian shouted as the guards seized him.

Then he looked at me desperately.

"Ilinca! The High Priestess knows about your father! Sorina knows the truth! She'll come for you!"

I went still.

Sorina.

The name brought back memories I'd spent years trying to forget. Sorina-Anca Miron had been my mentor at the Moon Temple, the woman who had comforted me on the night I was cast out of the Silver Spire.

I'd once trusted her more than almost anyone.

The guards dragged Cyprian away, but his final words remained with me long after the doors slammed shut.

"Everyone, leave us," Lucian ordered.

Evander bowed before leaving. Radu gave me a brief, reassuring nod, then followed the others out.

Soon, we were alone.

Lucian stood several feet away, his hands clenched at his sides. I could tell he was fighting the same instincts that had made the golden ribbons bind us together.

"Are you going to run?" he asked.

"I don't run from anything, Your Grace."

"Then look at me."

I raised my chin.

He approached slowly, stopping before he could touch me.

"I heard what you told Cyprian. You said you belonged to no one."

"I meant it."

"If you expect me to become a submissive mate just because some ancient magic chose you for me, you've chosen the wrong woman."

For a moment, Lucian simply stared at me.

Then he laughed softly.

"Do you really think I want a woman who bows to every command? I've spent my life surrounded by people who agree with everything I say. I don't need another servant, Ilinca. I need someone who can stand beside me without fearing me."

His expression grew serious.

"The wolf in me wants to keep you where no one can hurt you. But I'm not going to lock you away or force you to accept this bond."

He slowly raised his hand, giving me time to move away.

When I didn't, his fingers brushed my cheek.

"I won't demand your heart. Keep your independence, your authority, and your freedom. Nothing about this changes who you are."

His words unsettled me more than I wanted to admit.

"And if I never accept the bond?" I asked.

His gaze didn't waver.

"Then I'll remain your king, your protector, and your ally. You don't owe me love simply because fate has decided we're meant to be together."

For one dangerous moment, my defenses weakened.

I'd expected him to demand obedience. Instead, he was offering me a choice.

I didn't know what to do with that kind of kindness.

Before I could answer, a cold draft swept through the hall.

The iron chandeliers swayed overhead. Every candle flame turned blue before dying at once.

Darkness swallowed the room.

A strange hissing sound came from the scorched symbol on the floor. Black smoke rose from the stone, twisting into an unfamiliar silver rune.

I recognized it from the forbidden archives.

The Blood Eclipse.

Lucian immediately stepped in front of me, drawing the silver blade at his waist.

Then we heard it.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Someone was walking along the upper gallery, striking the marble with a wooden staff.

A figure emerged from the shadows, dressed in silver-white robes. Her silver hair was braided neatly around her head, and an ancient staff rested in her hand.

I knew that face.

High Priestess Sorina-Anca Miron.

The woman who had once comforted me when the world abandoned me now looked down at me without a trace of warmth.

Her eyes were cold, her expression merciless.

"You should have remained buried in darkness, child," she said.

My stomach tightened.

"The Moon Goddess does not permit anyone to rewrite her laws."

And as I stared at the woman who might hold the answers to my father's death, I realized that my past had finally caught up with me.