---
Luna left the Sun Clan's palace with Ren by her side, the cool night air brushing against her skin. Her lips curled into a smirk as she glanced at the agreement in her hand—Kael had signed it, just as she had anticipated. But it wasn't his reluctant cooperation that intrigued her.
It was the way he had trembled under her touch.
The way his breath had hitched.
The way his golden eyes had darkened with something unspoken.
She had felt it—the heat, the pull, the barely restrained hunger that neither of them dared to name.
Luna took a slow, steady breath. This is just the beginning.
---
Kael's Agony
Meanwhile, in the depths of his private chambers, Kael sat on the edge of his massive bed, his hands tangled in his hair, his entire body burning with frustration.
The celestial mark on his chest pulsed violently, glowing faintly beneath his tunic.
His fingers trembled as he unbuttoned his shirt, revealing the intricate, silvery mark that seemed to twist and pulse with life.
"Damn her," he muttered through gritted teeth.
He slammed his fist against the mattress, his breathing ragged. He could still feel her touch, still hear the teasing lilt in her voice.
His body ached in ways he despised.
His hatred for her should have been enough to extinguish whatever curse bound them together. And yet—
Kael groaned, collapsing against the sheets, his chest rising and falling heavily. His mind replayed every second of their encounter, his body betraying him, his thoughts spiraling into something darker, something he refused to acknowledge.
His fingers clenched the sheets, his jaw tightening.
"One day, Luna…" he whispered, his voice raw with obsession. "One day, you'll pay for this."
But even as he said it, the mark on his chest pulsed again, as if mocking him.
He was bound to her.
And it was driving him mad.
---
Luna's Return
Luna and Ren traveled swiftly back to Eclipse Clan's borders, where Ahava and the others awaited them.
Ahava was the first to step forward, his arms crossed, his expression disapproving. "You left us again."
Luna sighed, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You know why."
Ahava's gaze softened slightly but remained firm. "And yet, I still don't like it."
Luna chuckled. "You're getting sentimental on me, Ahava."
"I'm getting concerned," he corrected. "You play a dangerous game with that Sun Prince."
Luna smirked, stepping past him. "And I always win my games."
Ahava exhaled heavily, watching as she strode into the heart of their growing kingdom.
The people bowed as she passed, their loyalty unwavering. Her warriors stood taller, stronger. The Eclipse Clan was no longer just a vision—it was a force to be reckoned with.
But Luna knew the true battle was only beginning.
And somewhere in the Sun Clan's palace, Kael was fighting a battle of his own.
A battle he was slowly losing.
---