Then, slowly, he turned toward Luna. "Princess," he said, "I need you to take Prince Damien's hand in yours. And please, for the love of everything sacred…do not close your eyes."
Luna, standing at the center of this emotional storm, felt every muscle in her body scream for retreat. Her fingers hesitated midair, and for a brief moment, she considered running.
But instead, she reached out.
Damien's hand met hers halfway. As their skin made contact, the crimson thread sprang to life around their wrists.
She could feel him. His pain. His longing. His restraint. He was trying so hard not to look at her.
"I need you to focus on your true feelings for the prince," Veyron instructed, stepping closer, eyes sharp with intensity. "Reach down inside your heart. What does it say?"
Luna swallowed thickly, struggling to keep her eyes open. But more than that…struggling not to drown. Damien's emotions were pressing into her, pulling at the parts of her she'd tried so hard to lock away.
