I am broken and in chains, locked up again in Shadow Ridge's dungeon where this nightmare all began. The iron bites even deeper than before, or maybe it's just that everything hurts more now — my body, my soul, my shattered heart.
Blood crusts on my wrists where I've fought against the restraints, but physical pain is nothing compared to the howling void where Lucian's bond used to be. His rejection tears through me again and again, an endless echo of agony that makes each breath feel like swallowing glass.
The darkness of the cell presses in, thick with the stench of mildew and despair. Perhaps this is my true destiny — to be forever Kael's slave in chains, bound by his cruelty and obsession.
My hands drift to my belly, trembling. What will become of my child, my precious Celestial Heir?
"Eira?" I whisper into the darkness. "Please…I need you." But my wolf is too weak to answer, battered by the force of the broken bond. Panic claws at my throat as I press my hands to my swollen belly. "Please," I beg, "please be okay."
As if in answer, a strong kick pulses against my palm. Tears spill down my cheeks — the Celestial Heir lives, defiant even now.
Every heartbeat brings fresh terror as I imagine what Kael might do to a baby he believes is Lucian's. His hatred for his rival runs so deep, I fear he would destroy any trace of Lucian's bloodline without mercy.
The truth burns in my throat, begging to be spoken — that this child is his own, his true heir. But would he even believe me now, after everything? Or would he see it as just another desperate lie from his former Luna, trying to save herself from his wrath?