25.

Aeryn was escorted to Alex’s room by the palace guards, her heart pounding in her chest as they led her down the long, dimly lit corridor. The realization of what was about to happen filled her with a growing sense of dread and nervousness. She knew that tonight was the night their union would be consummated—a night that held the fate of an entire kingdom. And yet, all she could think about was the fear that gripped her heart.

As she entered the room, the guards silently closed the door behind her, leaving her alone in the dimly lit space. The room was vast, filled with luxurious furnishings and the faint scent of something unfamiliar—alien, yet strangely intoxicating. The bed, draped in silken sheets, seemed to dominate the room, and Aeryn couldn’t help but feel small and vulnerable in its presence.

She moved toward the center of the room, her footsteps tentative and her breath shallow. Her eyes roamed over the opulent surroundings, but her mind was elsewhere—on what was about to happen, on the inevitability of it all. She bit her lips nervously, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside her.

She was dressed in the traditional outfit of Alex’s people, a garment that clung to her form in ways that made her feel both exposed and elegant. The fabric shimmered in the low light, the intricate designs reflecting the culture of the alien kingdom. It was beautiful, but it only served to heighten her anxiety.

She stood there, her hands fidgeting as she waited for Alex. The silence of the room was suffocating, and she felt like the walls were closing in on her. Every second that ticked by felt like an eternity, and she couldn’t shake the feeling of being trapped—trapped in a situation she couldn’t escape, trapped in a destiny she hadn’t chosen.

And then, she felt it—a warmth behind her, a presence so close that it made her heart skip a beat. She gasped softly, the sound escaping her lips before she could stop it. Before she could turn around, she felt the rough touch of a hand on her waist, pulling her closer.

Aeryn’s breath hitched as she felt Alex’s powerful presence behind her, his body pressing against hers with an intensity that made her skin tingle. His hand on her waist was firm, possessive, and she could feel the strength in his grip. Slowly, almost reverently, he leaned in closer, his warm breath brushing against the back of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.

She could feel his eyes on her, scanning her face with a hunger that made her heart race even faster. Aeryn wanted to speak, to say something—anything—but the words seemed to be stuck in her throat. All she could do was stand there, frozen in place, as Alex’s presence overwhelmed her senses.

Finally, he spoke, his voice low and rough, filled with a desire that made her shudder. “You are so beautiful,” he murmured, his hand sliding from her waist to the nape of her neck, his fingers gripping her gently but with an unspoken authority. “I can’t wait to have you.”

Aeryn gasped, the sound a mix of fear and surprise. His words, spoken with such raw intensity, sent a wave of fear crashing over her. She could feel his desire, his need for her, and it terrified her. The reality of what was about to happen was too much, and she felt a sense of helplessness wash over her.

Her body tensed as his grip on her nape tightened, and she could feel the heat radiating from his body as he held her close. She was trapped in his embrace, unable to move, unable to escape. The fear in her eyes must have been evident, but Alex didn’t release her. Instead, he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “There’s no need to be afraid, Aeryn. You are mine now, and I will take care of you.”

His words were meant to reassure her, but they only heightened her fear. The possessiveness in his voice, the certainty that she was his to claim, made her feel like she was losing control of her own fate. Her mind raced, searching for a way out, but there was none. She was bound to him, bound to this kingdom, and there was no escape.

Aeryn’s eyes fluttered closed as she tried to steady her breathing, to calm the panic that was rising within her. She felt Alex’s other hand come to rest on her shoulder, his touch both gentle and demanding. He turned her slowly to face him, and when she opened her eyes, she found herself staring into his—dark and filled with an intensity that took her breath away.

His gaze held her captive, and she could see the desire burning in his eyes, the longing to claim her as his own. It was a look that both frightened and entranced her, and she felt her resolve crumbling under the weight of it.

Alex’s hand moved from her shoulder to her cheek, cupping her face as he leaned in closer. “I’ve waited for this moment,” he whispered, his voice filled with a longing that made her heart ache. “And now that it’s here, I won’t let anything stand in my way.”

He brought his lips to hers, capturing them in a kiss that was both demanding and possessive. Aeryn’s heart pounded in her chest as she felt the intensity of his kiss, the way he claimed her with every movement. She wanted to resist, to push him away, but she found herself unable to do so. Instead, she melted into his embrace, her fear and uncertainty swirling together in a confusing mix of emotions.

As Alex’s kiss deepened, his hand slid from her cheek to the back of her neck, pulling her even closer to him. She could feel the heat of his body, the strength in his arms, and it made her feel both safe and trapped at the same time.

When he finally pulled back, his breath was ragged, and his eyes were dark with desire. “You are mine, Aeryn,” he whispered against her lips, his voice filled with a possessiveness that left no room for doubt. “Tonight, we will seal our bond, and there will be no going back.”

Aeryn’s heart skipped a beat as his words sank in, and she knew that her life was about to change forever.