CHAPTER 175: CAT STEVENS - MORNING HAS BROKEN

Doctor Thessa had already begun setting up the blood drip. The line glinted under the chandelier’s light as she attached it to Luna’s hand with practiced gentleness. The blood trickled down slowly, rich and dark—a quiet lifeline for both mother and child.

"Is this a daily routine?" Ravena asked, her tone cool but not cold. She didn’t look at Luna. Her eyes were fixed on the blood bag.

Luna sighed, already bracing for a sermon.

"If you’re uncomfortable, Mum, you can wait outside.".

"No. I’m fine." Ravena’s jaw twitched as she leaned against the wall, arms crossed even tighter. "Where does the blood come from? I mean... it’s Blood City. There aren’t any volunteers around throwing their veins open."

Luna adjusted her veil slightly as Thessa checked her vitals. "We have a daily supply from the humans. Donated. It’s all legal. There’s a contract between Blood City and the human government. The blood is transported weekly in cryogenic tanks and delivered to the blood bank. It’s all paid for. And monitored."

"Hmm." Ravena made a sound that could’ve meant anything from interesting to treasonous. "It’s strange hearing you say we. It’s like you’ve accepted you’re one of them now."

Luna’s gaze met her mother’s.

"I am, Mum. I am carrying the royal heir. I’m marrying my mate today. And in a few days, I’ll be queen. He will be king. They are my people now. This is my home."

Ravena hadn’t expected Luna to say it out loud—to claim them, claim him, so completely.

Doctor Thessa, sensing the crackling tension, cleared her throat gently.

"I’ll be by your side all through the wedding, Your Highness, in case you need me. If you feel anything wrong—fatigue, dizziness, anything—just let me know." She spoke gently but efficiently, a steady presence in a room thick with emotion.

Luna offered her a grateful smile.

"Thank you, Thessa. Really. I know I’ve been a handful."

"Just slightly." Thessa replied with a wink.

Ravena sat down finally, eyes still on the drip. She didn’t say another word.

Thirty minutes later, the last of the blood was gone. "Thank you, Thessa," Luna murmured.

Thessa nodded and began packing up her tools. "Your Highness, I realise that you are strong, stronger than most. Just... maybe don’t try to exert yourself too much tonight."

Luna snorted. "Fine." She rolled her shoulders and stood with grace, tugging her dress into place. She checked herself in the full-length mirror. Everything was perfect—her hair, her gown.

Then she whispered, "Let’s get me married."

*****

At the temple, Damien stood atop the ceremonial platform. He was encased in a custom black tuxedo.

He stood straighter as he scanned the faces around him. His father, King Luciver. Beside him stood Kyllian, doing his best impersonation of a stone pillar. Talon stood beside Kyllian, while Doctor Thessa gave Damien a small nod of assurance that everything would be okay.

His father stood beside him.

Then came the music. The pianist struck the first chords of the bride’s welcome song. A hush fell.

The doors of the temple creaked open slowly. Damien barely breathed. His fangs pressed into his lip as the light from the chandeliers danced along the marble floor—and then she appeared.

She walked with the kind of grace only seen in dreams. Her hair, curled softly, was crowned by a delicate veil. She was escorted by her mother, who looked tightly wound.

And in that moment, Damien stopped hearing music.

He stopped hearing anything at all.

Because nothing else mattered. Nothing.

She was there. She was walking toward him.

He exhaled slowly, his hands fidgeting slightly at his sides.

He’d known she was beautiful. That wasn’t new. But today, it hit different.

She was carrying his child. He didn’t know what miracle he had pulled to get her to agree to marry him, but he vowed right there, internally and completely, to never let her regret it.

When she finally reached him, she smiled.

And he grinned back.

He squared his shoulders as she held his gaze, the way her eyes bore into his, unnerved him. She needed to see the strength in him, the one who would walk through fire and war just to bring her comfort. So he held her gaze with a quiet intensity, a soft curl playing on the edge of his lips. He was hers, and she knew it.

Her mother gave her one last glance, a slight nod of approval and retreated to take her place beside Kyllian.

The priest stepped forward, ancient and cloaked in crimson robes that trailed behind him. His voice echoed across the marble temple. "Today we witness the union of Damien Dragos, Prince of Blood City... and Princess Luna Sinclaire of the Werewolf kingdom..."

Damien barely heard the rest. All he could think about was how small her hands looked in his as they joined them under the priest’s touch. The ceremony was proceeding, the sacred rites being spoken, the power of the union binding not just two souls—but two species, two worlds.

They said their vows. Hers were strong, clear, noble. His... well, he mumbled the words, but the message was clear. He would be the best he can be for her.

It was beautiful.

The rings were exchanged. The priest’s voice rose.

"You are now bound as one. Husband and wife. Crowned Prince and Princess of Blood City. I believe there is one more ritual we all came for..."

Damien was already two steps ahead.

Oh, he kissed her.

He kissed her like he’d been dying for centuries just to reach this moment. Like she was the last star in his sky. Like his entire existence was a prelude to this exact breath.

Her arms wrapped around him almost instinctively, her fingers curled into the back of his jacket. His hand cradled the back of her neck gently, his thumb brushing her jaw.

The priest cleared his throat eventually, but no one really moved.

When they finally pulled apart, Luna whispered with a dazed grin, "If you kiss me like that again, we’re skipping the reception."