All Chapters of Bound By Bloodlines : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The midday sun filtered through the castle’s tall windows, casting pale shadows across the stone floors. Irwin’s heart pounded as she fastened her cloak, her hands trembling with a mixture of defiance and desperation. Her breath was quick, her chest tight, as if every breath she took was borrowed air in this suffocating place."Irwin," Ashina’s voice broke through the thick tension, her tone pleading. "You can’t go to the human city. You know how dangerous it is out there. We still don’t know what that strange pack of wolves wanted when they attacked us. You’ll be vulnerable, Irwin."Irwin spun around, her eyes blazing with frustration. "I know what you think, Ashina. You’ve always thought I was fragile, that I needed protection. But I’m not a prisoner here Ashina, Because I'm weak like you people said doesn't mean I will need to stay indoors for the rest of my life. I deserve to live my life like a normal person, not some fragile thing hidden away."Ashina took a step forward, her vo

Dorian’s fists clenched tighter with each step as he paced back and forth in the great hall of his castle, his body trembling with barely controlled fury. His mind raced, thoughts tangled in a storm of frustration and guilt, the weight of every decision bearing down on him.The midday light flooded the room, warm and golden, yet it felt suffocating against the heaviness in his chest. He could hear the faint shuffle of guards retreating, their fear was palpable as they moved out of range. They knew better than to stay close when Dorian was like this.Across from him, Leo sat with his legs crossed, observing with an unnerving calmness. He made no attempt to move or speak, simply watching his best friend unravel before his eyes. After a long pause, Leo finally broke the silence, his voice calm but cutting.“Tell me, Dorian, what's the point of all this anger?” Leo asked, leaning forward slightly. “You were the one who let her go, Dorian.”Dorian stopped dead in his tracks, turning to fac

"Nice to meet you, Valen," Irwin said, her fingers brushing against his as they shook hands. The bustling trade fair around them seemed to blur, the distant hum of voices fading into the background as her gaze locked onto his. His hand was unexpectedly soft, as his touch lingering just a little longer than necessary, sending an unsettling ripple through her. Valen’s voice was calm, smooth like a river. “The pleasure is mine, Lovethe,” he replied, using the name she had given him in their earlier exchange. His eyes, deep and unreadable, held hers as if searching for something beyond the surface. For a brief moment, Irwin forgot everything. Ashina, the fair, even Dorian. It was as if Valen’s presence pulled her into a different space entirely, one where nothing else mattered.Irwin’s breath hitched slightly as his thumb traced a gentle line across her palm. A strange connection seemed to form between them, though she couldn’t quite place what it was. His presence was both comforting an

The tension between them thickened as the market’s hum buzzed around them, but neither Ashina nor Irwin paid attention to the noise. Ashina’s words had shaken something deep inside Irwin, and she didn’t know how to respond.Ashina broke the silence. “Irwin, if you would get something meaningful of what I'm telling you, I’m not saying Valen’s a bad guy, but this connection you’re feeling… it’s dangerous... It might be dangerous. You’re Dorian’s mate remember. How long do you think you can keep this up before things blow up in your face?”Irwin’s jaw tightened. “I’m not doing anything wrong, Ashina. I haven’t crossed any lines yet.”Ashina’s voice was gentle, but her gaze was sharp. “Not yet, but you’re playing with fire. You’re letting your feelings for Valen grow while shutting Dorian out. What if Dorian realizes what’s happening?”Irwin’s chest ached at Ashina’s words. “He wouldn’t care. Remember i told you that, He hasn’t bonded with me, Ashina. Do you know what it feels like to be

Adolphus stood by the window, his arms crossed, his back straight. His face was a mask of grim determination, and his fists were clenched tightly as if he could physically hold onto control. His jaw was set, and the muscle in his cheek twitched as he gritted his teeth. He had always been the decision-maker, the one who moved first, but this time, the weight of his choices hung heavier than ever before.The sun had long begun its descent, casting an orange glow through the tall windows. The room was quiet, but tension simmered beneath the surface. Ulva, was seated by the hearth, as she watched him in silence. She could feel the air thickening between them, heavy with unsaid words and old wounds. The crackling of the fire seemed distant as if it were merely background noise to the storm building inside the room. Ulva knew her mate too well—Adolphus would not stop until he took action, even if it meant disrupting their son’s life once again.The silence stretched between them, becoming