The Sickened Luna's Last Chance novel Chapter 353

**TITLE: The Perfect 353**

The bond surged forth like a dam bursting under the relentless pressure of floodwaters.

I leaned into him, pouring every ounce of love I could muster into that kiss. It was as if the universe itself had conspired to grant us this moment, and I wanted to make it count. Even if this kiss was to be our last—if fate, in its cruel twist, decided to separate us now because of the curse—I wanted it to be the most beautiful, the most profound expression of our love.

When we finally pulled apart, gasping for air, our faces flushed and our hearts racing, Alexander rested his forehead against mine, our breaths mingling in the charged space between us.

“Ella… My Ella…” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

“I wanted to tell you,” I managed to choke out, my throat tightening with the weight of unshed tears. “I almost did, so many times… But I was terrified—terrified that you might suffer the same fate as Liam, or worse. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you. I already can’t stand what’s happening to Liam.”

His expression shifted, a mixture of understanding and sorrow washing over his features. “I could have helped you,” he said softly, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close. I melted into him, sobbing into the fabric of his shirt, feeling the warmth of his body seep into my very soul. “Ella, I would have traversed the ends of the earth to help you break this curse. You didn’t have to endure this alone.”

Words escaped me; I could only cling to him as if he were my lifeline in a stormy sea. He held me tightly, his hands rubbing soothing circles on my back, the rhythm calming my turbulent heart. When we finally drew back, I hastily wiped my eyes and gazed up at him, still trembling from the emotional storm.

“I love you,” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. “I would carry this curse alone for the rest of my days if it meant keeping you safe.”

His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but he blinked them away, cupping my face in his hands, his thumb gently tracing my cheekbone. For a long moment, he simply gazed into my eyes, as if searching for something deeper. Then, with a determined nod, he took my hand in his.

“Let’s take a look at these artifacts, shall we? I’d prefer to live, if at all possible,” he said, a wry smile breaking through the tension. “I’m sure Liam feels the same way.”

I nodded, wiping my damp cheeks with the back of my hand, and turned to see my mother standing nearby, tears streaming down her face, her hands wringing together anxiously. Alexander offered her a small, respectful bow.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Madam. I hope you don’t mind if I take your daughter’s hand in marriage,” he said, a playful glint in his eyes.

Lilith let out a chortle through her tears, and my heart clenched at the thought of Anya. But that was a conversation for another time. For now, we had a curse to shatter.

With renewed determination, the three of us descended the rickety metal ladder into the cellar. The air was damp and heavy, thick with the musty scent of mildew, and the old stone walls were crumbling in places, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Shelves were lined with dusty cans of food and various supplies, and in the corner, a small cot lay abandoned, a ghost of its former purpose.

Alexander produced a lighter from his pocket, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes. “We can do this quickly,” he said, scanning the room. “There must be some gasoline or lighter fluid around here—”

“Sleep, first,” a voice echoed, ethereal and all-consuming, resonating not in our ears but deep within our minds.

Before I could process the command, my knees buckled beneath me, and the world around me faded to black.

I had no idea how long I was unconscious, but when I finally jolted awake, my head throbbed as if I had been struck by a hammer. Groaning, I sat up, clutching my temple. Lilith and Alexander stirred beside me, mirroring my confusion.

“What… happened?” I whispered, my voice hoarse as I scanned the dark, untouched bunker. It felt as if we had been plunged into a void, and the others shared my bewilderment, exchanging puzzled glances.

Curiosity gnawed at me, and I reached for the metal box, peering inside. My breath hitched in my throat.

It was empty. Someone had stolen the artifacts while we were lost in sleep.