The Awakening
Isla and Alastair remained by the old fountain, their conversation deepening beneath the gentle light of dawn. A breeze stirred the surface of the water as Alastair leaned forward, his expression more serious than before.
“A Druid’s power,” he said slowly, “is only fully unlocked after performing the Awakening. It’s a sacred ritual—ancient and binding. But it’s not something done lightly. It only works when… when the Druid is joined with their fated one.”
Isla felt a flutter in her chest. The word fated seemed to pulse in her ears. Her fingers instinctively curled around the edge of the stone.
She thought of the book she had read—The Druids. She remembered the passage about the blood vow, the way two souls could be bound under the harvest moon, their blood mingled, their lives intertwined across time.
But the book hadn’t said whether it had happened for Book Isla.
Had it?
Was that why she’d died?
Was this her second chance?
Isla glanced sideways at Alastair. “You mentioned it was a ritual. What does that mean?”
He gave a slow nod. “It’s more than physical. The ritual involves binding—through blood and vow. The Druid and their fated mate must make a conscious choice to connect. And once it’s done, there’s no going back. It changes them both.”
She swallowed hard. “And you think…?”
“I think Lachlan’s Awakening is close. And I think you’re the reason.”
The words settled over her like a net, both thrilling and terrifying.
She stared into the water, struggling to make sense of it all.
Alastair, sensing her turmoil, offered a gentler tone. “It’s alright not to understand everything right away. Even I don’t. I was born alongside Lachlan, but I was never meant for the path he walks. That kind of power—his power—is rare. And costly.”
Isla turned toward him. “What do you mean?”
He hesitated, then glanced up at the treetops. “There’s a reason why he’s the only one. Our blood is royal, yes—but something in him was always different. He’s drawn to the old ways. It’s in his bones. The Awakening… it demands everything from a Druid. Not just strength, but sacrifice.”
A long silence followed. Isla could feel it—Alastair’s lingering worry, the weight of whatever his brother carried. The way it carved distance, even now.
“I didn’t realize it was that serious,” she said softly.
Alastair nodded once. “Neither did we. Not until it began.”
Then, as if shaking off the heaviness, he offered her a crooked smile. “But enough doom and destiny. You’ve been asking all the questions. May I ask one?”
She blinked, startled. “Of course.”
“What were you like… before all this?”
Isla hesitated. “That’s a complicated question.”
“I’m known for those,” he teased.
She laughed quietly, then looked out over the garden. “I was independent. Practical. A bit of a skeptic, if I’m being honest. Magic was something for bedtime stories, not real life. But now—” She shrugged. “Now everything feels like a story I fell into by mistake.”
“Maybe not a mistake,” Alastair said, watching her carefully. “Maybe a correction.”
She looked down, unsure how to answer.
The birds had returned to their song. The sun was rising. The moment was stretching too long.
And just then—a sharp voice sliced through the quiet.
“What are you two doing?!”
They both turned.
Lachlan stood at the edge of the garden, jaw clenched, storm brewing in his eyes.
Isla startled and turned sharply. Alastair rose with a sigh.
“Brother,” he said calmly. “We were talking—”
“About magic,” Isla added quickly. “That’s all.”
But Lachlan wasn’t listening. He moved toward them with purpose, eyes never leaving Isla. She took a step back instinctively.
Alastair stepped in front of her, a hand raised. “Easy now.”
Lachlan’s voice was low, dangerous. “Why were you alone with him?”
“Lachlan,” Isla said, trying to keep her voice steady. “I was in the garden. Alastair found me. That’s all.”
“You think I’m a fool?” His hands curled into fists.
Alastair tried again. “She didn’t seek me out. I just—”
“Stay out of it,” Lachlan snapped. “She’s mine.”
Isla stepped forward, placing a hand on Alastair’s arm. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “Please, let me handle this.”
Alastair hesitated but gave her a quiet nod before stepping aside.
Lachlan grabbed her by the arm, not roughly, but with enough force that Isla understood—he wasn’t thinking clearly. He was consumed.
They walked in tense silence back to the castle. Isla’s pulse raced, her mind whirling. She didn’t understand his fury, but she felt the heat of it radiating off him like fire.
Once inside their chambers, he slammed the door shut.
“Why him?” he demanded. “Why my brother?”
“I wasn’t hiding anything,” she said, her voice shaky. “He was just being kind.”
Lachlan didn’t respond. He stalked toward her, chest heaving.
“You’re mine, Isla.”
He closed the distance between them.
He stalked towards her and slammed his lips on hers. The kiss was possessive, there was no gentleness about it. He pushed her on to the bed and continued to ravish her mouth. He teared at her clothes leaving her completely exposed. She tired to cover herself, feeling a bit shy. He grabbed her hands and pulled them to the side.
"Do not hide what belongs to me." He raked his eyes over her body, she felt chills running thru her. Her nipples hardened. He licked his lips, his hands mapping her body. He pulled her legs opens and touched her folds. He moaned. She shivered.
Isla felt exposed, she felt sort of violated and wasn't sure whether she should feel aroused by all this. But the bond, it made her body react to Lachlan’s on its on accord. He played her like a skilled musician, touching, stroking, igniting an all consuming fire. He sunk one finger, than two, coaxing her body. Her gasps and moans, music to his ears.
Lachlan could feel that she was right at the cusp of ecstasy. He pulled his fingers out and without warning sank to the hilt into her. Isla was jolted with pain but also pleasure. Lachlan shoved his fingers in her mouth and had her taste herself. He was aggressive, biting, pulling, kissing, as if he were punishing her.
Isla felt him going faster and harder, he gripped her thighs and spread her open more. He gripped her hard enough to leave marks. He took her breast into his mouth and sucked her like he was thirsty. Isla groaned. Her body was on edge, without warning he pulled all the way out and slammed back into her. She came undone. Her body withered under him, her legs shaking. She felt Lachlan pump three, four more times before she felt him spill inside her.