The Sickened Luna's Last Chance novel Chapter 430

**The Perfect 430**

Chapter 430

Once.

Just once, and yet it felt like the weight of the world had crashed down upon me.

I recoiled, a heavy sensation settling in my stomach like a stone. “It didn’t work,” I murmured, the words barely escaping my lips.

Liam’s expression fell, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features. “It probably has to be a real kiss. You know, on the lips,” he suggested, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration.

Of course, it had to be that way.

I took a step back, instinctively wrapping my arms around myself as if to shield against the chill that had suddenly enveloped the cave. The air felt frigid, or perhaps it was just the icy tendrils of dread creeping through my veins. “Liam, I can’t—” I started, my voice trembling.

“I know,” he interjected quickly, his eyes softening with understanding. “I know you love Alexander. I know this is… complicated.”

“He’s my mate. And he’s already going through so much…” My voice trailed off, the weight of my words heavy in the air between us.

“We’re doing this to help him, Ella. He’ll understand,” Liam insisted, his tone firm yet gentle, as if trying to anchor me to this moment.

I opened my mouth to argue, but the protest died in my throat. He was right. Alexander would understand. He had to. Despite the turmoil that plagued him, he was no fool. Always practical, always resilient. It might not bring him joy to learn that I had kissed Liam to release the crystal’s power, but hopefully, by that time, the curse would be lifted. He would be able to think clearly again. He would understand.

I gazed up at the crystal, its gentle green light pulsating rhythmically, illuminating the cave with an ethereal glow. My thoughts drifted to Alexander, trapped in that cell, consumed by darkness. I envisioned the sinister entity whispering poisonous thoughts into his mind, and my heart ached for him. I thought of Lucien, who needed his father whole and healthy, not lost to despair.

I could do this. I had to do this.

“Okay,” I exhaled, the word feeling like a surrender. “Let’s do it.”

Liam nodded, his expression shifting from uncertainty to determination as we moved closer together. My heart raced, the pounding in my chest echoing in my ears. This felt wrong on so many levels. Every fiber of my being screamed against it. But what choice did we have?

Liam’s hands found my arms, resting there with a steadying touch. I could see the turmoil reflected in his eyes; he didn’t want this any more than I did. We were friends, nothing more. This was a means to an end, a transaction born out of necessity.

So why did my hands tremble as I placed them on his shoulders?

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