NASIRI pushed open the door without a second thought, my mind consumed with the thought of Xerxes and the damn meeting he called.Where the hell was Liam? Damn him for making me look for his ass. I think I had seen Selene crying and running out of the gardens. I didn't bother asking her what happened, there was only one person capable of making her cry.Besides, I really do not care to know what conspired between them. If we can get rid of at least one of the Silverhade sisters, the better it will be for all of us. I searched the entire garden but my damn brother was nowhere to be found. There was one last place I could check.If he wasn't there then I would be forced to ask Selene.Please be at your damn yoga room.I passed by Trinity's room a couple of times, and just like the other days since she arrived, her door was shut.A part of me started to wonder if she died in there.Why do I care? If she is dead then the better it will be for my brothers and I. At least we would be fre
TRINITY“What do you mean, you almost kissed him?” Cara’s voice was still filled with disbelief.I laid on my bed, my eyes focused on the chandelier hoisted above my bed. I had my phone pressed to my ear as I spoke to Cara. I can't believe I haven't spoken to her after all this time here in the palace. After what happened this afternoon in the yoga room, I knew I needed my best friend.My room was quiet, the only sound being the soft hum of the late-night breeze coming through the window. I hadn’t realized how late it had gotten, but talking to Cara had a way of making the hours slip by unnoticed.I sighed, slumping back into my chair, letting the phone fall a little away from my ear as I rolled my eyes. “You know how it is, Cara. He was there, I was there. Things got... complicated.”“Trinity!” she nearly shouted. I could hear her excitement even through the static. “No way. You and Liam? Almost kissed? You’re not messing with me, are you? This is real?”I bit my lip, avoiding her
TRINITYI stood before Luna Mira, my eyes fixed on her ethereal beauty. The moonlight cast an otherworldly glow on her skin, illuminating her features and making her seem almost divine. Her hair, a rich, dark brown, cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, and her eyes, a piercing shade of blue, seemed to bore into my very soul. She radiated a certain power that I had never felt before, a power that seemed to emanate from the very core of her being.I swear not even her sons radiated such an aura. I have always heard stories of the great Luna Mira, a woman known to have ended many of our potential pack wars just with her smile.I always thought the stories were a bit exaggerated but now that I look at her, I am starting to think that maybe they are not. Luna Mira's eyes narrowed as she gazed at me. The irritation and annoyance she felt was so clear to me. She looked at me like she couldn't even stand the sight of me.This was not my first time meeting with Luna Mira. I hav
TRINITYI sat quietly on the stone bench in the middle of the palace gardens, the vibrant hues of nature around me painting a picture more beautiful than any I could ever hope to capture. The sun was beginning its slow descent toward the horizon, casting a golden glow across the flowers and trees. I was lost in it, sketching the fluttering butterflies as they danced from one blossom to the next, their delicate wings a perfect blend of soft pastels and bright, intricate patterns.Each stroke of my pencil was a chance to bring a piece of the tranquility around me to life. I could feel the weight of my earlier encounter with Luna Mira slowly dissipating as I focused on the details—the way the leaves rustled in the breeze, the texture of the tree bark, the soft shadows playing across the petals. I had trouble sleeping after our little conversation on the balcony. Once again, I felt like a bird trapped in an inescapable cage.It was easy to forget everything when I was in the garden, imm
XERXES I can't remember the last time I felt such uncontrollable rage.I had been standing at the edge of the garden, my eyes fixed on the Silvershade sisters as they stood before Trinity, their words sharp, their tones cruel. The cold, calculated veneer I had built over the years—the one that kept me untouched by the world’s trifling offenses—began to crumble, piece by piece. Watching them berate Trinity, seeing her flinch, her body tense, her eyes clouded with unshed tears, stirred something in me I could not control.I had spent years honing my control, learning to keep every emotion locked away, buried under layers of stone. But something about Trinity’s vulnerability shattered that control. It was like watching a part of me break, my stoic demeanor dissolving as I stepped forward, every instinct telling me that what was happening was wrong.The Silvershade sisters didn’t see me coming. They were too consumed by their petty cruelty, too wrapped up in their superiority. But whe
TRINITYI woke up with an unsettling grumble in my stomach, the kind that demanded immediate attention. I blinked a few times, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. The sun had barely risen, casting a soft glow through the curtains. But the hunger… that was impossible to ignore.I pushed the covers off and swung my feet to the floor, the cold hardwood sending a chill up my spine. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should just head back to bed and wait for breakfast. But my stomach made its opinion loud and clear—food first, bed second.I padded down the hallway, the silence of the house almost oppressive in the early morning hours. The air smelled faintly of something rich and warm, and I knew exactly where it was coming from: the kitchen.When I arrived, I was greeted with the sight of several maids, all moving around the room with an air of efficiency. But as soon as I stepped into view, the atmosphere shifted. Their eyes slid toward me—cold, judgmental, and full of contempt
TRINITYI had been wandering the palace for what felt like hours, my curiosity guiding my steps through every hallway, every corridor, and every room I hadn’t yet discovered. The walls whispered secrets, ancient and untold, and the flickering lights seemed to invite me deeper into the heart of the castle. I had no particular destination in mind—just the thrill of exploration.Plus, I didn't want to remain cooped up in my room.As I turned a corner, a low hum reached my ears, followed by the rhythmic sound of fists striking something like a steady thud that grew louder with each step I took. My feet instinctively followed the noise, curiosity piquing with every step.I paused at a heavy wooden door, cracked just enough for a sliver of light to escape into the dim hallway. Through the gap, I could make out shadows moving fluidly, their bodies engaged in rapid, precise movements. My heart picked up its pace as I leaned in closer, holding my breath.Then I saw him.Xerxes.He was sparrin
TRINITYThe air was thick with anticipation as the three of them—Nasir, Liam, and Xander—stepped forward, a united front against Xerxes. I could feel the tension building in my chest as I leaned against the doorframe, unable to tear my eyes away from what was unfolding in front of me. I had never seen anything like it.Nasir was the first to speak, his voice dripping with mischief and confidence.“Three against one, Xerxes. I’m curious to see how you handle it.”Xerxes didn’t respond immediately, his dark eyes flicking between each of the men. His lips twitched upward in the faintest of grins, his body still and ready for whatever came next.“I’ll take the challenge,” Xerxes said, his voice low and steady. My heart raced. How was he so calm? He wasn’t just facing one of them—he was facing all three. The three of them lined up, ready to go, and for a moment, all I could hear was the steady beat of my own heart.Then it began.And they were formidable, each of them possessing their o
TRINITYThe cool evening air nipped at my skin as I stepped out of the stables, saying a quick goodbye to Xander. Despite his earlier antics, I couldn’t help but feel lighter after our time together. For once, my mind had been free of fear and worry—if only for a little while.But my brief reprieve didn’t last long.As I walked back toward the palace, lost in thought, I nearly collided with someone coming around the corner. When I looked up, I was met with Luna Mira’s cold, piercing gaze.“Oh, it’s you,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain.I stiffened, taking a step back. “Excuse me, Luna Mira,” I said politely, attempting to move out of her way.She didn’t budge. Instead, she crossed her arms and stared me down, her expression twisted in something that could only be described as contempt.“You should watch where you’re going,” she snapped. “Though, I suppose someone like you is always in the way, aren’t they?”My stomach churned at her words, but I kept my expression neutral.
TRINITYThe cool evening air nipped at my skin as I stepped out of the stables, saying a quick goodbye to Xander. Despite his earlier antics, I couldn’t help but feel lighter after our time together. For once, my mind had been free of fear and worry—if only for a little while.But my brief reprieve didn’t last long.As I walked back toward the palace, lost in thought, I nearly collided with someone coming around the corner. When I looked up, I was met with Luna Mira’s cold, piercing gaze.“Oh, it’s you,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain.I stiffened, taking a step back. “Excuse me, Luna Mira,” I said politely, attempting to move out of her way.She didn’t budge. Instead, she crossed her arms and stared me down, her expression twisted in something that could only be described as contempt.“You should watch where you’re going,” she snapped. “Though, I suppose someone like you is always in the way, aren’t they?”My stomach churned at her words, but I kept my expression neutral.
TRINITY The warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen as I stood beside Lily, who was patiently showing me how to perfect a new recipe. Her instructions were clear, her movements practiced, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I found myself smiling at something so simple. My hands were covered in flour, and I had managed to get some on my cheek without realizing it.Lily chuckled, brushing her own hands on her apron. “You’re a natural, Trinity. Just a little more kneading, and you’ve got it.”“I don’t know about nature,” I replied, laughing softly. “But this is fun. I didn’t think baking could be so relaxing.”“It’s therapeutic,” she said with a wink. “And it’s good to know how to feed people. You never know when you might need to charm someone with a home-cooked meal.”Before I could respond, the kitchen door swung open, and in walked Xander.I stiffened immediately.“Smells good in here,” he said casually, his hands stuffed into his pockets. His sharp
LIAMThe grandeur of the Northern Kingdom’s palace was undeniable. The towering arches, shimmering chandeliers, and opulent tapestries whispered of a wealth and history that rivaled even our own. We arrived to the sound of ceremonial drums and the welcoming smiles of the northern alphas, their warriors flanking the long hall in stoic formation.It was all very formal, too formal for my liking, but I played my part. As one of the three alphas of the Crimson Moon Pack, it was my duty to present strength and unity, even if my thoughts were elsewhere.“Welcome, Alpha Xerxes, Alpha Nasir, Alpha Liam,” the host said, bowing low. His voice carried the weight of respect and expectation.Xerxes, as always, took the lead, speaking in the deep, commanding tone that seemed to silence every room he entered. Nasir and I stood just behind him, nodding at the appropriate times, though my mind drifted to the one person who wasn’t here.Trinity.She should’ve been here. Not just because she belonged by
TRINITYThe morning air was crisp, carrying a light chill that made me pull my sweater tighter around me as I stood on the front steps of the palace. A sleek black car, not sure what brand it is But it does look quite expensive. It idled on the circular driveway below, its engine humming softly. I watched as the guards loaded the triplets bags into the trunk, my heart sinking with each passing second.The sun was just beginning to rise, bathing the palace grounds in soft golden light, but it did little to chase away the sense of dread that clung to me. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to find some semblance of comfort, but the growing distance between me and the triplets felt unbearable.Xerxes, Nasir, and Liam moved with the kind of efficiency I’d come to expect from them, but even they seemed slower than usual, as if they were reluctant to leave. Xerxes caught my eye first, his sharp features softened by an expression I couldn’t quite place. He gave me a small nod, and I no
NASIRThe air felt heavier as my brothers and I walked toward our mother’s chambers. Each step echoed in the silent hallway, a reminder of the weight of the responsibilities we carried. Liam glanced at me, his brows furrowed with unease. Xerxes strode ahead, his usual confident stride stiff with tension. We all knew this wasn’t going to be a conversation—it was going to be a command.This was The Luna Mira we are talking about here. She never asks, always orders and commands.When Xerxes pushed open the ornate doors, we were met with our mother’s piercing gaze. She sat behind her massive oak desk, her regal demeanor as commanding as ever. Her fragrance infiltrated my nostrils the second we stepped into the room. It was a sweet mix of lavender and vanilla.Scrolls and parchments littered the surface of her desk, each likely detailing some diplomatic affair or pack tradition. She was always fascinated with those.“Ah, you’re here,” she said, setting down a quill. Her voice was cool and
TRINITYThe training room stretched wide before me, its walls lined with racks of weapons ranging from gleaming swords to well-worn staves. The faint scent of sweat and steel lingered in the air, and the floor bore the scuffs and marks of countless sparring sessions. Standing at the center with a staff clutched tightly in my hands, I felt a bead of sweat roll down my back as the triplets circled me like predators sizing up their prey.“Loosen your grip,” Liam instructed, stepping forward. His voice was calm and encouraging, but his stance was firm. “If you hold it too tight, your movements will be stiff, and you’ll tire out quickly.”I glanced down at my hands, my fingers wrapped tightly around the smooth wood. Slowly, I adjusted my grip, loosening it as he’d said. When I looked back up, he nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips.“Better. Now, let’s see if you can block.”Before I could prepare, Liam lunged forward, his movements fluid and precise. My heart raced as I instinctively
TRINITYThe sunlight filtering through the curtains woke me gently, but as my eyes fluttered open, a wave of confusion rolled over me. I was back in my room, tucked into my bed. The last thing I remembered was falling asleep by the creek, Xerxes by my side. Had he carried me back?I sat up slowly, my mind clouded with questions. The quiet of the palace felt heavy, almost foreboding. Pushing the thoughts aside, I got out of bed, dressed, and wandered into the halls.The corridors stretched before me, silent and empty, until I heard voices coming from the throne room. Curious, I followed the sound. The door was slightly ajar, and when I peeked in, I saw Xerxes, Nasir, and Liam standing in a tight circle, deep in conversation.I hesitated. Their conversation came to a halt and their eyes fell on me. It felt like I was intruding on something important. “Pardon me, I didn't mean to intrude,” I murmured, turning to leave.“Wait. Actually, we’ve been waiting for you,” Nasir called out, stop
XERXES The night was still and peaceful, the soft babble of the creek the only sound as I watched Trinity sleep. The moonlight filtered through the canopy above, casting a silvery glow over her face. Her features were delicate, relaxed in sleep, a stark contrast to the guarded expression she wore during the day. She looked... serene, almost otherworldly, as though the chaos of her world couldn’t touch her in this moment.So this is what she looked like when she wasn't looking over her shoulder. I felt this strange sensation at the thought.Could it be guilt? I don't know. What I do know is that I should be able to protect her. She should feel safe here with me, not constantly threatened.I leaned back on my elbows, studying her. There was something about her that was quietly captivating—like a puzzle I didn’t quite know how to solve. She wasn’t what I had expected from the woman I thought would be my mate, and certainly not what I had wanted at first. But now... now I wasn’t so sure