Alaric's Pov I lay in the darkness of my room, staring at the ceiling, the silence pressing down on me like a weight. Sleep was impossible. My thoughts were consumed by her—Elowen. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her face, the fiery anger in her eyes, the heartbreak I had caused. Frustrated, I sat up and ran a hand through my hair. “Fuck,” I muttered under my breath, my voice echoing in the stillness of the room. "What the hell is wrong with me?" I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees, my fingers tugging at my hair. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. I was supposed to break her, to ruin her, to humiliate her so thoroughly that she’d never recover. And I had done it. I’d destroyed her trust, shattered her spirit in front of everyone. Yet now, as the memory of her tears replayed in my mind, all I felt was an ache in my chest that I couldn’t shake. "Why am I feeling this way?" I growled, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why the hell am I falling for her so deeply?"
Ranon 's POV The next morning started with an ominous gray sky. Rain fell in a relentless downpour, soaking the academy grounds and leaving puddles scattered along the cobblestone paths. I leaned against one of the pillars near the courtyard, my arms crossed, watching the students scurry to avoid getting drenched. But my eyes were searching for one person. Her. And then I saw her—Elowen. She walked beside Kael, her head tilted toward him as he spoke, a soft smile playing on her lips. My wolf growled low in my chest, the sound rumbling through my mind like distant thunder. He stirred uncomfortably, his emotions a tangled mess of anger and frustration. "What the hell is he doing with her?" I muttered under my breath, narrowing my eyes at the scene before me. Kael was carrying an umbrella, holding it over both their heads as they walked together. And then, as if the bastard knew I was watching, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. The sight made my
Ranon's PoV As the rain poured relentlessly, I strode back into the academy building, my fists clenched so tightly that my knuckles ached. The whispers and murmurs of students filled the halls as they cast curious glances my way. Everyone had seen the interaction in the courtyard—seen how she’d chosen him. Kael. The name grated on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. I slammed open the door to my room, letting it crash against the wall. My wolf was seething, his rage simmering just beneath the surface. "You let her walk away," he growled. "You let him win. She’s ours, Ranon, and yet you stood there like a fool while he played protector." I yanked my damp shirt off and threw it across the room. "Shut up," I muttered, pacing back and forth. "It’s not over. It’s far from over." My wolf growled lowly, his anger mingling with my own. "You saw how she looked at him. How she smiled at him. She’s slipping away, Ranon." I stopped in my tracks, gripping the edge of my desk so hard I tho
Ranon's POV As Elowen and Kael disappeared from view, I stood in the hallway, my chest heaving with a mix of frustration and something I hated to admit—pain. The whispers around me were deafening now, each one like a dagger to my pride. "Did you see that? Ranon looks... defeated." "I’ve never seen him like this before. Do you think he actually cares about her?" Care? I scoffed internally, forcing myself to regain composure. The very idea was laughable. This wasn’t about caring; it was about power, control, and the undeniable truth that Elowen was mine. No one else could have her. Especially not Kael. I stormed out of the hallway, the stares of the students burning into my back. My wolf, Eza, was unusually quiet, simmering in the same turmoil I felt. When I reached the training grounds, I punched the nearest wooden training dummy with such force that it cracked. "Damn it!" I roared, my voice echoing through the empty space. My wolf finally spoke, his voice a growl in
Theron 's POV The next morning, I woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. I wasn’t going to let anyone—or anything—stand between me and Elowen. Kade had been right. She was our mate, and no matter how much she tried to push me away, I couldn’t abandon the bond.I got dressed quickly, pulling on a black shirt and jeans before heading out. As I walked down the hallway, I caught snippets of conversations. Whispers about Elowen and Kael were everywhere."Did you see them yesterday? Kael put his jacket on her like they were a couple!""I heard they’re always together now. Isn’t she supposed to be mates with the triplets?"The words made my blood boil, but I forced myself to stay calm. Storming into the academy like a jealous lunatic wouldn’t help.As I entered the main courtyard, I saw her. Elowen was standing near the fountain with Kael, the two of them laughing about something. She looked...happy. It was a sight I hadn’t seen in so long, and it twisted something deep inside me.Kade gr
Elowen's POVI stormed down the dark hallway, my heart pounding as my lips tingled from Theron’s kiss. I pressed my fingers to my mouth, desperate to wipe away the lingering sensation of him, but it was futile. The warmth of his lips, the raw intensity of the kiss—it was all burned into my memory. How dare he? Anger and confusion swirled within me as I pushed open the heavy doors that led outside. Rain poured from the heavens, soaking me instantly, but I didn’t care. The cold droplets felt grounding, washing away the chaos threatening to consume me. I couldn’t understand why I let myself kiss him back. After everything he and his brothers had done, after the pain and humiliation they’d inflicted on me, how could I betray myself like that? I clenched my fists, my nails biting into my palms. No. This can’t happen again. I can’t let them mess with my head anymore. I have to stay strong.A low growl echoed in my mind. “Good,” my wolf, Nyra, said. “Use that anger, Elowen. Let it fu
Elowen POV "Then you need to try harder," I said, my voice trembling. "Because all you’re doing is making this worse."Theron stepped closer, the rain dripping from his hair onto his face. His expression was raw, vulnerable, a side of him I rarely saw. "I don’t know how to stay away, Elowen. Every time I see you, every time I hear your voice, it pulls me in. I can’t fight it anymore."I swallowed hard, my chest tightening. "You don’t get to say that, Theron. Not after everything you and your brothers have done to me."His jaw clenched, his hands balled into fists at his sides. "I know," he said quietly. "I know I’ve hurt you, and I’ll never forgive myself for it. But I—" He hesitated, his voice faltering. "I can’t stand seeing you with Kael. It drives me insane. The thought of him touching you, holding you... I can’t bear it.""Do you think that makes this any better?" I snapped, anger rising in my chest again. "Do you think jealousy excuses the way you’ve treated me? It doesn’t, The
Elowen's POVThe rain had finally stopped by the time I reached my room, though the storm inside me raged on. My hands were trembling as I locked the door behind me, my wet clothes clinging to my skin like an unwelcome reminder of everything that had just happened.Ranon.Theron. Alaric. Kael.Why couldn’t they leave me alone? Why did they have to keep complicating my life when I was already barely holding it together?I sank onto the edge of my bed, my fingers brushing over my lips again, the ghost of Theron’s kiss still lingering. It wasn’t just the kiss—it was the way he looked at me afterward, as if I were the only thing that mattered in his world.I wanted to hate him for it. I wanted to hate all of them.But the truth was, I couldn’t shake the way my heart betrayed me every time they were near.A sharp knock at the door broke through my thoughts, making me jump.“Elowen, it’s Kael,” came the familiar voice.I hesitated, my emotions still raw from everything that had happened. “Go
Elowen’s POV We sat like that for a long time, our hands clasped across the cool wood of the kitchen table, the silence a comfortable tapestry woven with unspoken affection and shared understanding. The gentle ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway marked the slow passage of the late hour, each tick a quiet affirmation of the peaceful intimacy that enveloped us. The moonlight continued its silent vigil through the arched window, bathing the deserted kitchen in a soft, ethereal glow. Alaric’s thumb continued its slow, soothing strokes across the back of my hand, a simple gesture that spoke volumes of his quiet tenderness. His silver eyes, still softened by the late hour, held a steady gaze, a silent reassurance that transcended the need for words. In that moment, the complexities of our lives, the ever-present awareness of the triplets’ possessiveness, the weight of the Academy’s scrutiny – all of it seemed to recede, leaving only the profound connection between Alaric and m
Elowen’s POV The remainder of the evening passed with a renewed sense of quiet solidarity. The brief intrusion by Lysander had served as a stark reminder of the outside world’s perception of our unconventional bond, but it had also solidified the unwavering unity between the triplets and me. Ranon’s possessive hand never left mine, Alaric’s protective arm remained draped across my shoulders, and Theron’s occasional sardonic remarks were now laced with an extra layer of territoriality. Later, as the common room emptied and the Academy settled into its nightly quiet, we retreated to the triplets’ suite. The familiar comfort of their shared living space, the scent of their combined pheromones a soothing balm to my senses, eased the lingering tension of the day. Ranon had built a roaring fire in the hearth, the flickering flames casting dancing shadows on the stone walls. Alaric was meticulously cleaning his blades, the rhythmic shick-shick of the whetstone a familiar sound. Theron was
Elowen’s POV The night with Ranon was a whirlwind of raw sensation and possessive tenderness. His touch was demanding, his kisses branding, each caress a silent claim. Yet, beneath the fierce exterior, there was a surprising gentleness, a deep-seated need to connect on a level that transcended mere physicality. We lost ourselves in each other, the cool stone of the gazebo a stark contrast to the burning heat of our bodies entwined under the watchful gaze of the moon. When dawn finally broke, painting the sky in soft hues of pink and gold, I awoke nestled in his arms, the lingering scent of our passion clinging to the air. He was still asleep, his dark hair tousled, his strong arms wrapped protectively around me. A sense of deep contentment settled within me, a quiet understanding of the intricate tapestry of my relationships with the triplets. Each connection was unique, each filled a different part of me, and last night had been a powerful reminder of the intense, undeniable bond
Elowen’s POV The rest of the day at the Academy passed in a blur of lectures and drills, each moment punctuated by the subtle awareness of the triplets’ watchful gazes. Ranon’s hand never strayed far, a possessive warmth against my skin. Alaric’s silver eyes followed me with a quiet intensity, a silent promise of unwavering support. Theron’s sharp observations and sardonic remarks were always directed my way, a constant, teasing reminder of our intertwined lives. The undercurrent of the morning’s events lingered, a subtle shift in the way the other students interacted with me. There was a newfound respect, tinged with a healthy dose of fear, in their eyes. Caelum’s defeat at my hands had clearly sent a ripple through the Academy’s hierarchy. As dusk began to paint the sky in hues of fiery orange and soft violet, we found ourselves in the training gardens, a secluded sanctuary tucked away behind the main buildings. The air was fragrant with the scent of night-blooming jasmine and da
Elowen’s POV The air in the Academy’s combat hall, a vast chamber usually echoing with the clang of steel and the grunts of exertion, crackled with a palpable, almost electric tension even before Professor Lyra’s crisp voice sliced through the anticipatory silence. I sat wedged between Alaric and Theron on the long, polished wooden bench that lined the edge of the expansive sparring floor. Ranon, ever the sentinel, hadn’t allowed me more than a few feet of breathing room since the charged intimacy of the rooftop. His calloused fingers, possessive and reassuring, grazed the back of my hand every few heartbeats, a silent, tactile reminder to both himself and anyone watching that I was still within his orbit—still his. But the moment Caelum stepped onto the gleaming sparring floor, a ripple of altered energy spread through the room, a subtle shift in the students’ collective focus. He moved with a predatory grace, his tall, muscular frame encased in black training leathers that seemed
Elowen's POV Second Round – Alaric. Alaric was already waiting in the center of the mat, rolling his broad shoulders, his dark hair pulled back in a tight knot, his jaw set with a focused determination. His silver eyes were locked on mine – not intense with possessiveness like Ranon’s, not teasingly sharp like Theron’s. Just… intensely focused, a silent promise of a challenging but fair fight. “You okay, sunshine?” he asked softly, his voice a low rumble that only I could hear, even as we began to circle each other, the tension between us a palpable thing. “I’m always okay, Alaric.” The automatic response felt hollow, even to my own ears. “You don’t have to be, you know.” His gaze softened for a fleeting moment, a hint of the gentle soul beneath the stoic exterior. Before I could formulate a response, he struck, his movements fast and powerful, each blow precise and calculated. Alaric fought like a controlled storm – a whirlwind of disciplined chaos. And he always, always pushe
Elowen’s POVThe morning sun, a brazen intruder, spilled through the expansive glass windows of the Academy’s combat arena, painting the polished stone floors in streaks of gold and illuminating the raw tension that already thrummed beneath the surface of the bustling room. The air crackled with a palpable anticipation, a familiar energy that always accompanied combat drills, especially those involving the top-tier Alphas – the triplets.But this morning felt different. The usual undercurrent of excitement was thick with a new layer of scrutiny, a palpable curiosity that had intensified ever since the stolen kisses – Ranon’s desperate claim on the rooftop, Alaric’s gentle solace in the rain-soaked gardens, Theron’s fiery promise in the quiet of his room. Every stolen glance, every shared secret, had seemingly been magnified under the Academy’s ever-watchful eyes.Whispers, sharp and insidious, clung to the edges of the walls like grasping shadows, their hushed tones carrying the weigh
Elowen’s POVThe morning light, sharp and unforgiving, sliced through the tall arched windows of the Academy halls, illuminating the usual early-hour bustle of students shuffling to classes, their hushed whispers and the rhythmic thud of training boots echoing off the ancient stone walls. But this morning, the familiar weight of the Academy’s ever-present scrutiny felt different, amplified by the lingering sensations of the night before.I walked into the classroom, the ghost of Ranon’s calloused hands still imprinted on my skin, the phantom warmth of his possessive grip a constant reminder. The echo of his desperate, hungry kiss still lingered on my lips, a secret fire that threatened to betray the tremor in my hands. It was a different kind of awareness that accompanied me now, a knowledge shared in the darkness, a boundary crossed under the silent watch of the stars.He sat near the back of the spacious classroom, his chair tilted back at that characteristic, precarious angle that
Elowen’s POV “Ranon,” I breathed, my voice a ragged whisper, a plea that echoed the desperate yearning in the depths of my soul. The question in his burning golden eyes needed no verbal answer; the overwhelming need within me was a language all its own. In a single, fluid movement that spoke of his inherent strength and a sudden, fierce urgency, he swept me off the cold stone wall, his powerful arms cradling my weight as if I were no more than a feather. My legs wrapped instinctively around his waist, a silent, primal claiming, a desperate embrace that mirrored the magnetic pull between us. He carried me with a focused intensity to the center of the rooftop, where a small, timeworn stone bench sat nestled against the crumbling outer wall, a silent witness to countless nights under the watchful gaze of the stars. He lowered me carefully onto the smooth, flat surface, the ancient stone instantly cold against my heated skin, a stark contrast to the inferno raging within me. He stepped