Elowen’s POV The academy was unusually quiet that day, the whispers of students muted as I made my way through the halls. My mind was still reeling from the conversation with Lisa and the cryptic warnings from Ranon and Theron. The tension between the triplets was palpable, and I was stuck in the middle, unsure of who to trust. As I walked into the library, the faint scent of aged books and ink calmed my nerves. This was one of the few places I could think without interruption. I made my way to the farthest corner, hoping to lose myself in a book, if only for a little while. But instead, I found someone waiting for me. Amara. She was sitting at a table, her long, elegant fingers tracing patterns on an open book. Her auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing green eyes locked onto mine the moment I stepped closer. “Elowen,” she greeted, her voice warm and inviting. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” I hesitated. “You have?” She nodded, gesturing to the
Theron’s POV The drive was agonizingly silent, except for the soft hum of the car engine. Elowen sat beside me, her face turned toward the window, but her distant gaze told me she wasn’t looking at anything. It was as if she’d completely shut herself off from the world—and from me. I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my knuckles turning white. My wolf was restless, pacing in my mind, urging me to do something—anything—to ease her pain. But every time I reached out, I seemed to push her further away. Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, I broke it. “Elowen, talk to me. Please.” Her head shifted slightly, but she didn’t meet my eyes. “What’s there to talk about, Theron?” “Everything,” I said firmly. “What’s going on in your head? What’s hurting you? Let me help.” She shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. “Help? You can’t help me. No one can.” Her words stung, but I pressed on. “Don’t shut me out, Elowen. You think I don’t care, but you’re wrong. I
Alaric’s POVI stood there for a moment, watching Elowen retreat to the couch. Her arms wrapped around herself like she was trying to hold her emotions together. For a second, I almost felt something—guilt, maybe. But I pushed it aside. Weakness wasn’t an option.“Darling,” I said softly, stepping closer. “I know you’re upset, but don’t let Theron get to you. He thrives on chaos, on making you question everything.”She glanced up at me, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. “Why do you always have to fight? Why can’t any of you just let me breathe?”Her words stung more than I expected, but I forced my expression to stay soft, understanding. “I’m not here to fight, Elowen. I’m here for you.” I reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “You know that, don’t you?”She hesitated, her gaze searching mine like she was looking for answers to questions she couldn’t even voice. “I don’t know what to believe anymore,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.“Then believe t
Alaric's POV I closed the door to my room, a satisfied smirk curling my lips as I leaned against the wall. The house was quiet now, Elowen likely already in bed, caught in the illusion I’d so carefully crafted for her. I pulled my phone out of my pocket, unlocking it with a quick swipe of my finger. My thumb hovered over the photo album, a special folder tucked away in the depths of my phone. I opened it, and there they were—pictures of her. Pictures of us. Innocent at first glance. Her resting against me, her laughter caught mid-action, her flushed cheeks after our "moments." But then there were the others—the ones I’d taken in secret, capturing her vulnerability, her naivety. She had no idea these existed. I scrolled through them slowly, savoring each one like it was a prize. Each image reminded me of how easy it had been to manipulate her, to wrap her around my finger with a few sweet words and well-timed gestures. And now, in just one week, it would all come crashing
Elowen’s POV The pictures on the giant screen—intimate, vulnerable moments of Alaric and me—flashed one by one, each image a dagger to my heart. My hands trembled, my face burning with humiliation as I stood frozen in the center of the crowd. My knees buckled, my chest constricting as the whispers started around me. Laughter. Gasps. Some voices murmured in disbelief, while others relished in the humiliation I couldn’t escape. “Is this real?” “Look at her! She’s supposed to be his mate?” “Pathetic.” I wanted to scream, to run, to hide—but I couldn’t move. My eyes darted to Alaric, standing near the projector. His smirk—a wicked curve of his lips—told me everything. This wasn’t an accident. This was deliberate. “Why?” My voice was barely audible, cracked and trembling. I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing myself to ask again. “Why would you do this, Alaric?” He stepped forward, hands casually in his pockets as though this public humiliation was merely a game
Elowen’s POV The world was dark when I woke up. My head throbbed, and my body felt heavy, pinned down by an unseen weight. Slowly, I opened my eyes to see faint light streaming through the cracks of an unfamiliar ceiling. My breath hitched. Where was I? I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in my side forced me to stay down. The events from earlier slammed into me like a tidal wave—Alaric’s betrayal, Lisa’s cruelty, Ranon’s confession, and the rogue attack. My heart ached as if someone had torn it out and crushed it beneath their heel. The door creaked open, and a figure stepped inside. It was Theron. His shirt was torn, blood smeared across his arms, and his face was etched with worry. “You’re awake,” he said, his voice filled with relief. I didn’t respond. My throat felt raw, and the words I wanted to say were trapped behind the storm of emotions swirling inside me. Theron knelt beside the bed, his eyes searching mine. “Elowen, are you okay?” I blinked at him, unsure if I
Elowen's POV As the wolf remained crouched, its presence oddly comforting, my sobs gradually quieted. My breath came in ragged gasps as I wiped my face with trembling hands. The forest was silent again, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. The wolf took another tentative step forward, its golden eyes gleaming in the dim moonlight. I didn’t flinch this time. Instead, I just stared at it, my exhaustion outweighing my fear. “What do you want from me?” I whispered, my voice hoarse. It tilted its head, studying me like it could understand the weight of my question. “I’m broken,” I continued, my voice cracking. “I don’t know who to trust anymore. Everyone I thought cared about me…” I trailed off, shaking my head as fresh tears threatened to fall. The wolf let out another low whine, its ears flattening slightly as if it could feel my pain. I sniffled, wrapping my arms tighter around myself. “I’m not strong enough for this. I never was. They a
Elowen's POV The forest was silent, save for the soft rustling of leaves in the wind and the distant howls of wolves. I stood there, my knees trembling, as the golden-eyed wolf I’d come to trust and depend on transformed before my eyes. His powerful form shifted, fur melting into skin, muscles rippling as he stood up straight. The air around him shimmered with an energy that was unmistakable. And then he was standing in front of me, not as a wolf, but as a man—a breathtakingly handsome man. His features were striking, sharp jawline, chiseled body, and eyes that burned with an intensity I couldn’t look away from. His hair was wild, a mix of dark brown and gold that caught the moonlight, making him seem almost ethereal. But it wasn’t just his appearance that stole my breath. It was the way he held himself—confident, powerful, yet somehow gentle. He looked at me with an expression that spoke volumes—one of recognition, longing, and something deeper, something I couldn’t yet place. Hi
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