PEONY CRIMSON’S POV"Who told you so?"Zedd’s eyes narrowed as he placed a sack of potatoes next to a pile of wooden boxes. This afternoon, I helped in the kitchen, and Gloria was in the medical tent. Who would have thought that the beta himself would catch up with me and lend his hand voluntarily?I noticed a subtle difference in his demeanor and the way he stared at me. His cold, uncomfortable gaze was gone. I sensed that he was trying to be a little more friendly. Maybe he felt guilty, or Xavier just told him to be nice.To gain his trust more, I told one of his little secrets to break the ice."I saw it myself. When you drove me back to Blue Moon, you took a moment to pick some wild apples at the border because you really liked their astringent and bitter taste," I replied lightly.Zedd grinned, on the verge of disbelief and being impressed. "We were really close before, then."“Yeah, we're so close that you once told me that you were looking forward to meeting your mate. Because
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVThe unexpected sunlight that flooded the room stings my eyelids. Like an animal that had just startled out of hibernation too soon, I hissed. My eyelids fluttered open as I gathered consciousness.Someone stood next to the bed with an innocent smile, welcoming me. I blinked."Fey?"The girl pulled back the blanket, revealing my bare thighs and messy nightgown. I had been sleeping like a log since yesterday afternoon because I was swept in my own panic. I didn’t even know whether Xavier slept next to me last night—the other side of the bed was empty."Good morning, Miss. I came to help you get ready." Fey greeted her in a friendly, lilting voice. Her smile was also so formal that I cringed at it. "The bathtub is already filled with warm water. Is there a special fragrance you prefer?""Huh?" My brain was still processing her presence and everything she said."Or do you prefer to have breakfast first?" Fey asked, still looking at me, frozen on the bed. Just a few day
XAVIER ASHERIUS’S POVShock crossed Peony's face as her feet stepped back, out of my reach. Her eyes widened."No, I can't be a Luna!"Peony shouted. For the first time, she raised her voice at me. Instead of being offended, I just didn't get why she was being so hysterical when this had been confirmed since she told me about the triplets.Peony struggled to control her breathing, avoiding my hand that was about to grab her. She shook her head repeatedly. Seeing her overcome with shock made me want to hold her even more. But I let her absorb the situation, so I just leaned against the table and remained calm."After all these years, we have a chance to set things straight and return everything I should have given you long ago. With you here, plus the triplets coming soon—""I can't, Xavier!" Another shout. An octave higher.Her clear eyes displayed devastation. My hands gripped the edge of the table, along with a strange sting in my ribs.My lips voluntarily formed a wry smile, like m
XAVIER ASHERIUS’S POVThe witch stood still, her green eyes glaring straight at me. I responded with a threatening growl at her disobedience. She let out a faint gasp but then displayed a haughty expression. I was about to push her aside when she opened her arms. She blatantly prevented me from reaching for the doorknob.She was a witch and took orders from no one, but I was the owner of the place she stood on."I don't think now is a good time for you to bother Peony," Gloria hissed as venomously as a snake."I'm not bothering her."Gloria snapped her fingers. In an instant, we were transported to the private living room. Short-range teleportation, apparently. I had no time to lose in this witch's stupid game, but invisible chains restrained my legs so I could stay put."You asked her to be your Luna; that's a hell way to hit her panic button."Gloria's words discouraged me from destroying her magic. In her place, Gloria stood as still as a statue. I sensed a mixture of anger and fru
XAVIER ASHERIUS’S POVIn my arms, Peony slept as calm as a baby. Her breathing was smooth; it tickled my chest and arms. Her eyelids were tightly closed, the reddish puffiness from tears almost completely gone. A heart-of-gold woman with an innocent, relaxed sleep face.Half an hour ago, Theo sent a report via mind-link. He informed us that Lazarus had narrowed down the suspected culprits who wiped out mortals' memories of Peony and our triplets. Meanwhile, the search team expanded the area and managed to find two pearl bracelets in the border forest between the mortal and the supernatural regions.At least, there was a possibility that the triplets were still on this continent. If the culprit had been human, I would’ve crushed them and scattered their body parts into the sea.If it was indeed a vampire, oh, I'm sure Lazarus had some interesting ideas for punishment. Imagine how humiliated the vampire clan would be to find their members' lives crushed in an Alpha wolf’s grasp. If the
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVFor the rest of lunch, Xavier spent it doing his best to convince me that Elenor Garnet was nothing to him.I tried to conceal the surprise. It wasn’t plausible if Xavier hadn’t been set up with someone during his years of solitude. No matter what the Moon Goddess had planned, Xavier still hasn’t yet found his fated mate. Then he asked me to choose him. It seemed impetuous.Or maybe I was hesitant to break the mate bond with Xander. He had already made me a rogue after completely cutting me off from Blue Moon. But deep inside me, that bond was still there, tucked away and suppressed. Even if I cut it out, Xander would find out immediately.Because it would hurt me and both of us, and I didn’t know if I was ready for more pain."Fey, I have a question," I requested as I watched her reflection in the mirror. The girl was standing behind me, busy doing her best to style my hair.Since he openly declared his intention to make me a Luna, Xavier has invited me to join di
PEONY CRIMSON'S POV"Then Aunt Eve said she wanted me to get married. But I only told her to wait. I still need a lot of experience to jump into a serious relationship." Elenor's crisp laughter filled the air, followed by laughter from the other witches next to her.I behaved as instructed, or at least, in a way that wouldn't shame myself. Still, I had a hard time enjoying the moment as I sat across from a stunning Elenor, who was clinging to Xavier for her dear life.Well, I didn’t blame her. She was young, bubbly, and soulful. Whenever she laughed, everyone beamed. Her radiance illuminated every inch of the hall, as the center of attention should be.I nibbled a tiny piece of butter-seared lobster, struggling to finish the rest of the dinner in such an awkward atmosphere. Ever since the priestess's speechless stare earlier, she gave me the cold shoulder. So did the other witches.I didn't want to get my hopes up. In fact, it was good that I didn't have to beat around the bush with p
Elenor's morning tantrum was soon forgotten as Xavier explained the news Lazarus sent over a few minutes ago."This search’s starting to find some light," Xavier said, linking his fingers with mine.He rested his forehead on my shoulder and inhaled my scent deeply. A growl rumbled in his throat. "I’ve fought the urge to rush over to the mortal world and beat that vampire myself. But for the little deal I made, Lazarus already took care of it."Rose, Jasmine, and Violet were still alive. They were somewhere, either locked up or caged—both horrible—but unharmed. Lazarus just needed to draw their location from the suspected vampire he was trying to capture."They’re Children of the Moon. They’ll survive because they’re stronger than you know. The Alpha blood runs through them," Emily whispered in the back of my mind.After showering me with kisses on my cheeks and neck, Xavier left the room. My chest was a little lighter, and my breathing was much easier.But the relief didn't last long.
PEONY CRIMSON'S POV Ten years later.His tongue swept across my teeth, claiming every inch of my mouth as his own. I was breathless, but with his hand on my ass, I couldn't help but deepen our kiss. The warm spring sunlight from the window falls on my hand on Xavier's nape. In his office, I was on his lap, pausing the kiss to take a deep breath. Our eyes met, locked, and the explosion of love in my heart grew greater and greater by the second.Xavier's thumb wiped away the saliva on the corner of my lips. His golden eyes glistened with warmth. His hand on my waist gave me a sense of security and comfort that hasn't gotten old at all over the past years.Xavier's hand traveled down my skirt. His touch burned every inch of skin and stung my inner thighs. I bit my lower lip when he rubbed my skin so gently and temptingly. I could see his mischievous grin when his finger slipped under my panties.“AHEM!” I gasped in surprise, almost falling over if Xavier didn't hold my waist. We both
PEONY CRIMSON'S POVThe gravestone bore Xander's name. A sculptor from Blue Moon skillfully carved it in no time. Even the carver was shocked when he was told to write his Alpha's name on it. This was due to the unpredictability of the man's permanent departure from the world.I was still in denial too. Only a few nights ago, Xander and I were finally on the same page, but later, I witnessed his body being placed in a casket and lowered into the grave.My eyes were swollen and my cheeks were puffy. My chest ached and my head was spinning. My energy was so drained that I didn't know how I'd find the strength to stand in front of Xander's grave. I was so mentally and physically exhausted that everything felt numb.My gaze shifted to the dozens of bouquets of flowers piled up on the mound of dirt. All of Blue Moon exploded in grief when the news came, then they flocked to accompany their Alpha to his final resting place. Xander was ruthless, volatile, and as fiery as his blood-red eyes,
PEONY CRIMSON'S POV "N-No, Vi-Violet. She's gonna break her promise again and again!" I cried out, grimacing at the pain wracking my head and body every time I tried to open my mouth. Killian rewarded me with an angry glare, as his hands clenched into fists, the more pain his shadow tormented me with.“Silence!” Azalea gasped, “The first thing I'll do after absorbing her blessing is to kill you!”I laughed like crazy. “You hear that, sweetheart?”Violet pressed Rose even closer in her arms. She had a defensive look in her eyes as she shielded her sister with fierce protectiveness. Azalea seemed weary of this little game. Her steps galloped closer. No matter how loud I screamed, Killian held me down with his magic and Azriel restrained me from getting up. My face repeatedly slammed into the ground, I swallowed dust and grass, but no matter what I had to stop Azalea from touching my daughters.And then, at the promised moment, it was like time stopped and everything went silent. In a
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVMy breathing slowed, stabilized. My rage was transformed by the satisfaction of seeing the Saintess lying on the ground. The corner of my lips lifted bitterly. As I was about to turn around, Elenor's hand suddenly caught my ankle and I almost tripped."You'll never know how powerful Azalea will be." Elenor coughed.I pulled my hand free from her grip. "She will never get the chance."Ignoring her, I strode back to Luna Lucia and Violet. Both were fine, but something sparkled in Violet's eyes when she looked at me. "You're okay?" I cupped my hand to her cheek. "Let's get out."Luna Lucia shook her head. "No, I think this is my limit. I can't walk any further," she breathed tiredly, "Huft... who knows that being pregnant makes my knees weak?"I gave her a sympathetic look, grasping her hand. The baby in her belly was the future of her pack, I couldn't force her to take risks if it endangered them both. "I know. I'm so sorry for dragging you into all of this mess. B
XAVIER ASHERIUS'S POVA tangy metallic blood dripping from Felix's muzzle stung our olfaction. The crimson liquid tainted all over the ground like paint on a canvas, added with corpses with ripped open neck as finishing touch.We changed shifts back into human and walked toward Jasmine on the stone table. Poor girl tied up, eyes closed, a purplish bruise on her neck. I watched Xander loosen the rope, totally self-aware that I couldn't precede him to help the girl."Didn't hold back at all, huh?"My eyes darted to the cave door. A woman with platinum blonde so bright it'd blind others and a pair of wicked green irises. A low growl escaped Xander's throat as he saw her."Take Jasmine back to White Moon. You're needed there more. I got this," Xander growled, patting my shoulder with a straight ahead glare.Giving him a quick nod, I slipped an arm under Jasmine's neck and down her legs, carrying her. Me and Xander were basically on the same boat, with the witches’ betrayal. But as I agree
PEONY CRIMSON'S POV "Seems like there's nothing to worry about so far," Elenor murmured, settling herself in an armchair by the fireplace.So that my two daughters could feel a little more at ease in this climate of caution, the Saintess, Rose, Violet, and Luna Lucia all made their way to the library.I was confused at first; after all, how could the Darkness have known about the Gifted One's return? Luna Lucia explained that they learned a lot from the Mystwolves they killed, and that it was easy to acquire secrets, even if they were based on rumor.The point is that the Darkness had their sights set on Rose. They would reach White Moon at some point. Ha, they wanted to take my daughter? Over my dead body."Is there anything we can do here, Ma?" asked Rose, all anxious but seemingly trying to hide it by fidgeting her fingers. Violet was next to her, tense and alarmed. She kept frequent glances at Elenor. If I showed them mine, it would only worsen their mood. In this uncertain stat
XAVIER ASHERIUS'S POVAll of the trees in the Nameless Forest had leaves that were turning orange and yellow by the time autumn arrived. The dry grass crunched beneath our feet as we came to a quiet stop not far from the cave we were heading to. Other than the wind whistling and the chirping of migrant birds, there was no sound. At that point, the silence in the area made me uneasy.A black wolf next to me pricked up his ears and glared towards the cave entrance. I told the mages to go into the cave and assess the situation first, while the other wolves dispersed behind us.I couldn't help but inwardly hope that at least two or three mages would stand guard there so that I could quickly complete this mission, bring Jasmine home and return to my new life with Peony as a happy, intact family."We must rush in and wipe them out! No time for strategy!" Felion snarled, "I'll behead all of those pesky witches!"Yes, the vicious Felion was hiding behind the irrational Xander. The fury had be
PEONY CRIMSON'S POVI straightened up and sat staring at him with a kind of bitterness filling the roof of my mouth, surprised to be shoved so unkindly. "That he is worthy of forgiveness." I said, no louder than the swish of the night breeze, but as serious as a heart attack. Xavier also sat up, squaring his shoulders. He blinked, then chuckled. His hand tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear."My Queen, your jokes are hilarious," he replied, about to lead me back to bed.I shook my head. "No, I mean it," I emphasized, "The deep regret and despair mixed with anger reflected so brightly in his eyes when he talked to me."A sheen of pain smeared across Xavier's golden eyes, and he squinted. His hands dropped to the mattress and his glare hardened, slashing the air between us with disdain.It felt like a very long time had passed between us at that precise moment. At that moment, he appeared so far away and inaccessible, even though we were sitting across from one other on the same b
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVThe team leaders, gammas, and betas convened in the meeting room. I was treated far more respectfully by the members ever when I was officially introduced as Luna. They were also aware that my girls were the subject of the discussion. I could see their confused glances as they found Xander standing as far away from the table as possible, with all his pent-up anger suppressing the atmosphere. "I sent Stuart and his team to the cave where I found the triplets. When we thought it was just an ordinary one, it turned out to hold something beyond measure." Xander was the first to speak up after Xavier had summarized the problem.Stuart laid out a drawing resembling a beehive on a sheet of watercolor paper on the table. The top left corner features a cardinal arrow. The illustration had numerous tiny squares joining a series of lengthy, twisted tubes that resembled octopus tentacles.Stuart extended his forefinger to the bottom end and divided the space in half by imagin