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.
ELENOR GARNET'S POVMy teeth chattered, and I grabbed the table edge so firmly it nearly cracked. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I quickly wiped them away hastily. My chest rumbled with jealousy that had been building up since last night.I had spent the last of the boring winter in Colvon, listening to Eve's lengthy advice and following her like a duckling. I had spent my nights researching new artifacts and magic so that I could bring them back to White Moon and present them to Xavier. To let him know that I was a good girl who did everything for him.But Xavier had broken me with that announcement. There was another woman he was going to crown as Luna.My shoulders trembled. I thought back on Peony Crimson, who stood quietly next to Xavier when he welcomed my coven. A woman with radiant, beautifully styled blackish-brown hair, clear eyes filled with foreign determination and natural grace, and so many heavenly features that I could hardly admit it because I felt I could never comp
ELENOR GARNET'S POVI hopped down the window, easily landing on the floor of the room thanks to the agility of my four furry Calico legs.Even with this cat's chubby body, I could freely sneak around wherever I pleased. I grinned. I wasn't really good at it, but this transformation magic helped me know what it would be like to be a werewolf. Except when shifting, their animal bodies were many times bigger than my cat form.If I could choose my transformation form, I would definitely choose to be a winged beast. Like Eve, who can transform into a dashing eagle that soars through the sky. However, since my power was unstable, my choice was limited to the fat Calico cat I now saw in the reflection of the mirror.It had a round belly with sagging fat, three-colored furs that often fell out, and four fat legs that couldn't run fast. Everything about this form was ugly, even though it was effective for sneaking around. At least this cat’s eyes were bright orange. Almost like my unruly frizz
PEONY CRIMSON'S POVEverything around the packmansion burned as the fire spread wildly through the building, destroying plants, furniture, and anything else in its path. Dark plumes of smoke soared up to meet the gray, gloomy clouds. Thunder rang out in the distance, mixed with grieving screams and cries from all directions.The thick scent of blood and death assaulted my senses; my stomach was all knotted up. I did my best to balance myself so I could stand. as far as my eyes could see. My heart ripped out of my chest when, in the middle of the clearing area, I saw my eldest daughter gasping for air.Violet's breath formed a white mist. Her body was bent at an odd angle, as if it were weighed down by something. I stared in horror at a pair of huge black feathery wings glued to her back.Quietly, Violet rotated her body to face me. Blood and dirt covered her bone-dry face. Her feet and hands looked more like a beast’s than a human’s, complete with sharp, pointy claws. The tang of bloo
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