PEONY CRIMSON'S POV I gave a nod of agreement. I quietly trailed behind him as he led me to his office, my head hanging low. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.We were seated facing each other. He maintained an upright posture behind his desk, while I felt myself sinking into the sofa in front of him. We both remained silent for ten long minutes, creating a kind of skin-tingling stillness.I lifted my chin. Xavier seemed so distant. I wanted to peer into his head, whisper to his wolf, and understand his current state of mind. He didn't look at me, even though I desperately wanted him to.I discreetly coughed to clear my throat."So, what did you want to talk about?" I asked, "Because if I take up too much of your time, it might complicate your work."Xavier cast a disinterested glance at the paperwork resting on the right side of his desk. "They can wait. Can the triplets adapt here?""I think so. As you've seen from how they treat you. They have a fondness for you."I force
PEONY CRIMSON'S POVI tried so hard to ignore Xavier's silent treatment and decided to shake things off because I had a crucial task ahead of me.In the morning, Rose, Jasmine, and Violet emerged from their room for the very first time. Gloria and Alana both confirmed that they were in perfect health. As a result, I decided to take them for a leisurely walk around the vast grounds of the packmansion.I couldn't tell whether it was their adorable innocence or their carefree nature, but the staff who walked by us didn't display any negative reaction whatsoever. I noticed Mrs. Gillian blushing as she handed Jasmine a packet of chocolate cookies.We went to the garden before the sun rose too high. Rose, Jasmine, and Violet have only been able to play in the cramped apartment area, the dry backyard, and the school. They were only familiar with the city, whereas White Moon was the complete opposite. So, they were completely unfamiliar with everything here.The world seemed to smile at me w
PEONY CRIMSON’S POV"Mama..."Rose extended her hand, and I quickly grasped it. The warmth transferred from her skin to mine."I'm right here, baby," I replied.I furrowed my brow as I noticed how red my daughter's cheeks were. I placed my fingers on her wrist and detected a pulse that was faster than usual. I felt an overwhelming sense of worry, as if lightning had struck my heart on a rainy day.I sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to hold Violet's hand. Although her eyes remained closed, I could perceive the discomfort in her expression. Sweat trickled down her temples. Her face had a flushed appearance, resembling a ripe tomato in the spring. Jasmine had a similar appearance.I gently touched each of their foreheads, one by one. It is warm. Rose complained once more, further exacerbating my anxiety.Gloria arrived in the room shortly after, equally surprised to find my triplets still lying in bed at ten in the morning."They all have fevers," I replied as I ruffled Rose's
PEONY CRIMSON'S POV"Your visit has already ended. Now you're trespassing," Xavier scolded as he stood up straight. He exuded an intense, icy rage, causing me to shudder once again.Gloria gave me a questioning look, but I shook my head. I hadn't expected Xander to actually return to White Moon this soon, and at such an inopportune time, either.I turned my attention from Xander to the slender woman standing beside him. Her long platinum blonde hair cascaded freely down her shoulders and back, resembling threads of gold. She looked around the dining hall with kindness and grace, her eyes shining like emeralds. She had a graceful smile that didn't exaggerate her rosy lips.Here she was: Archmage Azalea Crescent of the Raven, the second Luna of Blue Moon, the strongest witch in three generations.I felt a sharp pain that radiated from my chest and traveled through my veins. Despite Azalea's outstanding display as Xander's ideal partner, she still looked like the woman who took everythin
XAVIER ASHERIUS'S POV A feeling of darkness welled up within me as Peony obediently positioned herself on the couch, directly facing Xander and his Luna. I was aware that Peony was in a lot of discomfort because she had to deal with the people who had taken everything from her."Can't we get some privacy here?" Xander asked, raising an eyebrow.Zedd, Chadwick, and the Deltas looked at me for orders. I nodded."If you'll excuse us," Zedd said, then stepped to the door along with the others. Even Gloria, who had come into the living room with Peony,I noticed Peony's hand trembling as she squeezed the hem of her dress. I would do anything in the world to bring her into my arms, but after what happened recently and how I avoided her..."Brother, isn't it exhausting to just stand there? Get seated with us.""Don't order me around."I growled at him, not moving an inch from my position in front of the window. At least the morning breeze that blew through the crack in the window eased the
PEONY CRIMSON'S POVOh, shoot.I hadn't told my triplets about teleportation magic. So, when Azalea swung her forefinger and a whirlwind surrounded us in time and space travel, all I heard were their loud panicked screams.We finally reached our destination, a cozy living room with country-style decor. There were two sets of brown sofas, each facing the other, adorned with soft beige cushions. A glass table sat in between them.The room was filled with the orange rays of the afternoon sun streaming in through two tall windows that were without curtains. Azalea's hand swiped the sidewall, instantly igniting a blue flame from the attached fireplace.Rose, Jasmine, and Violet stared at me in astonishment, their faces filled with curiosity and a multitude of questions begging to be asked. They didn't have the courage to ask them because Xander was watching them closely."We've here. Not much has changed here, don't you think?" asked Xander, his eyes darkening.Oh, please. Even if he turne
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVRose, Jasmine, and Violet's joyful laughter filled the air. As we leisurely walk along the cobblestone path, we exchange jokes and respond enthusiastically to Rose's plant trivia.In the morning, I brought my daughters to a quaint garden located beside the cottage. The garden was designed as a decorative feature and to entertain the visiting guests. Its purpose was mainly ceremonial, but it was enjoyable to bring guests there and show them the fountain.Or maybe it was my way to push away my bad thoughts about that damn curse.My steps stopped. At the end of the cobblestone path, Xander waited. I felt my daughters stiffen."Ask Gloria for help preparing lunch. Don't forget to wash your hands!" I instructed my triplets."Okay, Mama!"They answered in unison, then ran to the back door of the cottage.I strode towards him. "What do you want?" I demanded irritably.He gave me a mocking half smile, and he replied casually, "I just paid a visit to see how they adapted he
PEONY CRIMSON'S POV "She's having trouble getting it," I reported to Gloria after my deep talk with the triplets ended with Violet asking a question I couldn't answer.Gloria raised her finger, signaling for me to be quiet for a moment, as she quickly finished her smoothie. Usually, she would choose wine, but since it was ten o'clock and my daughters were around, she opted for something else."Well, basically, Violet never hesitates to show her opinion. Just give her time. She'll get over it. No matter how stubborn she is, she's still a kid." Gloria responded lightly.I leaned against the kitchen island, grumbling, "Didn't you think that they would all understand?""Rose and Jasmine did." Gloria shrugged.I took a quick look out the window and saw my triplets playing happily in the backyard. Violet remained present, though she sat quietly on her knees, completely disregarding her two sisters who were running around.I wished I could say something to ease her, but the words were stuck
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