PEONY CRIMSON'S POV"MAMA! Jasmine’s drowning!"Rose's frantic screams tore through the air. I caught her hand, wrapping my arms around her swiftly before she intended to plunge into the tributary as well."I know, my dear, I know," I whispered, trying to calm Rose. She started sobbing, while I had to hold myself together as best I could to keep from drowning in panic.Xander stopped next to me. His red eyes widened. Because instead of me or him, it was Azalea who was now swimming in the current.The moment that separated life and death was brief, yet Azalea's hand managed to reach Jasmine's. The swift water carried their forms away."Mrs. Azalea!" Violet shouted."Will they both be alright?" asked Rose through her tears."Let's hope so."Just one second after that, Azalea had reached the tributary's edge, and Jasmine was droopy in her arms. As soon as she hit the ground, Xander sprang into action to assist her.The Alpha himself laid Jasmine down on the grass as he kneeled next to he
PEONY CRIMSON'S POVI purposely placed the phone on the kitchen island, turning on the loudspeaker so his voice would fill the cottage’s silence."Gloria said there was wolf energy mixed in, so she couldn’t be sure if it was caused by Violet's emotional outburst or other magical phenomenon. Either way, it's still unexplainable."My best friend passed out on the floor, holding two whiskey bottles. I took a quick look at her. Two hours ago, Gloria started crying about her failed date while she opened any booze she could find in the cellar.My loneliness and the hope that Violet would open the door led me to make the decision to call Xavier as midnight drew near. From the faint squeak, I could tell he was sitting behind his desk. It wasn't long for me to fill him in on everything that happened."This is the first time I've heard this, so I think you should always keep an eye on her. Does anyone else know?" Xavier asked.I knew this because, under the influence of wine, my mind started pl
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVIt was like stepping into a dense, ominous fog when I charged into Killian's shadows. That mage arrived in front of the timber door, and I could barely reach him."Leave them alone," I hissed, grabbing his hand and forcing him to stop.Killian showed off his maddening smirk. My warning only fueled him as he approached Rose, Violet, and the young mage, who immediately bowed their heads respectfully. Azalea arrived a second after us.Killian put both hands on his waist, bending his body over. He scanned Rose and Violet in turn. I wrapped an arm around both girls' shoulders protectively, hissing in annoyance at him.His seaweed-green eyes gleamed, narrowing in delight. "Wow, you guys look like mini-Peony," he complimented. "One, two, huh? Where's the other one?"“Back off!"I glared at Azalea, indirectly telling her to put shackles on him before he did whatever he had-in-mind and threatened my babies."It looks like Jasmine still needs to rest today." Instead of pulli
XANDER ALVERIUS'S POVKillian pulled his hand back from Peony's chin. She immediately turned her head in the other direction, out of sight of both me and the mage. I saw her shoulders stiffen. Along with the faint scent of anger among her floral scent, my hands clenched into fists.Killian held up a hand. "Oh, calm down, Xander. I was just joking."My jaw hardened. "I don't hear anyone laughing in here.""Easy, big boss." Killian laughed. "She's not harmed, just a little upset."In the back of my mind, Felion growled low and bared his teeth, all canines flashing white. "This is not about being upset!" The beast barked. Grasping Peony's right arm, I coerced her into looking directly at me. As a result, she scowled at me furrowing her brow. . "What did he do to you?" I demanded sternly.She gritted her teeth, shaking off my hand. "Nothing.""Tell me, Peony," I insisted.Peony gulped, her breath catching as she answered heavily, "He asked me to sleep with him."Something erupted behi
XANDER ALVERIUS'S POV "Ugh, this won't fade away," I muttered. Looking into the mirror, I could see that my wounded arm was still visible. This wound ought to have left no visible mark, as a result of regeneration. On top of that, stitches had helped it. However, what I observed was a hideous scar that looked like a birthmark.The door to the room opened, Azalea entered. Her eyes immediately fixated on my arm."Husband, what happened to you?" she asked as she carefully held my arm."Just finished disciplining your damn brother." I growled. Azalea let out a short breath, bored and not at all surprised. "What did he do?""Ignoring my orders."Her green orbs continued to observe the ugly scar. Her forehead wrinkled as her thumb rubbed gently over the stitches."The wound is stitched up. Who—""Peony helped." I cut her in, then lowered my sleeves. "Tell Stuart to clear my schedule for today. Your brother is in the infirmary, go check on him if you want."The Archmage froze in her pos
PEONY CRIMSON'S POVI shifted the phone from left to right, sandwiching it between my ear and shoulder. The bowl and mixer made use of both of my hands. I was in the middle of making lemon crinkle cookies when the call from Xavier came. "Tomorrow?""Yes, the Alphas' Conference usually lasts for two days. However, I intend to stay longer to visit the Academy library."Xavier's voice was like a pleasant melody."And I think it would be great if you could come along too. We can go to the library together."I turned off the mixer, put it down, and then held the phone properly. We were talking about finding information about the Mystwolf and going to the Academy library was the most appropriate choice. Not only that, I might also find a thing or two about my triplets' curse. My smile widened. "My pleasure." But it also immediately vanished. "But is that possible?"The Moonshadow Forest wasn’t located somewhere in this world. It was the territory within the Moon Goddess' own embrace. To
PEONY CRIMSON'S POV"Mama always makes that face after fighting with Papa."My head jerked up. Rose's clear eyes were watching me concernedly. Her dark hair frolicked in the wind that slipped in through the car window, not bothering her at all.We were on our way to the pack’s library in the southwest. Green trees scattered on either side of the road. In the front seat, Violet watched outside enthusiastically. Meanwhile, in the seat behind me, Jasmine and Gloria were chatting away.Because of the shouting match that ended in awkwardness, Xander's decision became unassailable. He even ordered Ricki to take me straight to the library-or that was just his attempt to make sure I stayed in the pack.I forced a smile that sure looked like a horse's sneer. "Is that so?""Is there a problem?" Rose asked again, concern still thick in her voice. I stroked her hair lovingly."No." I shook my head. Taking a short pause, I continued, "Papa and Mama really don't get along. You can be sure that th
PEONY CRIMSON'S POV The week flew by as I decided to suck what I saw up. I didn't talk about it to anyone. I was too engulfed in disquiet to directly ask Xander or Azalea. All I did was smile as if I'd never seen anything.My focus was floating amongst the moonlight raining down on the floor when I heard the faint sound of the door swinging open. I sat up. Xander's figure came into the light of the bed lamp. His perfectly sculpted face looked worn out as his flashing crimson eyes found me."Where have you been?" I asked softly as I scooted closer to him. My hand reached out for him, but he moved to the center of the room instead."Xander?"Three lines appeared on his forehead as he unbuttoned his shirt. The shadowy silhouette on his face indicated like he was on edge, but it was quickly hidden when he glanced away.Without paying attention to me, he asked coldly, "Why are you still up? I thought you were already asleep.""I was waiting for you."I glanced at the clock. It showed two
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