PEONY CRIMSON’S POV
I didn’t get a decent night’s sleep while my daughters were still out there. It wasn't clear how they were doing. Since I gave birth to them six years ago, I never relinquished their hands for more than seven hours.
Every second, I always wanted to see Rose, Jasmine, and Violet. They’re the driving force behind my determination to keep going in this cruel world.
I laid down on my triplet’s big bed. I sniffed their scent heartily, hoping to get a little clue about their whereabouts. I also opened the window wide. It made it easy for me to pray to the Moon Goddess, who I believed was watching me from the sky.
Imperceptibly, tears melted from the end of my eyes. I managed to get the comfort I wanted for Rose, Jasmine, and Violet, but why did the new problem appear? I sobbed alone, hugging my daughters' favorite teddy bears.
Xander shouldn't come into my new life. I was tired of crying, begging, and even fighting for my position just to be seen in his eyes. But everything between us was over. I knew I deserved my happiness.
My tears subsided slowly. I needed more than tears to find Rose, Jasmine, and Violet. I can't just do nothing.
Morning arrived at the same time as I finished the preparations. I contacted the landlord and paid him the rent for two months, as I didn't know how long it would take me during my search.
"What are you gonna do, Peony?"
Gloria squealed in surprise when she saw me appear at her doorstep.
"Where are you going?" asked the witch when she saw the big backpack I was carrying.
"I have to find my triplets, Gloria. Do you still keep some strengthening potions and sharp
weapons? I haven't fought for so long. I’m uneasy that my claws are dull." I asked her a little hastily.
Gloria looked surprised, then took my hand.
"Hold a minute, young lady! Don’t be like that. Please come in and let's talk about it carefully!" she said, pushing me into her apartment.
Then Gloria compelled me to sit on the sofa and poured me a cup of chamomile tea. But I'm not in the mood to drink tea or waste time to chit-chat. So I put the cup on the table and saw the disappointment on Gloria's face.
"I don't have time for this, Gloria. Please give me the items I've mentioned," I pleaded.
Gloria probably didn't take my words seriously.
"But where are you going? What are your plans?" asked Gloria, but I clammed up because I was at a loss for words.
"You don't have any plans, do you?" The witch guessed me precisely.
Indeed, it's because she knows me so well.
Gloria seemed to read my thoughts and added, "Peony, I know you. I hear you. I know the disappearance of Rose, Jasmine, and Violet is a serious issue, but you can't move without knowing where you're going!"
Gloria's remarks were actual. I didn’t deny it. It just irks me that she spoke the truth.
"Then do you have any other solutions? You told me that you can't track them with your magic!" I exclaimed. There was a look of shock and confusion on Gloria's face. I fell silent after realizing my mistake.
I sighed and picked up the teacup. I sipped tea in one so I could calm down. "Sorry, I didn't mean to blame you, Glo. It's just...."
Gloria inched closer, taking my hand. I don't know what magic she released, but I felt a comforting warmth when I looked at her. Gloria rubbed the back of my hand gently and then nodded slightly.
Then the witch stepped towards one of the rooms. Five minutes later, she returned with some daggers and told me to choose. I took a pair of daggers that provided the most comfortable hold. Not only that, but Gloria also took a few bottles of potions for me.
"I said I hear you, right? I hope to help you more than this."
"Please keep Xander away from my apartment. That's all you can do. Thanks for all this."
"Sure. I will." Gloria nodded. "But, are you sure Xander kidnapped your triplets?"
I smiled wryly. "Yes. I knew that Xander demanded an answer. He’s a man who will do anything to get what he wants. I'm sure he took Rose, Jasmine, and Violet away so I could admit that they were his."
"And Xander even appeared on your doorstep after your daughters disappeared. Isn't it weird?"
"He just pretended to be stupid and didn't want to admit his mistake. He hasn't changed at all since long ago."
I exhaled, then put the potions into the bag while I tied the daggers on my thigh and waist.
"I have to go now."
Gloria caught up with me before I reached the door. "Hey, didn't I say you can't leave without a plan?"
"If I find any clues, I can make them," I replied lightly.
"I thought this search would be too strenuous if you had to do it alone. Isn't there someone you can turn to for help?" Gloria asked, "I remember you mentioned that Xander had a brother... He might be able to help you."
I froze in my tracks. Gloria's question threw me into memories of the past, bringing out the stunning face of a man in my memory. I brushed that figure away from my head quickly.
"Ah... Xavier?" I smiled wryly, "No, I thought it was a bad idea. I prefer to keep my distance from both of them."
"Was it a bumpy relationship between the two of you?"
I shook my head. "All I could say more precisely… It wasn’t working."
"But if you come to him and tell him everything, will he help you?"
"I'm not sure."
"Does anyone else know about Xander that you can turn to for help?"
"Ugh, beats me...."
"Then no one knows unless we give it a try."
"There’s a chance that Xavier doesn't want to get involved with his twin anymore."
"Peony... Do we have any other option here?"
"Oh, Gloria... I’m done dealing with people from my past."
Gloria put one hand on her waist. From the look in her eyes, it seemed she took pity on me.
"Huh... I can't leave you alone. I have regarded your cute triplets as my nieces. Give me ten minutes to get ready."
I gasped. "Gloria, you don't have to do this. What about your shop?"
But the witch had already picked up her bag, spilling all kinds of things inside.
"Come on. I’m getting tired of reading the love divination of young mortals. They always want to know who to sleep with and where."
Gloria shrugged and turned to look at me, who didn't get what she meant.
“My point is I'll come with you," she repeated.
Going out with someone is better than being alone. At least if Rose, Jasmine, and Violet are in danger, I have Gloria to help me.
We took trains and planes to arrive at the end of the continent. Then we still had to taxi for three hours to get to the destination area. Although the taxi driver repeatedly asked in worry, I still assured him we were in the right direction.
Gloria stared around. Apart from the long road where we stood, only lush trees were there.
Anyone who comes for the first time may think they are in the wilderness in the middle of nowhere.
"Ugh, werewolves are always conservative when choosing territory," Gloria complained.
"To prevent the curious mortals if they’re investigating immortals like us," I replied nervously.
"Right."
I took a deep breath of air. The fresh air smelled distinctive, the soil was moist, and the wood of the trees filled my lungs. The sunlight didn't sting my skin, nor was an unfamiliar longing that I didn't know.
"This way, Glo."
I cut down a bush and found a rocky path. We walked down that path in silence. The sound of birds tweeting or rustling leaves filled the silence between.
Xander's Pack stretched to the south, while Xavier's was to the north. The territory was separated only by highways. So this trail took us straight deeper into the forest towards the north.
"By the way, you never told me much about your life during your life at Blue Moon. I haven't asked all this time out of respect for your privacy, but you can give me some information to make our trip easier.”
Gloria opened the conversation.
"There's nothing I need to tell you other than what you already know, Glo," I replied curtly.
Every corner of this forest brought the euphoria left behind during my time away. I've had enough of the memories that trigger every time I hear leaves rustling.
"Oh, okay."
After an hour of walking, Gloria and I arrived at a wide clearing area. Stopping under the shadow of a tree, I held my breath. As I gazed ahead, a grand expanse of towering fortress walls came into view, accompanied by a colossal gateway guarded by some men on each side.
"Here we are," I whispered, "This is White Moon."
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVA few years ago.His sturdy arm held me in a warm embrace. That could be the definition of real secure. Xavier lifted my chin with his thumb, then kissed my lips gently. Under the covers, I giggled as I hugged his neck so he would kiss me deeper.That night was one of those memorable moments I will never let go of in my memory. Our kiss stopped when I ran out of air. We both giggled together and then lay on our backs. The star-studded night sky witnessed the secret love between me and Xavier.In the heart of Springwood forest, a grand abandoned castle stood as our clandestine hideout. It was a haven of a secret where Xavier and I reveled in stolen moments, lost in the intoxicating kisses and the tantalizing art of undressing. We were intertwined atop the tower, basking in the afterglow after our intimate encounter."I told you the sensation is different.""I'm just worried if these stones suddenly collapse.""Oh, they are so sturdy. It is indeed useful in times lik
PEONY CRIMSON’S POV"Peony? Is that you?"I could hear Xavier half-whispering as he quickly embraced me into his arms.Xavier caught my chin and kissed my lips deeply. His warm embrace brought me the sensation of love I had long left behind."Xavier...." I muttered.The man let go of his kiss, frowning towards my right hand. His eyes flashed golden as he watched blood gushing profusely from my left arm."You're bleeding."Xavier growled. In an instant, he burned with anger."What the hell do you think you're doing, hurting this woman?!" He shouted at the four guards. "Don't you know who she is?"Then Xavier carried me in a bridal style. I squealed in pain and panic."Put them in a dungeon!" ordered Xavier to one of his men. "Call the healer to the mansion, and we’re back immediately."I squeezed the man's shirt as dizziness took over my head. I tried to stay awake because I didn’t see Gloria."Xavier....""Shhh... Welcome home, my Goddess...," he whispered, then gave me a sweet peck o
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVI still remember how my first day in the mortal world went. Back then, after making it through a long night and barely finding a place to rest, I roamed the crowded and noisy streets of the city.A wolf's hearing ability is keen. I swore I would never get used to noisy vehicles, loud horns, or the babbling of humans when they met each other on the street. They are such chatty creatures.I also remember that I had a hard time adapting. I was pregnant at the time, so I was struggling with excruciating morning sickness while looking for a job.I'll never forget how awkward I was when I first gathered among humans. How their eyes stared me in the face as if they could sniff the secrets I was hiding.And that such awkwardness repeated as I was next to Xavier at the dinner table. The mansion hall was bright with the radiant chandeliers. But the member’s leers shone upon me.They served Xavier and ran the pack together. Their position was higher than mine. Their leers and
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVMy heart throbbed in pain. Anyone, look at this cold and stiff Xavier. Look at his bright expression, like a child being given a present. My stomach churned. Something inside me twisted in knots. I couldn't bear to look at the sparkling happiness in Xavier's eyes."Never even in my wildest imagination did I think that I would receive this surprising news from you, My Queen." Xavier gushed. But a second later, a doubtful mist settled over his face as he continued, "But, do they truly my—"I placed a forefinger on his lips. "They're really yours, Xavier. Xander hasn't touched me since."I continued my charade of lies. Is this what they call a mother's instinct to do anything for her children? I lied to the only man who stood by me without faltering, even when the whole world despised me.Xavier pulled my neck closer all of a sudden. He kissed my lips like a bee sucking up nectar, and I was the heavenly rose. Xavier made sure to immerse me in the warmth of his sweet l
PEONY CRIMSON’S POV"So this is the flower garden Xavier designed for you?"Gloria strolled down the cobblestone path as she wandered through the garden. This morning, Xavier took off on account of some pack issues, so I spent time indulging in nostalgia.Together with Gloria, I visited the flower garden. Memories of this place flooded me. I swept my fingers gently over a clump of daffodils.Gloria and I walked through the compact and stunning wisteria tunnel until we reached a cone-roofed gazebo. We could see the whole garden full of colorful spring flowers blooming, as well as a big vegetable greenhouse nearby ."Yes. FYI, Xavier and I once made out over there," I said, pointing to a wooden bench near the gazebo as I giggled.Gloria glared and waved. She complained uncomfortably, "Ew, too much information."We continued to stroll around the garden, which was mostly dominated by Peony bushes. Yes, Xavier dedicated this garden after my name. Unfortunately, the peonies were still in th
PEONY CRIMSON’S POV Words couldn’t capture the gratitude I felt when I basked under his watchful care. When I told Xavier that all I needed for Emily was rest, he granted it without any question.Sometimes when we were together, I caught a glimpse of gold shining in his eyes. He also bit his lower lip as if he were hiding something under wraps. I could read the desire gathering in his eyes. I could feel it all through the soft touch of his fingers on my skin; he wants me.But it seemed like he chose to shelve his burning desire all by himself.This morning, an omega came into the room. She brought me a bowl of chicken tortellini soup and a glass of fresh juice. I recognized her. Even though she was already a teenager, her innocent smile remained the same."Thank you, Fay. This soup looks super delicious," I said kindly."My pleasure, Miss Crimson." The girl gave me a reluctant look. "But... how do you know my first name?"I frowned. "What do you mean? We used to meet often during my
XAVIER ASHERIUS’S POVAs the door to the Second Hall opened wide, I stepped out. A breeze scent of sweet florals and Damask roses brushed my nose. The scent concentrated in the narrow hallway next to the Second Hall. The corners of my lips lifted. I deeply breathed in the lingering Peony’s scent. She wasn’t within my line of sight, or maybe she took a quick peek before leaving with her witch friend.I intended to find her to ease my longing. But Zed, my Beta, reported some other issues that I needed to deal with. All the pack matters can't be handled on their own unless I intervene.I deliberately finished my work just before lunch. I went to my room to ask Peony for lunch together in the gazebo, like we used to do.When the door opened, my heart immediately sank. Peony, the woman with lustrous black eyes, was sitting on the edge of the bed. Her empty stare was like that of a dead fish. Her shoulders were hunched forward, and I could see an invisible sadness weighing her down.When sh
XAVIER ASHERIUS’S POVI sat up straight on the chair as I cast my eyes around to survey the faces of the nine warriors before me. None of them had under twenty years of experience, so I had no doubt that they were more than up to this quest."You’ve been appointed by your team Commander to join this search. Delta Randall has included all the data on the missing little girls in this document. Give it your full attention; don't lose any important details."I explained as I handed them a stack of folders. They politely came forward to take turns. A ripple of excitement ran through the room as their eyes were glued to the folders’ content."I will personally lead the search. I want every available source dedicated to tracking down those girls." I added it firmly and clearly.Judd asked, "Should we bring in a vampire to dig into the mortals' memories, Alpha?""Yes. Contact a trusted vampire and bring him here. We need all hands on deck for this quest. Considering they are six-year-old girl