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

XANDER ALVERIUS'S POV"You're not going to say anything to the people who saw the fallen Luna return to stay here?"Stuart asked instead of continuing the report. Next to him, Darriel seemed to be swallowing his words as well.On the day of my return from White Moon, I told those who ran the pack with me that I would be bringing back Peony Crimson and her triplets. Except for Stuart, almost all the members of Blue Moon still remembered their fallen Luna."Let them. As long as she and her kids are not bothered by anyone. Tell everyone to respect her," I said flatly, casting a glance out the window.I had a clear view of the cottage where Peony was staying from my office on the third floor. A few hours ago, I saw Peony and her girls playing in the garden. They then disappeared from sight as they made their way to the back of the cottage.She commanded me not to bother her but failed to mention that I shouldn't observe her from a distance."Yes." Stuart nodded. "Then to prepare for the M

PEONY CRIMSON'S POV "Remember how Zedd dragged you to jail? I had to search all over the place for you, and the rogue attack arrived." Gloria helped me zip my dress. "You missed the whole festival because of that. I mean, we both were.”I stared at my reflection in the mirror without any expression on my face. Xander gifted me a navy deep v-neck dress that fit my body perfectly. The ankle-length skirt gracefully cascaded to the floor, resembling a flowing waterfall. The pearls that were stitched on its surface seemed to wink at me."There is no need to talk about it. Zedd already apologized and made up for it." I turned away from the mirror. "But I can't stop thanking you for your help that time.""Oh, please." Gloria rolled her eyes and applied maroon lipstick to her lips. She wore a mahogany off-shoulder and maxi long skirt overlaid with a black bustier.I decided to attend the Moon Festival rather late in the game. I had spent the last two days locked away in the cottage, but I kn

PEONY CRIMSON’S POVOn the dais, Rose, Jasmine, and Violet stood beside Azalea and Xander. All the members gathered in the middle of the village square, muttering and whispering to each other. Their noisy chatter was like a buzzing swarm of bees.My eyes widened in horror to find my triplets at the center of attention. Astonishment and confusion swirled in the air as I pushed my way through the crowd, trying to get a little closer to the dais.“Why on earth are they up there?” Next to me, Gloria murmured.I shot at Xander, my eyes seeing red. “He didn't say he would do this.”My steps halted as Xander spotted me in the crowd. The corners of his lips lifted into a grin that sent an electric shock across my skin. I turned my gaze away and focused on my triplets. To my surprise, they were calm and smiling broadly. Azalea whispered to Violet, and it was enough to fuel the irritation."Blue Moon members that I am proud of," Xander began his speech.“This doesn’t sound good." I swallowed.“

PEONY CRIMSON'S POVI hissed, refusing to let her control me. "A home-wrecker bitch like you shouldn't talk about love."I should have known better than to take another glance at Xander and my triplets, but I did just that. As soon as I caught a glimpse of Xander's unusually gentle smile, my heart seemed to pause. Three inquisitive six-year-old girls didn't startle him, instead, his expression softened as if he were in the presence of priceless treasures.I recognized those hopeful, satisfied eyes because I had them too. Something painful squeezed my chest, prompting me to look away. I was met with Azalea's darkened gaze instead. She looked deeply upset. Her magic shimmered around her as if representing the turmoil of her feelings.No lie, though, it gave me uncanny chills. Yet I kept a deadpan, no matter how threatening those magics were."I'll pretend I never heard those words." Azalea raised her chin and replied with the calmness of the ocean surface.I smiled bitterly. The more I