PEONY CRIMSON’S POVAfter taking some time to think, I finally left the room and made my way to Xavier's room in order to meet him, at the very least. However, it was merely a lackluster wish that remained unfulfilled. In the midst of the uncertainty in White Moon, I found myself at a loss for what to do."Can I help you, Miss Peony?" Chadwick startled me when I closed the door to Xavier's room.I fumbled and smiled, "No, I'm just out for a walk. To clear my head." I cleared my throat. "Um, where's Xavier?""Meeting with the team commanders."Chadwick gazed at me. His words were left hanging without any follow-up, which made me wonder if Xavier had instructed him not to talk to me like he did.I made a conscious effort to not let the thoughts in my head affect me and came to a positive conclusion: "He's occupied, then. Something bad is going on?""No, it's just the monthly meeting."Oh, come on."What about, uh, his brother?" I asked again."So far, he hasn't done anything suspicious.
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