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
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
XANDER ALVERIUS'S POV When Peony saw Killian approaching, I noticed the trembling in her clear eyes. She froze and tightly gripped the edge of the door, as if she was having an unpleasant flashback.With a calm demeanor, Killian stood beside me."Why should I remember a jerk like you?"Peony barked, her face contorted with intense hatred. After her years of disappearance, one thing I observed about her was how she initially defended herself by responding sharply to others.My hands tightened instinctively. I felt a strong distaste that scratched my skin.She would never have barked like a bitch in the past. She used to wear a kind smile and graciously accept anything with a gentle 'thank you', even when someone tested her patience. The previous version of her wouldn't respond aggressively. Where was she?Killian raised both hands and chuckled. His eyes observed Peony from top to bottom in an impolite manner."Easy, cupcake, motherhood whips you hard?" he snapped as he winked at her.
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