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
PEONY CRIMSON'S POV The Moon Festival, years before.An arm slipped behind me and clung to my waist possessively. I almost flinched. I blinked, only to find Xander frowning at me."You're okay?" Xander asked, "The festival wasn't fun for you?""No way." I let out a short breath, my eyes darting around.The Moon Festival reached its climax with the chanting of hymns dedicated to the Moon Goddess. Each member of the pack had a smile on their face, expressing their joy and celebrating the power and blessings of the goddess that came down through the light of the full moon.Xander and I stood side by side on the dais, displaying ourselves as the perfect leaders of the Blue Moon. I had been here hours before. Only putting on the sweetest smile I could show, no matter if it made my cheeks ache and stiff."Everything is so beautiful, thanks to everyone's hard work. Even Azalea insisted on showing the fireworks from the magic artifacts she developed." I gave Xander that smile."It's their jo
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 POV"I’m here for the triplets," was all Azalea said as soon as I opened the door for her.It wasn't even eleven in the morning, but she had already appeared at the cottage door with a fake smile on her pretty lips. I didn't see anyone—Xander, to be precise—with her."What now?"Something darker crept into the way she looked at me. Her emerald orbs narrowed as if she hated her here as much as I did. Yet she managed to keep the calm surface on her picture-perfect face. Just as expected of a Luna of the pack, she was kind and well-collected even in the face of foe."I appreciate your protectiveness, Peony, but just hold it for a moment. I came because it's time for the triplets' health check. I understand that you must be administering the potion regularly, but I still need to do a thorough check."I rolled my eyes.Since arriving here a few days ago, I have been turned into another person. The chaos of feelings of anger and frustration kept swirling from my chest up to
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