ELENOR GARNET'S POVMy teeth chattered, and I grabbed the table edge so firmly it nearly cracked. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I quickly wiped them away hastily. My chest rumbled with jealousy that had been building up since last night.I had spent the last of the boring winter in Colvon, listening to Eve's lengthy advice and following her like a duckling. I had spent my nights researching new artifacts and magic so that I could bring them back to White Moon and present them to Xavier. To let him know that I was a good girl who did everything for him.But Xavier had broken me with that announcement. There was another woman he was going to crown as Luna.My shoulders trembled. I thought back on Peony Crimson, who stood quietly next to Xavier when he welcomed my coven. A woman with radiant, beautifully styled blackish-brown hair, clear eyes filled with foreign determination and natural grace, and so many heavenly features that I could hardly admit it because I felt I could never comp

PEONY CRIMSON'S POVEverything around the packmansion burned as the fire spread wildly through the building, destroying plants, furniture, and anything else in its path. Dark plumes of smoke soared up to meet the gray, gloomy clouds. Thunder rang out in the distance, mixed with grieving screams and cries from all directions.The thick scent of blood and death assaulted my senses; my stomach was all knotted up. I did my best to balance myself so I could stand. as far as my eyes could see. My heart ripped out of my chest when, in the middle of the clearing area, I saw my eldest daughter gasping for air.Violet's breath formed a white mist. Her body was bent at an odd angle, as if it were weighed down by something. I stared in horror at a pair of huge black feathery wings glued to her back.Quietly, Violet rotated her body to face me. Blood and dirt covered her bone-dry face. Her feet and hands looked more like a beast’s than a human’s, complete with sharp, pointy claws. The tang of bloo

PEONY CRIMSON'S POVThe clearing area on the border of Springwood Forest was the place I chose to train with Gloria. Earlier, Chadwick had offered access to the warriors' training grounds, but I avoided being exposed to anyone.Before me, Gloria wore a sleeveless tank top and long black leather pants. She clenched and released her fists several times to ease the tension in her muscles.Without her usual style, Gloria now looked like a real witch. As long as I knew her, I never really saw how much magic power she had. She only showed me a few tricks, and even our battle with the guards back then was a surprise to me.Maybe she could turn into a dragon? Who knows."Have you ever fought a magic user?" she asked. Gloria looked more anxious than I was."No." I grinned, "But I did spar with John Willick a few times when I was at Blue Moon. He taught me to fight in both human and wolf form."He was a beta for Xander, one of the few people who looked out for me during my time as Luna of Blue

PEONY CRIMSON'S POVThe hours slipped through my fingers, evading my attempts to keep track. I was lost in the depths of the subconscious realm that brought me together with Emily. The wolf dropped to the ground with her gaze averted from mine.Her ears were flattened, and her tail was tucked between her legs. I found her in that state, and she emitted whimpers that stirred a deep pity within me."Emily." I sidled up to her, my voice filled with anticipation. I reached out, my fingers rubbing against her soft, silky gray coat. She remained perfectly still."Emily, look at me!""Leave me alone." She let out a whimper. Two paws on top of her muzzle."I can't; you know that. I'm stuck here until... my body finds its consciousness." I didn't know why I had to explain that when we both knew it.A dry wind caressed the meadow, calling for a boisterous rustle to break the stillness. Emily's physical appearance appeared unscathed, while her pride lay shattered and in ruins. I couldn't blame h

XAVIER ASHERIUS'S POVAfter a long night, the darkness transformed into a radiant morning. Lazarus called his assistant to bathe the triplets, dress them in their finest clothes, and prepare breakfast for them.I made the most of this moment by choosing to sit with them and eat together. Xander's disapproving snarl passed me by, but what did I care? Upon seeing his shitty face, the triplets could have easily gone into panic. Sparkling with enthusiasm and hope, their clear, round eyes looked at me."Really? We're going to meet Mama." Jasmine beamed. The youngest was much more adorable than in the picture; she even had round cheeks like her mother."Yes, but we need to wait a few more hours. So please finish your food," I said as I poured milk into three glasses. I explained everything they needed to know in simple language. To my credit, they believed me right away."Do you remember how you ended up in that cave?" I asked gently.Rose, Jasmine, and Violet stopped eating their turkey s