XANDER ALVERIUS'S POV She let out a heavy sigh worth of the world's weight. Her eyes closed for a few seconds. When they opened, those clear eyes twinkled softly. She tilted her head, sarcastic as ever, "Who are you and what did you do to Alpha Xander?" "I mean it, Peony!" I couldn't help but get huffy. Those shoulders were initially tense and gradually relaxed. In the soft glow of the garden lamps, her eyes sparkled like stars, reflecting a depth I was once swimming in. The perfect nose I used to pinch because it was so freaking fun to see her pout. Her face was soft against the moonlight. And the rosy pink lips that I once kissed wholeheartedly. I never thought she was unlovely when in fact it was the opposite. She twisted her body from side to side to fix her seat. Her subtle movement put an end to my reverie. She pulled out a mini notepad and pen from her pocket. Shit, why would she bring that? "Let's make a pact. No more arguments or quarrels, and you must support or ac

XANDER ALVERIUS'S POV The fresh floral scent was so intoxicating that it seemed to bind my sense of smell. It was so calming and fragrant, I forgot the last time I smelled it this strongly. Still, I restrained myself from being a complete moron and sniffing the air. But damn it was hard if she was sitting right next to me. This car was just so full of her scent I almost melted into it.My hands gripped the steering wheel. I shifted my focus, glancing at the rear-view mirror. Rose and Jasmine were making jokes and laughed."You think this is going to be okay?" asked Peony.She was wearing a pastel yellow sundress. Her dark hair was tied into a low ponytail that flowed over her shoulders. Her eyes were fixed on the road ahead, but I could sense she was really anxious. We were on our way to an enormous glass dome where young witches do their grounding before moving on to the Tower. It was deep in the Eastern forest. Violet had announced that it was time for her to show us how her magic

XANDER ALVERIUS'S POV The crickets and summer bugs performed a grand orchestra as Violet and I walked toward the cottage. There was no need for concern, as the head nurse stated, because she was injury-free. Violet slipped down from my arms and ran to the door. Before she could turn the knob, the door burst open. Rose petals and confetti burst into the air. Rose and Jasmine jumped up to hug Violet at the same time. "Welcome home!" "Rose! Jasmine!" Violet squealed. "You didn't have to surprise me like this!" "Oh, no." Rose took my hand. "The real surprise is... Papa is going to join us for dinner!" "Really? Then what are we waiting for?" The girls' joyful laughter was heartwarming. It wasn't a bad idea to see them running along the hallways of the Packhouse, hurrying down the stairs, hide-and-seeking in every room and alcove they could find. The rigid and cold atmosphere of the place would be much more lively and warm, just like this cottage. Sweet delicious aromas tickled

PEONY CRIMSON’S POV"If we rip off those bastards' heads, there will be fewer enemies for White Moon to face. This is our battle." Emily's words rang in my head.Ten minutes ago, I followed the direction of the rising smoke. The stench of the rogues was so strong, my nose couldn't stop wrinkling. I kept myself low, blending in behind the broad leaves of bushes or the stumps of giant trees.Then I found them. The rogues were three males and two females. A small group, indeed, but they wore a savagery and ferocity that mirrored each other. They surrounded something burning, with dark smoke emanating from it. I calculated my distance from them—far enough to not be spotted but near enough to eavesdrop."Yes, but it could be that these rogues are not the ones who will attack White Moon. Shouldn't we at least keep an eye out first?" I whispered to Emily.It was cowardice talking, I admitted. Still, I had to play my cards right. My triplets were waiting at the cottage, and I couldn't go home

PEONY CRIMSON'S POVI leaned against a rock, stretching my legs out and releasing a deep sigh. I faked interest in the green leaves gracefully swaying atop the branches. A foot away from my position, Xander glared at me with an intensity I struggled to ignore. It would have been easier to keep talking to Felion. Though, what he’d whispered caused a strange swirl in my blood."You owe me explanations, Peony."Which one? That I was amidst the corpses of rogues in neutral territory or why I got into a fight with them? Either way, I figured there was no point in explaining. My gaze shifted to my arm. Whether it was Felion's saliva or Emily's increased regeneration, the blood was no longer flowing. "I don't owe you anything," I mumbled. I looked at the corpses of ten rogues lying not far from me. One thing to be thankful for was that they were not Lycan-type rogues. Facing a brainless destructive bipedal monster was a nightmare. I choked up. What if the Lycans also attacked White Moon