Chapter 5

The morning after the dream, the Blackthorne triplets were at the palace, pacing around restlessly. They became unstable and worried of the unfortunate incident that would likely happen. 

They were haunted by the Moon Goddess's warning. 

Each of the triplets reacted differently—Ronan got aggressive, angrily slammed the wall multiple times. He turned and looked at Kael straight in the eyes, “I need every information about Aurora Vargan. Her past, her present, her future, her family background and every damn thing about her!” 

Kael wasn’t just their Beta—he was family in every way that mattered from the earliest days of their childhood.

He was the only one the Blackthorne triplets cherished and loved and trusted so much. He knew about the male bond yesterday and so Ronan asked him to get information about Aurora.

Kael was surprised on why they wanted information on a mate they already rejected but he didn't say anything. He just bowed and went to carry out the orders. He wasn't doing it out  of obligation, but out of the deep brotherhood that had defined their lives since childhood.

Soren had been extremely quiet since the dream even though he was restless and uncomfortable. “We were chosen,” he muttered. 

“What?” Kieran snapped from across the room, his arms crossed over his chest.

Soren didn’t answer.

Kieran scoffed and pushed off the wall. “It’s nonsense. All of it. Fate? Mates? Some nameless she-wolf crawling into our heads in the middle of the night?” He threw up a hand, voice roaring in fury. “Please.”

The tension filled the room. Ronan, who usually acts as the peacemaker, was speechless. 

And still, despite all that was happening, their wolves persisted. 

Usually, the triplets and their wolves were always calm and connected. But right now, something seems odd. They felt something strange  inside of them they could not decipher. 

Kieran's wolf was growling at something that seems not to be present, as if sensing danger in the shadows. 

Soren's wolf started feeling unease, moving and shaking uncontrollably as if it felt trapped. 

Ronan’s wolf was sending a quiet but threatening warning repeatedly. 

Then they became worried and afraid.

 The guards were dispatched into the forest at the extreme end of the pack. They need to see and hear from the mysterious  Seer. She has been described as a powerful and respected creature who has the ability to communicate with the Moon Goddess and also has the ability to move between the world of the living and the dead. She is highly respected by the pack and she is greatly feared. 

She arrived before the fire burned down. She wore a long robe that was  decorated with bones and feathers. One of her eyes is blind while the other eye is extremely sharp and watchful. As she walked confidently into the pack and sighted the triplets, the atmosphere changed because her presence had a powerful effect. 

She bowed low. “My Alphas.”

“Speak,” Ronan said, his voice firm but respectful.

The Seer stepped forward and laid a single crystal talisman on the floor. “The dream you saw was not an illusion. It was a warning.”

Kieran folded his arms again, and became more tense “ Do not waste our time with proverbs, tell us what is happening exactly and stop beating around the bush.”

Her eyes turned toward him, unblinking. “Then you won’t survive what’s coming.”

A moment of silence took over, even Kieran couldn't speak.

She turned her gaze to Ronan. “The she-wolf is the key. Reject her, and madness will follow—your bond as brothers will be destroyed, your wolves will lose their sanity , and you will fall into ruin.”

Soren exhaled deeply, his throat tight.

Kieran's voice was low now, quieter. “So we’re cursed either way.”

The Seer’s gaze softened just enough to hint at pity.

“No, Alpha. You’re being tested.”

And with that, she turned and faded into the shadows as quietly as she’d come—leaving the Blackthorne triplets in the dark, alone with their wolves. The ball is in their court and it is left for them the best decision to take. 

Her haunting final words still echoing in their heads like an unsettled curse. Silence took over the pack. Soren stood frozen, then he took a deep breath. 

“I think we’re making a mistake,” he said quietly. 

“ You were the loudest against this bond five hours ago.” kieran said sharply. 

Soren turned toward him, “I think we should reconsider accepting her. what if rejecting it doesn’t change anything either? What if it makes things worse?”

They became calm and no one had the heart to continue arguing since the Seer left. Confusion set in. 

Making their final decision became a menace. 

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Meanwhile, at the academy, Lena was packing her things and throwing them in a box. 

Her roommates were surprised to see her packing her belongings. Mia was the first to speak,”why are you leaving? What happened?” looking confused.

“You just came in here yesterday and you are leaving already? Quinn added. 

Lena paused for a beat but didn’t look at any of them. She had already made her decision. No one could understand the chaos tearing her apart inside.

“Well, if you want to leave, it's a free world. Since you are not ready to talk to anyone, you may please use the door when you are ready.” Camelia said with cold indifference. 

Still no response. Lena’s face remained blank.

Her wolf was grieving and resisting the decision to flee.

We should wait, maybe our mates will come back for us.” Her wolf said inside of her. 

But Lena fires back, “ Even if they come crawling on their knees,” she hissed back, “I’ll never accept them. They betrayed me. They broke me. They don’t deserve forgiveness.”

Then her wolf kept silent.

She hugged her friends. Mia's eyes filled with emotion, tried to convince her to stay, “Aurora, whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to face it alone. Just stay. Let’s figure this out together. A problem shared is a problem half-solved.” 

For a moment, she looked like she wanted to shed tears but quickly controlled herself.

“I’m done hoping for things that only leave scars,” she whispered.

She hugged Mia tightly, then Quinn. Camelia didn’t move.

As she walked towards the gate, each step felt heavier than the last. She looked back at the academy and felt emotional. She had only spent two days where she had hoped to get in for months. 

While reaching the gate, two guards stood blocking the exit.

“You can’t leave,” one of them said sternly, extending a hand.

Lena frowned. “Why not?”

 Then, the triplets appeared behind her, 'Because we ordered it.”