The three mates exchanged glances, the phantom sensation conveying their shared thoughts more efficiently than words. This unexpected development could solve one of their most pressing challenges: finding ways to strengthen their bond through music without drawing unwanted attention.
"That's actually a very practical solution," Axel admitted, his initial wariness giving way to strategic appreciation. "Anyone questioning why Kenny and I spend time with Lilly would have to contend with your presence as a safeguard against impropriety."
"Exactly," Amali confirmed. "And given my... previous interest in Kenny, no one would suspect I'd willingly facilitate anything inappropriate between him and my younger cousin."
The irony of this arrangement brought a small smile to Kenny's lips. "From adversar
Her sister Emerald’s retort took aback Allischa. Allischa blinked, momentarily disarmed by Emerald's uncharacteristically direct challenge. The diplomatic sister rarely confronted anyone so bluntly."Of course not," Allischa replied, recovering quickly. "I simply believe that understanding prophecies fully allows us to support them more effectively.""Understanding comes with time and divine revelation," Luna Harmony interjected smoothly. "Not through forced disclosure or manipulation."The atmosphere in the solarium had shifted, the pretence of casual afternoon tea giving way to something more consequential. Allischa studied the three women facing her: Luna Harmony's serene authority, Emerald's diplomatic firmness, and, most surprisingly, Amali's transfo
Amali leaned forward, something new in her expression, a protective determination that Allischa had never seen in her typically self-centred sister."The darkness in my dream," Amali said quietly, "it fed on exactly this kind of suspicion and division. It thanked me personally for helping break something precious before it could fulfil its purpose."Allischa's expression flickered with genuine surprise at this direct approach. "What are you suggesting?""That some questions are better left unasked until the right time," Emerald interjected diplomatically. "Divine dreams and prophecies unfold according to the Goddess's timeline, not ours."Luna Harmony nodded approvingly at her niece's wisdom. "The Goddess reveals what we need to kno
Luka studied him for a moment, his amber eyes so like his sister's searching Axel's face. "I believe you. And that's what matters most, that this feels right to all three of you." He smiled slightly. "Besides, Kenny's been practically family since we were pups. And you..." his smile widened, "well, you're growing on me."The phantom sensation rippled with Lilly's relief and Kenny's amusement. Axel returned the smile, feeling a genuine connection forming with his future brother-in-law."I appreciate that. And your support means more than you know."As they parted ways, Axel felt the phantom sensation pulse with contentment. Each conversation, each new ally, brought them closer to understanding their purpose and strengthening their unusual bond. Whatever darkness might be rising, they would f
"Sorry about that," Axel said, steadying himself. "I was lost in thought."Luka smiled, his amber eyes, so similar to Lilly's, assessing Axel with friendly curiosity. "No harm done. Clay and James showing you the archives?""Yes," Axel confirmed, seizing the opportunity to speak with Lilly's brother. "They've been very helpful. Your family's historical records are impressive.""One of Riverwood's greatest treasures," Luka agreed, falling into step beside Axel as they walked down the corridor. "Though I admit I don't spend as much time there as Clay does. Too many responsibilities elsewhere.""As future Alpha," Axel said, watching Luka's reaction carefully.
"The texts describe it as a shadow that grows within," Clay added, pointing to an ancient illustration depicting a wolf with darkness spreading through its body. "It begins with small jealousies or fears, then gradually intensifies until the person's actions serve the darkness without them fully realising it.""Like what happened with Amali," James noted. "Though thankfully the Goddess intervened before it went too far."The phantom sensation pulsed thoughtfully. Axel could feel Lilly's compassion flowing through their bond, her innate desire to help rather than condemn those who this darkness might influence."Can people be... freed from this influence?" Axel asked, thinking not just of Kendra but of others who might unwittingly become pawns.
“Yeah, I’m feeling it that way too, you and Kenny aren’t each other's mate, are you?” James asked.The phantom sensation pulsed with a complex mix of emotions as Axel considered James's direct question. There was a time when such a question would have seemed invasive, but if Clay and James were truly allies in protecting their bond, honesty seemed the wisest course."No," Axel answered carefully. "Kenny and I are both mated to Lilly, not to each other. But the bond connects all three of us in ways that transcend traditional mate bonds. We feel each other's emotions, sense each other's presence. There's a... completion when we're together that's difficult to describe."Clay nodded thoughtfully, making notes in a small journal. "That aligns with the historical accounts