Novel & Cerita Moonflower Bud

“It’s a bit temperamental and difficult to grow. It needs the right conditions—particular soil, the right amount of sunlight, and careful watering. But when it’s in full bloom, it’s stunning.” I paused for a moment, letting the words settle between us. Alexander didn’t look like he was in a hurry, so I decided to continue. “This flower," I said, carefully examining the bloom, "has a unique characteristic. The petals are dark, almost black at the edges, but the deeper hues of purple are rich and vibrant. It’s called the Midnight Flame because, in the right light, it glows, almost like it’s alive with passion.” I took a breath and let the calm of the garden surround us. “It’s also known for it

The words burst from me, a surge of triumph making me scramble toward the edge of a rocky ledge where a lone, silvered flower bloomed in the sun. He was beside me in an instant, his expression softening with a gentle regret. "That's a Silverwink. A close cousin, but not our blossom." He pointed to the leaves. "See how the edges are rounded? The Moonless Blossom’s leaves are pointed, like daggers." Disappointment washed over me, sharp and cold. Of course, it wouldn't be that easy. Pushing myself back to my feet, I brushed the dirt and grit from my knees.

It led her deeper into the garden, past carefully manicured hedges and blooming flowerbeds, until she reached a secluded alcove hidden behind a curtain of weeping willows. There, nestled among the roots of an ancient oak tree, Lilly's eyes fell upon a sight that took her breath away. A single flower, another Moon Rose, this time, all three of them together to see it bloom in solitary splendour. Its petals shimmered with an otherworldly iridescence, shifting between shades of silver and pale blue as if capturing the very essence of moonlight.

He was holding a boy that looked just like a splitting image of himself as a child! The woman shielded the boy behind her and shot an adamant look at Cassiopeia. "Mrs. Cadell, I promise that I will be Liam’s only parent. I will never try to take Cadell Corporation from you or your daughter." An uncharacteristic tinge of panic flashed across Lucas’s face as he went up to embrace Cassiopeia and offer an explanation. "Cassie, this is Freya Moore. I slept with her when I was drugged five years ago."

"Explain." The word rushed out of me before anyone even breathed, and I scanned Levi's face instantly—looking for jealousy or pettiness, or some kind of possessive rage. None. Just seriousness. Evan burst out, "This is a flower that grows deep in the forests of the northern continent! Constant exposure to the scent causes hallucinations—kills a person slowly through madness!" He grabbed the entire basket and hurled it outside the tent. "It's called a Lotus Bud."

I had no answer for her. The healers' gathering that afternoon was held in the communal gardens near the pack's western border. Wolves from various territories mingled, exchanging knowledge and rare specimens. My attention was immediately drawn to a spectacular display of iridescent flowers glowing with faint blue light. "Moonbirth Herbs," a soft voice explained beside me. "Extremely rare. They only bloom during the blue moon." I turned to find myself facing an elegant older woman with silver-streaked dark hair and piercing gray eyes. Though advanced in years, she carried herself with regal grace.

I didn’t feel like I was in the Silver Moon pack, the forest seemed different. Up ahead were a bed of flowers. As I paced closer towards them, I discovered an open field with hundreds—no thousands—of stunning white flowers. I plucked one, admired its beauty, and indulged in its beautifully strong, lemony scent. Ipomoea alba (moon flower), I remembered coming across this flower during my research for the herbs used in witchcraft. I loved how they blossomed in the afternoon and lasted only through the night. They reminded me of my comfort of being awake at night, feeling like my mind was clearer when I was in the presence of the moon. ‘There she is!’ I heard the female spirit scream.

My body was already fragile, worn out from the emotional and physical toll of the past days, and now someone was toying with me? As I reached for the doorknob again to close it, something caught my attention. A sharp, peculiar scent. Sweet, yet spicy. Oddly familiar, but...wrong. My eyes fell to the porch, and my breath hitched. A bouquet of Moon Flowers. Only, they weren’t the crystal white ones that gently glowed in the dark. These were black. Deep, glossy black, shimmering under the pale daylight like polished onyx. They didn’t just sit there—they loomed, almost alive in their stillness.

Inside, a single plant bloomed. It was beautiful in its own way. Delicate purple flowers clustered along its stems, their petals almost translucent in the sunlight that filtered through the wire mesh overhead. The color was a stunning, deep violet that faded to lavender at the edges. The smell was equally lovely, sweet and slightly intoxicating, like honey mixed with something floral and wild. But Autumn knew better than to let the beauty fool her. This was moonbane bloom. One of the most dangerous plants in existence.

"Let the moon see you." I stepped into the circle. The moment the moonlight hit my skin, the shaman began circling me slowly, mumbling something I couldn't understand. She stopped in front of me and pulled a pale white flower from a small pocket I hadn't noticed in her robe. "This is the moonflower," she said. "It blooms only at night." She threw it in the bowl.