Moonlight In Chains (Trinity and Asher) novel Chapter 100

CHAPTER 100

The morning air was sharp and cool, carrying the fresh scent of damp earth mingled with pine needles. Around the packhouse, a low murmur of anticipation buzzed among the gathered alphas, warriors, and the three of us standing at the training grounds. Dennis had called us all together with a serious purpose.

“Today,” he began, his voice steady and commanding, “we’re moving beyond routine training. We’re going to trace the source of the shadows. We don’t know who—or what—is behind them, but we have a trail to follow. It’s dangerous. Be prepared.”

I stole a glance at Asher. His gray eyes were calm but taut with tension, muscles coiled like a spring ready to snap. Gage shifted uneasily beside me, his golden energy flickering with nervous energy as he bounced from one foot to the other.

Dennis continued, “You three will stay together. Use your bond to protect one another. Arlo’s been tracking energy lines—follow those.”

Beyond the clearing, the forest loomed dark and thick, shadows pooling beneath the towering trees. Yet beneath my skin, the bond thrummed steadily, a quiet strength anchoring us all.

Arlo took the lead, clutching maps, stones, and crystals carefully arranged in his hands. “The shadows follow these energy lines,” he explained, pointing to the intricate patterns. “Where the energy is strongest, they appear first. Whoever’s behind this knows about the bond. They’re using it against us.”

A chill ran down my spine as I recalled the voice from the attack—the threat that the heirs would fall. Whoever sent these shadows wasn’t just powerful; they were patient, calculating.

Hours slipped by as we tracked the lines through dense underbrush, destroying shadow remnants left behind. Each skirmish crackled with tension and adrenaline, keeping us sharp and alert.

At last, Arlo halted us in a small clearing, barely wide enough for the three of us to stand comfortably. “Here,” he said, pointing to a pattern of dark stones arranged deliberately on the ground. “Someone placed these markers. They’re connected to the shadows, tracking bonds like ours.”

Asher stepped forward, energy flaring around him. “Then we have to move carefully. They can’t know we’re coming.”

I nodded, feeling the bond pulse beneath my palms. “We protect each other. No mistakes.”

Suddenly, Gage froze, his golden aura flickering erratically. “Wait… I recognize that scent.”

From the edge of the trees, a tall, athletic woman emerged. Her dark hair was pulled back tightly, eyes sharp and alert. “Gage,” she said softly.

His eyes widened in surprise. “Lilly?”

“Yeah,” she replied quietly. “I came as soon as I heard.”

I studied her, then glanced at Gage. The bond between us shifted subtly—curious, tense, but not overtly threatened. There was history here, unspoken but heavy.

“Great,” I muttered under my breath, shooting a look at Asher.

“How are you, Trinity?” Lilly asked, her voice calm but with an edge of something I couldn’t place.

“I’m fine. I heard you left the pack and weren’t coming back,” I said, watching her closely.

“It was tough after Gage and I broke up,” she admitted. “But I knew he’d need someone here now.” She glanced at Asher, who raised an eyebrow in silent question.

Is she a good or bad ex? Asher’s mind linked to mine.

I shrugged internally. She hated me—that’s why they split. Maybe she was just jealous because Gage kept being my friend despite her. I sent the thought back, and he nodded slowly.

There wasn’t time for old grudges—not with the forest and shadows closing in.

Dennis’s voice echoed in my mind, not literally but with unmistakable authority. “We move as one. Old bonds, new bonds—they all matter. Stay focused.”

Lilly stepped closer to Gage. “I can help. I’ve been tracking strange energy lines for a while. If anyone knows where the shadows will strike next, it’s me.”

Gage nodded slowly, golden energy flaring brighter as he placed a hand on her shoulder. “Then… let’s do this together.”

I cut in firmly, “Arlo’s in charge.”

“What?” Lilly questioned, surprise flickering across her face.

“He’s been with us from the start, and honestly, I trust him more than I trust you,” I said bluntly.

“I’m just glad to help if you’ll have me,” Lilly said, undeterred.

“Yeah, you can come,” Gage added.

Asher’s hand found mine, grounding me amidst the tension. “We move as one,” he said quietly. “Bond first. Protection first. Attack second.”

Guided by Arlo and Lilly, we pushed deeper into the forest. The shadows’ presence grew stronger, their energy pulsing faintly in the air like a silent warning. I sensed them watching us, waiting for a moment of weakness.

Dennis’s warning echoed again: this would be dangerous—and we didn’t have to wait long to see why.

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