Moonlight In Chains (Trinity and Asher) novel Chapter 126

**The Day He Forgot He Hated Me by Evangeline Marrow**
**CHAPTER 126**

As the dawn unfurled its golden fingers, the gentle light seeped into the packhouse, casting a warm glow that danced across the wooden floor. I squinted, momentarily blinded by the brightness, and felt the comforting warmth radiating from Asher, who lay beside me. In that fleeting moment, the world outside faded into oblivion, leaving only the soothing cadence of his breath and the faint echo of our bond—a lingering reminder of the night we had shared.

A smile crept onto my lips as I allowed the sweet memories of our evening together to wash over me. There were no shadows lurking in the corners, no fierce battles raging in the background, and no chaos to disrupt our tranquility—just him, just us. It was a profound peace, one I hadn’t realized I had been yearning for until that very moment.

Asher stirred, stretching his long limbs like a cat awakening from slumber, and brushed a stray lock of hair from my forehead with a gentle touch. “Morning,” he murmured, his voice a soft rumble that seemed to resonate with the very air around us.

“Morning,” I replied, propping myself up carefully on my elbows. My body protested slightly, still sore from the grueling training sessions and fierce battles of the week past.

We lingered in that serene silence, allowing the world to awaken gradually around us. The packhouse felt unusually tranquil, an eerie calm that seemed to foreshadow something brewing just beneath the surface. A shiver of unease danced along my spine, but I quickly brushed it aside. Not today. Not now.

After a simple breakfast, we ventured outside to the training field. The air was crisp and invigorating, infused with the earthy scent of damp soil and the fresh aroma of pine trees. I stretched my limbs, feeling the warmth of the sun coaxing my muscles to relax. Asher mirrored my movements, his gray eyes flickering over me with a hint of concern, always vigilant to ensure I didn’t overexert myself.

Our training commenced slowly and deliberately. We concentrated on energy control, the intricate dance of our bond, and the precision of our movements. Each time our hands brushed or our energy intertwined, I felt a jolt of electricity spark through my chest—a reminder of the formidable strength we possessed when united.

Laughter bubbled up between us, mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind. Even as we practiced, I sensed the bond between us deepening—subtle yet unwavering, like roots burrowing deeper into the earth. It was no longer merely about power; it was about trust, connection, and the comforting knowledge that, no matter what lay ahead, we would face it together.

Mid-morning, Arlo joined us, a notebook clutched in his hands, brimming with notes from our previous encounters and his research on the shadow energy. He didn’t engage in physical training; instead, he observed from the edge of the field, scratching lines into the dirt while muttering to himself. His wrist was still healing, the faint mark from the shadow attacks shimmering under the sunlight. I noticed him scratching it absentmindedly, a nervous habit that had lingered since our first encounter with the shadows.

“Trinity, Asher,” he called, snapping us from our focus. “I’ve been reviewing the readings from last night. There’s… something. Something small, but it’s moving in the energy lines again. Not shadows yet, but it’s there. Feeding.”

I frowned, curiosity piqued. “Feeding? On what?”

Arlo shook his head, frustration flickering across his features. “I don’t know yet. But it’s enough to be dangerous if left unchecked. Something is testing the boundaries.”

Asher instinctively grasped my hand, concern etched into his expression. “Testing the boundaries?” he echoed. “Like before?”

“Maybe,” Arlo replied, his brow furrowing. “Or perhaps something entirely new. Either way, it’s a sign. They’re coming.”

The weight of his words settled heavily in my chest, a knot of tension tightening with each syllable. I tightened my grip on Asher’s hand, feeling the energy of our bond pulse in response. The morning sunlight, the tranquil air, the serene forest—it all felt too still, too quiet.

I swallowed hard, determination hardening my voice. “Then we prepare. Slowly. Carefully. We can’t rush.”

Asher nodded, his gaze scanning the treeline beyond the training field. “We’ll be ready. Together.”

The remainder of the day unfolded with a newfound intensity as we honed our training. Every strike, every movement, every pulse of energy was calculated and precise. I could feel the bond between us strengthening, responding to our focus, evolving into something more than just a connection—it felt alive, protective, and ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Arlo observed closely, occasionally pointing out weaknesses in our technique or posing questions about the energy flow. Even though he wasn’t a fighter, his intellect was a vital part of our strategy. I could see his mind whirring, contemplating several steps ahead, trying to anticipate what might emerge next. As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, an undercurrent of unease began to swell within me. Arlo paused, his eyes narrowing. “Wait. Do you feel that?”

I froze, tilting my head slightly, straining to decipher the faint pressure in the air—almost imperceptible, yet tugging at the edges of my senses. Asher stiffened beside me, his sharp gaze scanning the forest.

“It’s not the shadows,” I whispered, a chill creeping down my spine. “Not yet.”

“No,” Arlo replied, his voice taut with tension. “But it’s close. Something is moving in the energy lines. Something with… intent.”

The forest around us grew unnaturally quiet, as if holding its breath. Even the birds had ceased their songs, and the wind stilled. My heartbeat quickened, and the bond thrummed with a warning pulse, urging us to remain vigilant.

Asher instinctively positioned himself in front of me, his body low, energy flickering faintly at his fingertips. “Then we wait. But we don’t wait defenseless.”

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