Moonlight In Chains (Trinity and Asher) novel Chapter 130

The morning air was sharp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and dew through the forest surrounding the packhouse. I woke early, the events of the previous day still heavy in my chest. Downtown. Rafe. His calm, controlled menace had rattled me more than I’d realized, and even as the sun rose, I could feel the tension lingering in my muscles.

Asher was already up when I went downstairs, his energy steady but tight around him.” Morning.” He said quietly, reaching for my hand. “Sleep okay?”

I nodded, though I hadn’t really slept. The images of Rafe downtown, his smirk, the way he’d toyed with the young man… it kept replaying in my mind. “Not really.” I admitted, letting my fingers intertwine with his. “I keep thinking about him. About what he’s capable of.”

Asher squeezed my hand, energy humming faintly through the bond. “I know. And that’s why we need to focus. The pack needs us steady, especially with him around. He’s not just some random troublemaker. He’s calculating, patient, and he’s testing our limits.”

I frowned. “So… what do we do? Just wait and hope he doesn’t escalate?”

“No.” Asher said firmly. “We train. We fortify. We make sure the pack is ready for him, and we make sure we are ready. That’s all we can do until we see his next move.”

After a quick breakfast, we headed to the training field. The pack had already gathered, stretching and preparing, weapons at their sides. Even Eryx had joined us, moving through the group with quiet authority, offering advice and corrections to those who needed it.

Arlo was there too, notebook in hand, scribbling energy readings and observations as we warmed up. “The last attack by the shadows was minor.” He said, looking up at me. “But with Rafe moving closer to us, there’s no room for complacency. He’s already trying to intimidate the townspeople. That means he’s testing boundaries, seeing how much he can get away with before we respond.”

I nodded, feeling the pulse of the bond between me and Asher strengthen with every word. So, he’s going to keep pushing, huh?”

“Yes.” Asher replied. “And we need to be ready for the next push, whatever it is.”

The training began with focus drills–movement, speed, control of our energy. Each strike, each defensive move, was measured. Every time I moved beside Asher, the bond hummed between us, warning me when I overextended and enhancing my control when I hesitated.

”

By mid–morning, the air was heavy with effort and energy. Sweat dripped down my back, and my muscles ached, but I welcomed the pain. It was better than sitting still, waiting, imagining

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what Rafe might do next.

Just as we were taking a short break, Arlo called out from the edge of the field. “Trinity! Asher! You might want to see this.”

I frowned, exchanging a glance with Asher. His brow tightened. “What is it?” He asked, stepping closer.

Arlo pointed toward the edge of town, where the forest began to thin. “Rafe’s there. He’s not subtle. He’s… harassing people again. Looks like he’s trying to see if he can draw you out.”

My stomach twisted. I could feel the bond tighten, warning me that he was close, that his energy was moving like a predator among the townspeople. Without hesitation, I grabbed Asher’s arm. “We can’t let him hurt anyone.”

“No.” He agreed. “We stop him. Together.”

We moved quickly, bringing Arlo and Gage with us. All four of us bonded together. Weaving through the forest paths toward the edge of town. As we emerged onto the main street, the sight made my stomach drop. Rafe was leaning against a building, arms crossed, smirking as a small group of people backed away. He looked up as soon as he sensed us.

“Well, if it isn’t the princess and her knight.” He said, voice carrying easily over the small square. “You’re early today. I was just seeing how much fun I could have with a few civilians.”

I didn’t reply immediately. Instead, I let my energy hum faintly, just enough for him to feel the warning. His eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t move.

“Leave them alone.” I said firmly, stepping forward. “Now.”

He chuckled, and I felt the bond flinch at his amusement. “Oh, I’ll leave them alone…

eventually. But not before I have a little fun with you. Can’t let you feel too comfortable, can I?

”

Asher moved beside me, energy coiling like a spring, ready to strike. “This isn’t a game, Rafe.” He said, voice low and dangerous. “Leave, or I will make sure you regret it.”

”

Rafe’s smirk widened. “Regret, huh? I love that word. Makes things more exciting. But you’re

predictable, Asher. I know how you think. And I know she’ll stand there and protect the others.

I bristled at his words, feeling the energy in my hands pulse. “I can handle myself.” I said, voice steady despite the nervousness coiling in my stomach. “And I won’t let you hurt anyone. Not today. Not while I’m here.”

“Brave.” He said. “But brave doesn’t always win. And you’ll find out soon enough.”

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I stepped closer, letting my energy flare just enough to show I wasn’t bluffing. “Try me.” I said. “But know this: messing with the pack, with me, isn’t going to get you far. You can push and test and threaten, but it won’t change one thing. You’re not in control.”

Rafe tilted his head, smirk fading slightly. “Impressive. You’ve got fire. I can see why he trusts you. But fire can burn out. Even strong fire.”

I didn’t move. I didn’t flinch. The townspeople watched silently, unsure, but I could see the fear in their eyes, and I refused to let it grow. But with Asher, Arlo and Gage with me, it was hard to ignore the bond. The energy. No matter how much he tried to. “I’m not going to let you touch them.” I said firmly. “If you try, I’ll stop you. Every single time. And next time, you won’t just get a warning.”

For a moment, Rafe studied me, his eyes sharp, calculating. Then, almost casually, he stepped back, smoothing his jacket. “Alright. For now, I’ll leave them alone. But don’t get used to the quiet. I’m not done. And you… you’ve got my attention now.”

Without another word, he melted into the alleyways, moving like smoke. The tension in the air didn’t leave immediately. I exhaled slowly, letting the energy around me settle.

Asher put a hand on my shoulder, his voice calm but firm. “Good work. You handled that well. But he’s already thinking ahead. He’s testing the limits, watching how we react. That’s what makes him dangerous.”

“I know.” I said, rubbing my arms to shake off the chill. “But I won’t back down. Not from him, not from anyone who threatens the pack.”

Asher nodded, eyes scanning the streets. “That’s why I trust you. But we need to be smart. He’s not going to play fair. And the next time… the next time, it’s going to be more than words. He’ll push harder, and we have to be ready.”

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words. The downtown confrontation had been minor in terms of physical danger, but the psychological impact was real. Rafe’s calm, controlled menace wasn’t just intimidation–it was a warning.

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