Moonlight In Chains (Trinity and Asher) novel Chapter 148

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

The atmosphere in the packhouse was notably subdued, a stark contrast to the frenetic energy that had filled the air for weeks. The usual buzz of training, the adrenaline of battles, and the constant vigilance against looming threats had all receded, leaving behind a serene calmness. It felt as if I could finally take a deep breath, unburdened by the weight of our struggles.

Night had long since fallen, and the clearing outside was bathed in a silvery glow, the moonlight cascading through the tall, elegant windows of the main hall. Inside, the fireplace crackled softly, the gentle sound of wood popping and the occasional spark dancing upwards into the chimney, creating a cozy ambiance. The warmth from the flames wrapped around me like a comforting blanket, mingling with the subtle, earthy scent of pine and dried herbs that lingered in the air.

I reclined on one of the plush couches, acutely aware of the soreness in my muscles from the rigorous training earlier that day. Beside me, Asher leaned against the armrest, his presence a steady anchor. I leaned back against him, feeling the reassuring strength radiating from his body, a silent promise of safety that always made my heart feel lighter.

“Feels nice, doesn’t it?” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, imbued with a hint of vulnerability that I rarely allowed to surface.

Asher turned his gaze towards me, a faint smile gracing his lips. “It does. Hard to believe we get a moment like this,” he replied, his voice low and warm.

I let out a soft laugh, a sound that felt almost foreign after the chaos of recent events. “After everything? Yeah, it feels surreal,” I admitted, my heart swelling at the thought of how far we had come.

For the first time since Kaelric—my newly discovered, older brother—had joined us, the pack felt complete. Earlier that day, he had trained alongside us, demonstrating just enough of his formidable strength to remind us of his prowess without overshadowing our efforts. Kaelric moved with a grace that spoke of years spent in the shadows, observing and learning. Though he had remained largely silent, his presence filled a void I hadn’t even realized existed.

The living hall was now a tapestry of familiar faces. Some pack members lounged on couches, while others gathered around tables, sipping tea or enjoying bowls of steaming soup. Arlo sat near the fireplace, his notebook open as he scribbled notes, glancing up occasionally to take in the scene. Even he seemed lighter tonight, a genuine smile breaking through his usual seriousness.

Kaelric had claimed a chair near the fire, seated beside Kaelen. His hands rested calmly on his knees, his silver hair catching the flickering firelight, creating a halo effect around him. His sharp, commanding gaze swept across the room, alert yet composed. He didn’t speak much, but the aura around him was steady, like a river that had finally found its course.

“Do you ever sleep?” I asked Kaelric, attempting to bridge the silence that lingered between us.

He raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. “Sometimes,” he replied quietly. “But I’ve been out of practice. The pack has been… busy without me.”

I chuckled softly. “You could say that again.” My tone was teasing, but the truth was undeniable. The chaos we had faced recently made even the smallest moments of peace feel like a luxury.

Finally, Kaelric met my gaze directly. “It’s good to see the pack alive. To see you alive. I didn’t know if I would ever get this chance,” he said, his voice tinged with a sincerity that tugged at my heart.

His words resonated deeply within me, stirring emotions I had tried to keep at bay. So much had transpired, so many secrets unveiled in recent days. And now, here he was—my two brothers, Kaelric and Kaelen, standing before me, both older and wiser, yet somehow familiar. It was as if they had always belonged in my life.

Asher reached over, his fingers brushing lightly against my shoulder. “You okay?” he asked, concern etched in his features.

I nodded, offering him a small, reassuring smile. “Yeah. Just… taking it all in, I guess.”

The room enveloped us in warmth and tranquility, a safe haven after the relentless days filled with stress, conflict, and relentless training. The faint sounds of the wind rustled outside, the forest beyond the packhouse whispering secrets of its own. Moonlight draped everything in a soft silver hue, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, the burden of responsibility that had weighed heavily on my shoulders seemed to lift.

Gage and Arlo were engaged in a quiet game of strategy, their small wooden pieces scattered across the table. Arlo explained the rules in hushed tones, while Gage struggled to suppress his laughter at his friend’s meticulous instructions. Kaelric observed them for a moment, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips before he returned his focus to the flickering flames.

“You’re quiet tonight,” I said softly to Kaelric, still trying to navigate this new dynamic in my life.

He shifted slightly in his seat. “I’m… watching,” he replied simply, his gaze fixed on the fire.

“It feels alive. Safe. Not like the Eclipse or the shadows,” he added, his voice carrying a weight of understanding.

I nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it does. And we’re lucky. To have you here, both of you, to have everyone here,” I said, feeling the warmth of connection swell within me.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify