The Triquetra Bond

Chapter 9

“I want you to see me,” she said softly, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. “I want you to see what I’ve become.”

Aidan moved forward and he took her hands, his touch warm. “Only if you’re comfortable, Eimear,” he assured her.

Ronan’s steady presence grounded her as he added firmly, “No pressure, Eimear. We’ll take things at your pace. Whatever you’re ready for.”

Eimear nodded, her resolve firming. “No,” she said, her voice gaining strength. “I want to show you now. You’re my mates—you deserve to see me for who I am.”

She stepped back, taking a moment to breathe. She closed her eyes, focusing on the wellspring of magic inside her, feeling it surge through her veins, wrapping around her heart. A soft glow began to emanate from her skin, growing brighter, until her entire body was bathed in shimmering light.

The transformation began and when she opened her eyes again, they blazed gold and green. Her form shifted—elegant and fierce. Her silver fur gleamed under the moonlight, her eagle-like talons rooted firmly in the earth. Her wings unfolded wide, their pearlescent sheen catching every glimmer of the night.

Her sharp gaze met their eyes, and her voice resonated through their bond, echoing in their minds. “This is me.”

Aidan and Ronan froze.

“You’re... speaking to us through the bond?” Aidan asked, though his lips didn’t move.

Ronan took a cautious step forward, his amber eyes wide with amazement. “How is this possible? I’ve never... felt anything like this.”

Eimear tilted her head, surprised at the ease with which her magic flowed. “I didn’t know I could do this,” she admitted.

Aidan smiled, his eyes filled with admiration. “You’re incredible,” he said through the bond. “May I?” His hand hovered near her wings.

Eimear gave a subtle nod, and Aidan carefully reached out, his fingers brushing the soft, iridescent feathers. The contact sent a ripple through her, and she instinctively flared her wings.

Ronan’s gaze flicked between Eimear and Aidan. “She’s not just powerful... She’s a force of nature.”

Eimear’s heart soared. They weren’t afraid. They were here, and they saw her, in all her powerful, mystical glory.

Eimear’s muzzle curved into a smile. “Do you want to see what I can do?”

Without waiting for a response, she leapt into a sprint, her wings tucking close to her body. Her speed was unmatched, and her laughter echoed through the bond as she circled the lake with effortless grace.

Ronan shifted into his wolf form, bounding after her with a joyous howl. His dark fur shone under the moonlight as he gave chase. Aidan, using his Fae magic, moved like a blur, matching her pace.

The three ran together in harmony, the night alive with their energy. When they finally stopped, their breaths were ragged, and Eimear shifted back into her human form, her silver hair glinting in the moonlight.

Ronan shifted as well, his grin wide. “You’re fast,” he teased. “But I think I could catch you next time.”

Aidan laughed, brushing his hand against hers. “No competition needed. She’s unbeatable.”

Eimear’s laughter was light, the tension of earlier forgotten. She reached for their hands, settling herself in their presence. “Thank you—for seeing me, for running with me. I’ve never felt more like myself.”

They began making their way back to the castle and Eimear’s thoughts spiralled into unexpected territory. Wolves who found their mates traditionally spent days locked away together, exploring every aspect of their bond and each other. The memory of whispered stories she’d overheard resurfaced, stirring a heat that had nothing to do with her powers. Her cheeks flamed as the thought took root, and she felt her steps falter, the enormity of it all threatening to overwhelm her.

Ronan noticed immediately, his amber eyes softening. “What’s on your mind?” he asked gently. “We can feel something through the bond—don’t shut us out.”

Eimear stopped, her heart hammering against her ribs. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she confessed, “I know what finding a mate usually leads to... but I’m not ready. Finding one mate is overwhelming enough, but having two?” Her voice broke, and she looked away, shame tightening her chest. “I just... I’m scared I’ll let you both down.”

Aidan was by her side in an instant, his strong arms wrapping her in a warm embrace. His magic brushing gently against hers through the bond like a comforting whisper. Behind her, Ronan rested a hand on her back, his touch light, the warmth of it radiating reassurance.

“We’d never ask for more than you’re ready to give,” Aidan murmured. “This bond is uncharted territory for all of us, but we’ll find our way. Together.”

Ronan moved to her side, his gaze locking with hers as if to anchor her. “This is about more than physical intimacy, Eimear,” he said, his tone sincere, his amber eyes glinting with warmth. Then, a smile tugged at his lips, softening the tension. “But when you’re ready, we’ll be here. No rush—just anticipation.”

Her breath caught, her chest tightening with an emotion she couldn’t quite name. “I don’t want to hold you back,” she said softly. “You both deserve so much.”

Ronan shook his head, stepping closer. “Eimear, you are everything we deserve,” he said simply, his voice carrying a quiet conviction that left no room for doubt. His hand moved to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her flushed skin. “May I?”

She nodded, the simple movement carrying the weight of trust and a tentative hope she wasn’t sure she was ready to name. Ronan leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that was consuming. His lips moved with a confidence that made her heart stutter, his passion tempered by a tenderness that left her breathless. Her knees wobbled, and she gripped his arms, the only anchor in a sea of swirling emotions.

When he pulled back, his lips curved into a mischievous grin, his eyes sparkling. “This is just the beginning, Eimear,” he said, his voice low, the promise in his tone igniting a warmth deep within her.

Aidan chuckled, breaking the intensity of the moment with ease. “I think we’re going to have a lot of fun figuring this out,” he said, his amethyst eyes twinkling with anticipation.

Hand in hand, the three of them continued back to the castle. When they reached the door to Eimear’s room, Ronan gave her hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it. Aidan lingered for a moment, brushing his lips against hers in a kiss that was softer but no less impactful. His touch carried the same promise as his words, his voice dropping to a whisper. “You’ve already taken the first step tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll take the next one together.”

As she stepped into her room and closed the door behind her, she leaned back against it, her thoughts racing. For the first time in her life, she felt not just the weight of her destiny but also the strength of her mates standing beside her.

With her hand still on the handle, she let out a shaky breath, her emotions a tangled mix of fear and exhilaration. Tomorrow loomed large with uncertainty, but as the bond pulsed faintly in her chest, she realized she wasn’t facing it alone.