The Triquetra Bond

Chapter 5

The evening of the Mating Ball had finally arrived. Eimear stood before the tall mirror in her room, her reflection almost unrecognizable. The shimmering silver gown clung elegantly to her form, its fabric catching the light with every movement, as though moonbeams had been woven into its threads. Her silver-grey hair, usually left loose, had been styled in soft waves that framed her face, while subtle touches of makeup brought out the glow of her green-gold-flecked eyes. For the first time, Eimear saw herself not as an outsider or an oddity but as someone who could stand confidently among her peers.

Maeve hovered nearby, a mix of pride and emotion in her eyes. “You look stunning, Eimear,” she said softly. “Tonight isn’t just about finding your mates. It’s about embracing who you are. You’ve carried so much doubt, but you are strong, beautiful, and worthy of love—don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.”

Eimear swallowed hard, taking in her mother’s words. Her nerves were a tempest within her, but Maeve’s encouragement was an anchor. “Thank you, Mom,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll try my best.”

Before Maeve could respond, Sean leaned into the doorway, dressed in his finest suit, his hair neatly combed—a rare occurrence. “Ready, Eimear?” he teased, flashing a cheeky grin. “Let’s show them what they’ve been missing.”

Despite her anxiety, Eimear couldn’t help but laugh, her brother’s confidence infectious. Sean’s playful demeanour had always been a source of comfort, even when she felt like her world was spiralling. Taking a deep breath, she turned to face him. “I guess there’s no turning back now, is there?”

“Not a chance,” Sean replied, offering her his arm. “Come on. The sooner we get there, the sooner you can start dazzling everyone.”

---

The journey from Hare Island to the mainland was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. The entire family travelled together, their presence a comforting shield around Eimear. Maeve fussed over every detail, ensuring Eimear’s dress and hair remained perfect despite the wind from their journey. Liam and Sean kept the mood light, cracking jokes and teasing Eimear just enough to ease some of her tension.

As they neared the ancient castle that served as the ball’s venue, Eimear’s heart began to race. The grand structure loomed ahead, its elegant spires and archways adorned with cascading lights and lush floral arrangements.

Inside, the ballroom was nothing short of breathtaking. Bathed in silvery luminescence, the space felt like a sanctuary dedicated to the Moon Goddess herself. Cascading drapes of celestial hues lined the walls, their colours shifting like clouds under a moonlit sky. Silver lanterns hung from above, casting soft beams of light that danced across the polished floor, which gleamed like a still pool of water. Tables adorned with moonflowers, silver ferns, and crystalline centrepieces added to the ethereal atmosphere.

As the O’Connor family stepped into the ballroom, the hum of conversation paused briefly, heads turning toward the newcomers. Eimear immediately felt the weight of countless eyes on her, some curious, some admiring, and others wary. She instinctively folded her wings closer to her body, as though trying to shield herself from their stares.

She couldn’t stop her mind from racing. “What are they thinking? Do they see me as a freak or something to admire? Will my mates reject me?”

Maeve placed a reassuring hand on her arm. “You’ve got this, Eimear. Just take it one step at a time.” Eimear nodded, though her throat felt tight.

Her mother’s words anchored her as they wove through the crowd. The hum of conversations swelled again, but not before Eimear caught snippets of whispers—some admiring, others speculative.

“She’s breathtaking, isn’t she?”

“That’s the Cosantóir? I’ve never seen anything like her…”

“Do you think she’s dangerous?”

Despite the whispers, Eimear noticed warmth in her pack’s smiles, bolstering her courage. Her father and brothers stayed close, offering their presence as a protective wall. Yet, as she moved through the room, the feeling of being watched intensified—not just by curious pack members, but by something else.

The ballroom continued to fill with supernatural beings from across Ireland—vampires, witches, fae, and werewolves mingling together in a vibrant sea of energy. The Misty Hills Pack, hosts of this year’s ball, ensured the evening ran smoothly. When their Alpha, Oisín, stepped forward to formally open the event, the room fell silent.

With a commanding yet welcoming presence, Alpha Oisín opened the celebrations with a blessing - "Under the moon's gentle glow, may you feel the goddess's blessings guiding you tonight. To those seeking a destined mate, I offer the gift of connection. May fate weave its threads, leading you to a soul that resonates with yours. Feel destiny drawing you closer with each step. Let the dance of moonlight reveal your path, and in unity's embrace, discover a love blessed by the celestial bond. May the moon goddess's grace guide you to a mate for the journey of eternity."

As his words resonated through the crowd, a ripple of anticipation filled the room. Conversations resumed, laughter bubbled up, and the night truly began.

Eimear spent the evening navigating the ballroom, engaging in polite conversations and enduring the occasional overly curious stare. Surprisingly, she found that not everyone viewed her as an anomaly. Many were genuinely intrigued by her role as the Cosantóir, admiring her strength and the courage it must have taken to embrace such a unique destiny.

Around her, the joyous exclamations of “Mate!” echoed as attendees discovered their fated partners. The sound filled Eimear with a bittersweet longing, a reminder of the connection she had yet to feel. Despite the encouragement from her parents and brothers, a nagging sense of doubt lingered in the back of her mind. What if the goddess’s promise didn’t come to fruition tonight?

As if in response to her unease, the atmosphere shifted. The room dimmed as silvery mist curled through the air. Conversations fell silent, and all eyes turned toward the centre of the room as an otherworldly glow enveloped Eimear. Her heart pounded as a figure emerged from the mist—The Moon Goddess, Rhiannon.

Gasps rippled through the crowd as the goddess addressed them. “Greetings, my children. It brings me joy to see you united under the moon’s watchful gaze. To those who have found your mates, may your bonds be blessed and enduring.”

Then, her gaze fell upon Eimear, her expression softening. “You stand at the precipice of a destiny unlike any other. Threads of fate have marked you for a rare bond—a connection to not one, but two mates. Together, you will face challenges that will test your strength, your unity, and your love. But know this: you were chosen for this path because of who you are—unyielding, compassionate, and brave.”

With a wave of her arms, the moon goddess conjures a symbol above her head. Eimear gazes up and sees a glowing Celtic triquetra, a unique knot with three loops. The goddess explains, "Each loop symbolises one mate, intertwining to represent your unity. At the centre, the knot represents your shared connection, love, and destiny." Celestial elements like crescent moons and stars adorn the loops. "Eimear, you and your mates will bear this symbol."

The goddess stepped closer, her luminous hand brushing Eimear’s cheek. The touch sent a wave of warmth through her, like moonlight soothing her very soul. “Carry my blessing, child. Trust in yourself, and trust in them.”

Eimear gasped as a soft warmth spread across her chest, followed by a faint burn. She looked down to see the triquetra etched in silver just above her heart. At the same time, an inexplicable pull tugged at her soul.

Eimear’s gaze was pulled across the room. Her heart raced as her eyes locked onto amber ones glowing with intensity. A tall man with dark brown hair and broad shoulders stepped forward, his presence radiating strength and warmth.

Ronan.

Before she could fully process the moment, another figure approached from the opposite side. His silver hair caught the light, and his amethyst eyes shimmered with an ethereal brilliance. He moved with a regal grace that set him apart from everyone else in the room.

Aidan.

The pull between them was undeniable, their energy wrapping around Eimear like a protective cocoon. The room seemed to fade, leaving only the three of them.

“Eimear,” the man with amber eyes said, his voice steady and warm. “I’m Ronan, of the Ossory Pack. I think fate has something special in store for us.”

“And I am Aidan,” the Seelie Fae said, his tone smooth and melodic. “It seems our destinies are intertwined.”

Eimear’s lips parted, a tremulous smile breaking through her earlier anxiety. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “I believe we have much to discuss.”

The crowd around them erupted into whispers and gasps, the weight of what had just occurred rippling through the attendees. Eimear turned as she felt her family’s presence nearby—her mother’s tears of pride, her brothers’ stunned expressions, and her father’s subtle nod of approval. But beneath the celebration, Eimear couldn’t shake a faint unease, as though the shadows at the edges of the room held secrets yet to be revealed.