The Triquetra Bond

Chapter 8

The Misty Hills Alpha graciously offered the trio and their families a private room within the castle to discuss the significance of their unexpected bonding. The chamber was bathed in soft light, tapestries of ancient wolves and fae lined the walls, whispering the long, fraught history between their peoples.

Eimear stood at the centre of the gathering, flanked by Aidan and Ronan. Their families formed a semicircle, curiosity and tension hanging thick in the air. The bond thrummed within her, an insistent hum that she couldn’t ignore. It pulled her toward Aidan and Ronan with an almost magnetic force, making it difficult to focus.

Declan cleared his throat, his voice steady. “The Cosantóir was always more than a protector” he began, his gaze sweeping across the room. “Rhiannon first came to our ancestors centuries ago, during a time of great strife. She spoke of a creature born once in an era, destined to safeguard not just the wolves but all magical beings..”

Queen Celestia nodded thoughtfully, her expression serene. “That aligns with a prophecy we hold dear in the Otherworld,” she said, her voice like music, soft yet clear. “It speaks of a magical creature who will rise to mend the fractured bonds between the Fae and the wolves of Ireland. The symbol you three now bear—the Celtic Triquetra—has long been a symbol of unity, balance, and destiny.”

At this, Cormac, Alpha of the Ossary Pack, interjected. “The mark isn’t just significant in prophecy. That same symbol is carved into the base of our Hawthorn tree—the oldest Fae portal in Ireland. Its power has always been sacred to our pack, a connection to the Otherworld itself.”

Eimear's mind wandered, the words floating around her but barely sinking in. The symbol, the prophecy—it all felt like too much. The weight of the past pressing on her shoulders was too heavy, and the bond between her and Aidan and Ronan pulsed with a constant, insistent energy. Her skin prickled, and she shifted restlessly. Her heart raced, drawn to the two men beside her, their every movement, their every glance, like a current she couldn’t escape.

She felt a sudden urge to move, to step closer to them, and without thinking, she drifted toward Aidan and Ronan. They both looked at her, the faintest of smiles tugging at their lips. Aidan’s hand brushed hers in silent reassurance, but the pull of their connection was undeniable. Even they were struggling to maintain composure.

Maeve, ever perceptive, rose to her feet, breaking the tension in the air with a deliberate cough. “I think that’s enough for tonight,” she said, her tone firm but with a touch of humour. Her eyes sparkled as she winked at Eimear. “This discussion can wait until morning. These three need some privacy.”

There were murmurs of agreement as the families began to file out, leaving Eimear alone with Aidan and Ronan. The room suddenly felt vast, cold even, in the silence that followed. The tension between them thickened, palpable, and it felt like the space itself was holding its breath. Eimear’s heart hammered in her chest. She could barely look at them without feeling the bond deepening, becoming something fierce and powerful.

“I… I need some air,” she murmured, her voice trembling.

“Let’s go,” Aidan said softly, his voice grounding her in the moment as he offered her his hand.

The trio stepped out into the night, the castle’s towering silhouette behind them. Cool air kissed Eimear’s flushed cheeks, and the serenity of the starry sky above steadied her racing thoughts.

Eimear took their hands, intertwining her fingers with theirs. The simple touch steadied her as they walked in silence.

They wandered to a tranquil lake, its smooth surface reflecting the moonlight. The serenity of the scene contrasted sharply with the storm of emotions that welled up again inside her. She closed her eyes, inhaling the cool air, trying to settle her mind. But her heartbeat quickened again, and her grip on their hands faltered.

Aidan noticed her unease and turned to face her, his amethyst eyes soft with understanding. “Eimear,” he said, his voice soothing. “You don’t have to be afraid. We’ll face whatever comes our way together.”

He gently lifted her chin, his gaze lingering on her lips. Without another word, he leaned in and kissed her—tender, gentle. Time seemed to stretch, and for that moment, nothing else mattered. Eimear felt as if the world had melted away, leaving only the two of them.

When Aidan pulled back, Eimear’s head was spinning, her senses alight, every inch of her body humming with energy. But before she could catch her breath, Ronan stepped forward, his amber eyes burning with resolve.

“I’ll stand by you, Eimear,” he said, his voice deep and steady. “Whatever you need, I’ll be there.” Then, he kissed her, his touch different from Aidan’s—firmer, but just as tender. Eimear felt her heart swell with something indescribable.

As they stood there, side by side by the lake, an unfamiliar energy surged through her—primal, untamed, and powerful. It felt like the bond between them had unlocked something within her. The magic within her flared, swirling with an intensity she had never known. A brilliant wave of light burst outward, rippling across the lake’s surface and sending shimmering light spiralling into the sky.

Aidan and Ronan staggered back, their magic surging in response. They exchanged a look of wonder as if the magnitude of what had just happened was finally sinking in.

“This bond,” Aidan whispered, “It strengthens us all.”

Ronan nodded, his amber eyes locked on Eimear. “And it’s only the beginning. We’ll help you harness this, Eimear. Together, we’ll figure it out.”

Eimear took a deep breath, her heart swelling with gratitude. She looked between them, the bond thrumming between them, a constant, comforting presence.