The Triquetra Bond

Chapter 7 Aidan's POV

Aidan stood before the mirror in his chambers, meticulously adjusting the delicate folds of his ceremonial robes. At 190 years old, he was still considered young by Seelie Fae standards, but tonight he felt the weight of his lineage more acutely than ever. His silver hair shimmered like moonlight under the soft glow of enchanted lamps, and his amethyst eyes sparkled with the ethereal light that marked him as a prince of the Tuath Dé Danann.

The annual Mating Ball was more than a personal milestone—it was a stage where alliances were forged and destinies fulfilled. As the second oldest son of King Auric and Queen Celestia, Aidan knew that his presence at the ball was not just a personal endeavour, but a matter of political and social importance for the Tuath Dé Danann. His older brother, Elion, was to inherit the throne, leaving Aidan free to explore his interests and develop his unique talents.

The Otherworld, his home, was a realm of unparalleled beauty and enchantment. Accessible through the sacred Hawthorn tree, it thrived with life and light, its magic intertwined with nature itself. The royal palace was a marvel of living architecture, its towers woven seamlessly with ancient, sentient trees. Aidan had grown up immersed in this magical realm, his upbringing rich with art, music, and the wisdom of his parents.

His mother, Queen Celestia, had nurtured his gifts and encouraged his deep connection to the natural world, while his father, King Auric, instilled in him a quiet strength and sense of duty. Aidan’s mischievous streak and compassionate nature made him beloved by many, yet tonight, his playful charm was tempered by a sense of solemnity.

The rumours about Eimear O’Connor, the daughter of the Haven pack's Alpha and the newly transformed Cosantóir, had reached even the Otherworld. Her story intrigued Aidan, but it also underscored the longstanding tensions between the Fae and the wolves. Once loyal protectors of Ireland’s magical realms, a pack of wolves had betrayed the Fae centuries ago, leaving a rift that time had yet to mend.

As Aidan finished preparing, he felt a familiar presence behind him. Turning, he saw his mother, her calming aura instantly soothing his nerves.

“Aidan, you look magnificent,” Queen Celestia said, her voice as melodic as a songbird’s.

“Thank you, Mother,” Aidan replied, offering her a warm smile. “I hope tonight will be a step toward mending old wounds.”

Placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, she said, “You have always had a gift for bridging divides, my son. Trust your instincts and let your heart guide you.”

With a nod, Aidan straightened his robes, his resolve firm. Together, they stepped through the shimmering portal that connected the Otherworld to the mortal realm, emerging at the sacred Hawthorn tree in the castle courtyard.

The castle hosting the Ball was grand, its spires piercing the starry sky. As Aidan entered the ballroom, the energy of the gathering washed over him—supernaturals of every kind mingled, their excitement palpable. The room glittered with lights, and the scent of enchanted blooms filled the air.

Aidan stood among the Seelie delegation, his outward composure masking the unease that churned within. Though he had agreed to attend the Mating Ball, he doubted he would find anything of consequence here. Fated mates were rare among his kind, and he had long resigned himself to a solitary path. Duty to the Seelie Court left little room for personal desires.

But as the evening unfolded, a subtle shift in the air made him pause. The currents of magic, usually calm and predictable, swirled chaotically, carrying with them an energy he couldn’t ignore. His gaze swept the room, and then he saw her.

She stood illuminated by the Moon Goddess’s glow, her wings glimmering softly as if dusted with starlight. Her gown, a cascade of silver silk, flowed around her like water, but it was her presence that held him captive. Power radiated from her in waves, ancient and untamed, but it was tempered by an underlying gentleness that called to him on a primal level.

For the first time in centuries, Aidan felt his heart race.

The goddess’s voice filled the room, and the declaration of a triquetra bond struck him like lightning. Two mates. The revelation startled him, but as he approached Eimear, he found his doubts fading. His Fae magic responded to her presence, the pull undeniable.

Aidan’s gaze locked onto Eimear’s, and for a moment, the crowded hall faded away. The connection between them was undeniable, a magnetic force pulling him forward. He moved toward her, his steps confident yet measured, but before he could reach her, another figure arrived—a tall, muscular man with dark hair and piercing amber eyes.

When his gaze shifted to Ronan, he felt an odd sense of kinship, as though the goddess had woven them all together with a purpose he couldn’t yet comprehend. Aidan inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the werewolf without words.

Turning his attention back to Eimear, he allowed a small, reassuring smile to soften his features. “And I am Aidan,” he said, his voice calm and melodic. “It seems our destinies are intertwined.”

As he spoke, he felt the triquetra burn faintly above his heart, a tangible reminder of the bond they now shared.