Chapter 23

Chapter 23
TWENTY THREE

AUTHOR’S POV

She glanced outside her window, humming to the sound of the wind whistling through. She seemed all calm and collected but her mind was nothing but chaos.

The question struck Indigo over and over and over, as if whispering from a hidden corner of her own mind. 

Do you like Lyriq?

“Why would I even think of that?” She yelled, her hands to her face covering up her flushed cheeks recalling the kiss they'd shared under the first snow.

It had been different—raw and unbound by the mate bond. She could still feel the cold air, sharp against her skin, as her heart beat erratically in response. 

“I don't like him, I don't, I don't, I don't. It's not my fault my heart was suddenly racing then. I'm in no control of it. And besides it's not my fault he looked so handsome.”

Her mind was quick to deny it, but a small, traitorous part of her couldn’t help asking why she’d kissed him. Why her heart raced not only at the thought of Lyriq, but Gage... and even Valtor.

It was all a mess. Being mated to three Alphas was one thing, but developing feelings for all of them? That was a disaster she wasn’t prepared to face. She’d always thought she could treat them with distance, keep her emotions in check, but everything was unraveling.

\---

Meanwhile, Lyriq, Gage, and Valtor had found themselves in an unexpected discussion. Normally, they were more rivals than allies, but tonight they found common ground: Indigo’s safety of course. Standing in a dimly lit corner of the academy's hall, they went over everything they’d learned about the recent shadow attacks, their minds focused on strengthening their defenses around her.

"We need to raise our game,” Lyriq said, his voice edged with intensity. “These shadow figures… they’re unlike anything we’ve seen before. We can’t afford to let them get close again.”

Gage nodded in agreement. “Agreed. I’ll up the shadow wards around the academy, but I think we all need to make sure we’re actively watching over her. She’s our priority.”

For once, no one argued. Valtor leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “Strange that we’re actually getting along,” he said with a smirk, breaking the tension.

“Maybe the mate bond isn’t as terrible as we all wanted it to be,” Gage admitted quietly.

Lyriq scoffed, though his expression softened. “I still think it’s wrong. But… I can’t deny it feels right, somehow.” He paused, listening to the faint rhythm of his heartbeat, sensing it align with something deeper, something shared. “It’s as if… there’s strength in it. I tried the other day and I could sense your heart beats as if I knew what all of you were doing at the time.”

Valtor smirked, amused by the turn in conversation. “So… if we’re talking about this bond, do you think she’d actually consider mating with all of us? I mean, we are Alphas,” he shrugged, “and Alphas have needs. Can’t say it hasn’t crossed my mind…”

Gage shot him a glare. “Valtor, seriously?”

“What? It’s a fair question. We’re holding back because of her.” He shrugged, throwing in a mock-suggestive tone. “Might even be into a threesome…”

Lyriq shook his head in exasperation. “You’re impossible.” But beneath his dismissive tone, he couldn’t deny the question tugged at him. Would she choose any of them—or all? The idea was as thrilling as it was baffling.

Gage brought the conversation back on track. “We’re getting sidetracked. What matters is her training. She’s strong, but she needs guidance. We all know she’s not ready yet, especially against these shadows.”

Valtor nodded. “Let’s bring her to the training grounds. She has power, and with the right push, she can unlock it fully.”

They sent word, and within minutes, Indigo appeared, meeting them on the academy's dim, open training field. The air was brisk, carrying the earthy scent of the grass and the quiet tension of a challenge.

\---

They didn’t hold back. One after another, each Alpha pushed her to the brink. Lyriq summoned the elements, unleashing gusts of wind that swirled around her like invisible blades. Valtor conjured shadows and ghostly figures, testing her endurance and focus with his necromancy. Gage manipulated dreams and illusions, warping her perception until reality seemed to blur.

They didn’t relent, but neither did she.

Each time she felt close to breaking, their voices pulled her back. “Push harder, Indigo,” Lyriq urged, his tone fierce but encouraging. “Your strength is greater than you think.”

“Don’t lose focus!” Valtor called, his eyes sharp and unyielding.

Gage’s voice was softer, but just as firm. “You’re doing great, Indigo. Trust yourself. You’re capable of so much more.”

As she dodged, blocked, and countered their attacks, memories began to surface. Her mind flashed back to her past—the endless pain and rejection from the Southside pack, the heartbreak from her father, her sister, the mate who had once rejected her. Winter’s face appeared next, fragile and hurt from the attack, followed by the shadowy figures that haunted her dreams.

It was too much, and yet she couldn’t stop. Her resolve crystallized, stronger than ever.

I will be stronger.

With a fierce roar, a surge of raw energy erupted from within her, sending the three Alphas flying backward. Earth and air elements burst forth, wrapping around her like extensions of her own spirit. Her eyes glowed with newfound power, and she felt the world bend beneath her will.

When the dust settled, Lyriq, Gage, and Valtor rose to their feet, stunned and breathless. For a moment, all they could do was stare.

Then, Lyriq broke the silence, a proud smile crossing his face. “You’re almost there. Just need to master water and fire, and you’ll be unstoppable.”

Indigo looked down at her hands, her mind racing with possibility. A strange peace settled over her, as though for the first time, she truly believed in herself. Standing there, with the three of them by her side, it felt like she could do anything.

As they regrouped, Indigo hesitated, then finally spoke up. “There’s… something I’ve been meaning to ask you all. Something about an ancient prophecy?”

Gage nodded, relieved she finally wanted to bring it up but Lyriq and Valtor exchanged curious glances.

“What prophecy?” Valtor asked, eyebrows raised.

Only Gage knew the full extent of it, but Indigo felt it was time to let the others in on what might lie ahead…