Chapter 0133

Adrian and Alistair departed earlier than usual last night. They needed to consult Benedict and Donovan since both would be absent from the pack for several days. We decided to leave after morning training, as the journey to Eldermere would take approximately four hours.

The winding mountain roads led us to a desolate area that seemed utterly remote. Our vehicle halted before an iron gate that appeared more suited to a rustic farm than a mystical realm. Adrian turned in his seat. "Wait here."

I observed as he approached the gate. His hand lifted halfway when a towering fae warrior materialized from thin air. Alistair's muscles tensed visibly, his protective instincts flaring at the potential threat to his son. Through the windshield, I saw Adrian conversing with the guard, who then scrutinized our group before accompanying Adrian back to the car.

Grant lowered his window as they approached. The fae guard inclined his head. "I am Sylas, sentinel of King Oberon. Before granting entry to Eldermere, I require proof of your claimed identities."

From the backseat, I heard Grant's voice deepen as Evander surfaced. "Will this suffice, fae sentinel?"

Sylas dipped his head in acknowledgment. "Guardian Evander. Your return honors Eldermere." His gaze shifted to me. "Our king spoke of two Guardians."

Selene surged forward within me. "Your king speaks truth," I declared.

"Guardian Selene." Sylas bowed slightly. "You are the newly awakened. May I know your name?"

"I am Selene, daughter of Valeria and Evander."

A flicker of intense interest crossed his features before vanishing. "You may pass, Guardians." He nodded to Grant and me, then to Alistair and Adrian. "And you as well, Alphas."

Once through the gates, the world transformed before our eyes. My breath caught. The landscape resembled something from ancient storybooks - impossibly vibrant and alive.

"How...?" I stammered, unable to form a coherent question.

"Fae glamour," Alistair explained. "The illusion conceals their true realm from outsiders. What you see now is authentic elvish territory."

"It's breathtaking," I whispered, unable to mask my wonder. Even Selene seemed awestruck.

"The fae possess unparalleled mastery over natural elements," Grant remarked. "Their magic nurtures rather than destroys. Clearly, they flourish under Oberon's rule."

My face remained pressed against the window, drinking in the impossible scenery. Lush vegetation in impossible hues created a living tapestry that should have overwhelmed the senses, yet instead radiated profound comfort. It felt... right. Like returning home after a long absence.

Rounding a bend revealed a crystalline palace whose spires pierced the clouds. At our arrival, another guard escorted us to a grand library that dwarfed any I'd ever seen. Towering bookshelves reached toward the glass ceiling fifteen feet above, bathing the space in perfect, temperature-controlled sunlight that somehow preserved the ancient tomes. The familiar scent of aged leather and parchment mingled with faint traces of aromatic woodsmoke.

King Oberon awaited us inside. "Alphas," he greeted Alistair and Adrian with a nod. "And the Guardians. We haven't been properly introduced. I am King Oberon." His gaze settled on me. "You must be Evelyn."